On Thursday, the U.K. Conservative Party experienced a severe setback as it suffered substantial losses in two out of three parliamentary byelections. This outcome is now being closely scrutinized by observers as a potential indicator of the party’s prospects in the upcoming general election scheduled for next year.

Rishi Sunak, a prominent figure within the Conservative Party, came forward to defend his party’s performance despite the defeats. Although the Tories managed to salvage one of the three contested seats, the losses in the other two constituencies have raised concerns and uncertainties about their chances in the larger political landscape leading up to the general election.

The byelection results have undoubtedly drawn attention and sparked discussions among political analysts and the public alike. As the Conservative Party faces the aftermath of these defeats, the upcoming general election holds even more significance as a crucial event that could shape the future direction of the U.K.’s political landscape.