The long-awaited Liberal Democrat revival in their traditional strongholds finally transpired. But the independents also made big gains.
They range from Midlothian to South East Cornwall, from Rochester to Clwyd South.
The Attorney General did not vote on the proposal, but also told assembled members he was “happy to commend it to his colleagues”.
In by-elections where we put out leaflet after leaflet, but didn’t talk to anyone, we lost. Where we used survey canvassing, using a 0-10 model, we either won or advanced.
As Attorney General, he is telling his Cabinet colleagues what any proposals for a deal really mean – even if that’s inconvenient for Downing Street.
Looking back, 55 years of Liberal and Liberal Democrat by-election success looks less important than UKIP’s two-year surge.
If an MP neglects his constituents then they can throw him out.