Winning Tamworth by-election 'a tough ask' says Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer said winning the upcoming Tamworth by-election would be a "tough ask" for the Labour Party.

It follows the resignation of Chris Pincher, after he lost an appeal against a proposed Commons suspension for drunkenly groping two men.

At the last general election in 2019, Mr Pincher won a majority for the Conservative Party of 19,634.

The prime minister said the Tories were going to "fight very hard" for the seat.

For Labour, Sir Keir said: "We have to earn every vote. But it's a sign of how far we've come since 2019 that we are pushing the Tories in these areas."

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said mid-term by-elections were "always tricky" for incumbent governments.

"What we are doing is getting on and delivering for people," he said.

Historically Tamworth has flipped between the two main parties, often in line with the national mood.

The Labour leader made his comments on a visit to support his candidate in Tamworth, Sarah Edwards.

The by-election in the Staffordshire seat will take place on 19 October.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk