News from Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, 20 October 2023

Last night, I joined senior MPs and journalists from all sides of the political spectrum for the BBC's by-election coverage. I'd like to first congratulate Sarah Edwards and Alastair Strathern on their victories, I hope that they will both represent their communities admirably and I look forward to many spirited debates with them in the chamber. However, Mid Bedfordshire Liberal Democrat candidate Emma Holland-Lindsey deserves particular praise as she ran a fantastic, positive campaign and I wish her the very best of luck in whatever she chooses to do next.

The by-elections last night showed a sea change in voting patterns as previously unassailable safe seats have become close run contests, and voters in these seats are much more willing to consider alternatives. If last night's results have taught us one thing, it is that next year's General Election will be extremely interesting to watch.

You can catch up on the by-election special on BBC iPlayer.