Mensch: Labour will win Corby because of anger at me
The former Conservative MP Louise Mensch has effectively declared Labour winners of the by-election in her former constituency in a series of tweets posted just after the polls closed:
Election result will not be a verdict on either Christine, or the Conservatives, but only on the decision I took to step down mid-term.
From @LouiseMensch on Twitter:Though I had to resign to unite our family, there was large & entirely understandable local anger. I wish I had been able to see out my term
From @LouiseMensch on Twitter:Christine and her team did an incredible job in the most difficult possible circumstances. I know she will one day make a wonderful MP.
From @LouiseMensch on Twitter:The result will not be known until tomorrow afternoon as counting will start in the morning.
Labour claims Corby win is 'road to Downing Street'
Ed Miliband claimed that Middle England was turning its back on David Cameron, after Labour won the Corby by-election on a 12.7% swing.
Labour hold seats in Manchester and Cardiff
Labour today held Manchester Central and Cardiff South and Penarth constituency seats in their respective by-elections.