First thoughts on election results

Some are saying on Twitter that it is a surprise that voters opted for 'change' in Hartlepool in the form of a Conservative candidate given that the Conservatives have been in office since 2010.

However, I do not think that voters perceive the Johnson Government as another Conservative Government, but as a clear break with the past with a very distinctive leader.

One thing I think is clear that Labour's attempt to create a 'Tory sleaze' narrative has not cut through with the electorate.   There are a number of reasons for this.  First, it is remote from the immediate concerns of voters.  Second, Boris Johnson being a bit of a rogue is already priced in with many voters.  Third, many voters think that all the parties are as bad as one another when it comes to being on the make.

And some voters think the prime minister is entitled to decent curtains.   There is an argument for saying that the prime minister is now underpaid given his responsibilities or at least is entitled to more expenses.