![UK Conservatives win opposition-held seat](http://media.assettype.com/english-sentinelassam%2Fimport%2Fh-upload%2F2021%2F05%2F08%2F224005-uk.webp?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
LONDON: The UK's ruling Conservative Party has snatched a historically left-wing seat from the opposition Labour in a tense by-election in England. Conservative party candidate Jill Mortimer won the north-east England seat of Hartlepool with a large majority, beating opposition Labour party candidate Paul Williams, reports dpa news agency. She described it as a "truly historic" result.
It is the first time since its creation in 1974 that the seat has been won by a Conservative politician. Previously it had only been held by Labour, at one point, a candidate who ran as an independent.
The result is a boost for Prime Minister Boris Johnson despite a rocky few months for the premier, with the country's successful vaccine campaign appearing to be a key factor. It is equally a blow for Labour party leader Keir Starmer, who has only been chief for a year. (IANS)
Also watch: COVID vaccination centre inaugurated at Digboi