Thinking Back To Bexley and Sidcup.

 A 10% swing to Labour, huh?

That will not carry forward into a General Election.

The Reform Party has been the true protest here and represent an equivalent of three quarters of Labour's swing. Most of those will melt away.(But do see the note below.)

Secondly, many Tories protested by staying home whilst Labour voters, sensing an impossible win - came out to vote. Those Tory voters will be back next time - even if some different voters may well opt for The Reform Party.

All in all - not a promising night for Labour - and worse still for Greens and Lib Dems.

They may well do rather better on the 16th in Shropshire where the Tory majority is assailable - just.