Kingswood by-election formally triggered after Chris Skidmore resignation
Rishi Sunak faces a double by-election challenge in February
Rishi Sunak faces a double by-election challenge next month after the Government formally triggered the contests to replace Peter Bone and Chris Skidmore.
Business in the House of Commons on Thursday started with Government chief whip Simon Hart issuing the writs for the vacant seats of Kingswood and Wellingborough in Northamptonshire
The by-elections have to take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writs, suggesting they will take place on February 15.
Former net zero tsar Mr Skidmore resigned as a Conservative MP for Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, in protest at the Government's plans to boost oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Meanwhile former Tory Mr Bone was handed a six-week suspension from the House of Commons after an inquiry found he had subjected a staff member to bullying and sexual misconduct.
More than 10% of voters in Wellingborough then voted to recall him, paving the way for a by-election.
In 2019, the Conservatives secured a majority of 18,540 in Wellingborough and 11,220 in Kingswood.
Since becoming Prime Minister, Mr Sunak has lost four seats in by-elections and only managed to retain Uxbridge and South Ruislip by 495 votes.