Polls close in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth byelections

Results will be seen as a verdict on Rishi Sunak if Tories lose seats where they had large majorities

Polls have closed in the Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth byelections, seen as crucial in gauging the electoral fate of Rishi Sunak but difficult to predict.

The Conservatives are defending majorities of nearly 25,000 in Mid Bedfordshire and close to 20,000 in Tamworth, which would normally point to an easy hold. However, their chances will be hampered by the party's dismal poll ratings and the records of departing MPs.