By-election expert Rob Hayward told the Telegraph:
“The Liberal Democrats performances in the three by-elections and their eighth place in Rotherham are the worst results for any major party in a series of by-elections ever.
“A combination of eighth place and barely two per cent of the vote in Rotherham is the worst single performance by a major party in any by election on record.
“In the Northern towns and cities the Lib Dems replaced the Tories two decades ago. They are now being replaced in those areas by a combination of minor parties and disinterest.”
More from LabourList
‘I disagreed with Frank Field, but he was no Tory and I loved him all the same’
Frank Field and David Marquand: Tributes flow in to ‘social justice crusader’ and ‘giant of social democracy’
‘National flags and identity can be inclusive – we’re right to embrace them’