Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed a 'great win' in the Peterborough by-election after scraping home in the face of a strong challenge by the Brexit Party.
Nigel Farage's new party failed to secure its first MP as Labour won by just 683 votes and the Conservatives were forced into third place.
The by-election was called after Peterborough City Council started a petition calling for previous MP Fiona Onasanya to lose her seat when she was given a three months gaol sentence for lying about a speeding offence.
Marking the first time new powers have been used to remove an MP, it attracted more than 19,000 signatures, nearly three times the 10% threshold of electors needed.
The by-election win for new MP Lisa Forbes came as a huge relief for Labour after their poor showing in last month's European elections amid complaints they had failed to offer a clear line on Brexit.
The Brexit Party admitted it had been unable to match Labour's established organisation in the constituency.
Mr Corbyn said: 'This result shows that in spite of the divisions and deadlock over Brexit, when it comes to a vote on the issues that directly affect people’s lives, Labour’s case for real change has strong support across the country.'
