Professors Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher

With the attention of the political world firmly focused on the unfolding chaos at Westminster, local by-elections during the past few weeks have taken even more of a back seat than usual.

Just two seats from a total of 22 recent vacancies changed hands, with the Conservatives defeated in both cases.

Independents took the honours during this year’s party conference season. A further three gains go into the wins column, which now stands at 18 set against nine losses since the last General Election

The party conference season offers an opportunity for all the political parties to assess their current standing among the electorate.