Party's over? Johnson given a 'kicking' in British local vote

A voter leaves a polling station during the North Shropshire by-election, in Harmer Hill, Britain December 16, 2021. REUTERS/Ed Sykes

LONDON (Reuters) -Boris Johnson said on Friday he took personal responsibility for the loss of a Conservative stronghold in an election defeat that showed public dismay over a litany of scandals and stepped up pressure on the British prime minister from mutinous lawmakers.

The defeat was described as "a kicking" for his Conservative Party, substantiating fears among some that its reputation and electoral prospects are now suffering under Johnson.