In-fighting among the Labour ranks began within minutes of Chloe Smith becoming the new Tory MP for Norwich North on Friday. The party had expected to lose the seat – but not by such a gaping margin.

Labour MPs were frustrated that the contest could have been avoided if the party leadership had shown restraint in disciplining members over the expenses scandal. “The way Ian Gibson was treated and singled out was a disgrace,” said Paul Farrelly, the MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme.