Loss of bone means loss of support for the tooth. (avdc.org)
Bear in mind also that in parliamentary systems, there are more ways to remove the head of government (chancellor / prime minister) than just losing an election, including loss of support from their own party / coalition, or loss of confidence from the legislature. (politics.stackexchange.com)
The New Labour leader to be elected tomorrow will be warned that he will inherit a disastrous loss of support in the south of England which could scupper the party's hopes of an early return to power. (independent.co.uk)