Regional mayoral contests have resulted in a series of victories for the Labour Party, adding to the Tories’ election misery. With a painful set of local council results, the Conservatives hoped Andy Street would keep his seat in the West Midlands. However, he lost to Labour’s Richard Parker by only 1,508 votes, another blow to Rishi Sunak. The Prime Minister must now rally his battered party before a general election, due imminently.
The dramatic defeat in the West Midlands – confirmed only after a nail-biting recount – capped a dismal season for the Conservatives. Of the 11 mayoral contests across England, they claimed only one victory with Ben Houchen in Tees Valley. Alongside that, the Conservatives lost over 470 councillors and control of 10 councils. The party also didn’t hold onto Blackpool South’s parliamentary seat, where they nearly came third to Reform UK.
Despite their poor performance, talk of a move to oust Mr. Sunak as party leader has dissipated, claim sources cited by the BBC. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Sunak-critic Suella Braverman has also said that changing leaders won’t work. Mr. Sunak expressed his disappointment at losing Mr. Street and his dedicated councillors. However, he re-affirmed his belief that by sticking to the party’s plan, they will create opportunities for everyone in the UK to thrive and prosper.
Meanwhile, in Birmingham, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer celebrated with supporters, describing their success as “phenomenal” and saying he was beyond expectations. Labour won in ten areas out of the 11 mayoral contests. Opposite parties performed well with the Liberal Democrats retaining 521 councillors, while the Greens secured their ever-highest tally of seats. Nevertheless, there was an apparent backlash over Labour’s stance on Gaza, especially in some Muslim areas, where their share of the vote was 21% down on 2021.
Overall, Labour gained control of eight councils and ten new police and crime commissioners from the Conservatives, equaling both parties at 17 each. Additionally, the Liberal Democrats gained over 100 councillors and took control of councils in Dorset and Tunbridge Wells. The Women’s Equality Party also won its first council seat when Stacy Hart was elected to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Lastly, Reform UK performed strongly in the Blackpool South by-election, coming just 117 votes behind the Conservatives
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