The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has dismissed calls for a change in direction following the Conservative Party’s poor results in the recent local elections. Speaking for the first time since the full extent of the losses was revealed, Sunak called the loss of 470 councillors “bitterly disappointing.” However, he told The Times newspaper he was “determined that we will come together as a party.”
After the final votes were counted on Sunday, the Tories had lost control of 10 councils, more than 470 council seats, and West Midlands mayor, Andy Street. The party also lost 10 Police and Crime Commissioners to Labour. The Conservatives are currently licking their wounds after a string of local election defeats.
Appearing to admit for the first time that his party could be on course to lose its majority, Sunak commented that the local election results “suggest we are heading for a hung parliament with Labour as the largest party”. His comments reflect analysis by leading psephologist Prof Michael Thrasher for Sky News, which suggested Labour would win 294 seats at a general election.
The Prime Minister called for action, stating “We are the only party that has a plan to deliver on the priorities of the people. I know the last few years have been tough, and I understand why people are frustrated… we will come together as a party and show the British people we are delivering for them.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s election co-ordination Pat McFadden has denied planning any alliances with other parties to form a government at the next general election, expected in the second half of this year. He hailed the “tremendous” election results for the party, with a “sense of belief” that his party could win.
Several conservative voices have come out to advocate for a rightward policy shift in light of the poor local election results. Suella Braverman, a frequent critic of the Prime Minister, called on Sunak to change course towards more right-wing policies in order to win back Tory voters who are “on strike.” However, Conservative Party Chairman Richard Holden has stated that voters want the party to put forward a “clear vision for the country.
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