Britain's Conservative Party is facing significant losses in local elections, putting pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of the upcoming general election. The Labour Party is making gains, winning control of councils in England it hasn't held for decades and securing a victory in a special by-election for Parliament. However, in areas with large Muslim populations, such as Oldham, Labour candidates seem to have suffered due to leader Keir Starmer's pro-Israel stance in the Gaza conflict.
Of particular importance is Labour's win in Blackpool South, a seat that had been Conservative in the last general election. This victory is seen as a strong message for change directed at Sunak's Conservatives. The results of these local elections, while important for local governance, are also being viewed through a national lens as an indicator of potential outcomes in the upcoming general election.
With only a quarter of the seats counted so far, the Conservatives are down 115 seats while Labour is up 60. This trend suggests a potential shift in power towards Labour in the next government, with Starmer likely to become the next prime minister. Political analysts note that the Conservatives are facing one of their worst performances in local elections in the last 40 years.
As the results continue to come in, Sunak is hoping for successes in key mayoral races to bolster his position within the party. The outcome of mayoral elections in Tees Valley and the West Midlands will be crucial in determining Sunak's political future. Sunak could potentially call for a general election before January 2025 to solidify his position as prime minister.
Sunak took office in October 2022 following the brief tenure of his predecessor, Liz Truss. Truss's tumultuous leadership, marked by unfunded tax cuts and financial market turmoil, added to the challenges faced by the Conservatives after the controversies surrounding former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Despite Sunak's efforts, Labour maintains a significant lead in opinion polls, indicating a potential landslide victory akin to Tony Blair's in 1997 if translated into a general election.
