Labour on ‘thin ice’ at local elections despite poll lead, warn party chiefs

Keir Starmer told reporters in Stevenage that Labour had a ‘laser-like focus’ on the cost of living crisis. Photograph: Doug Peters/PA

Labour chiefs have warned the party it is unlikely to be able to spin a compelling story of victory after next week’s local elections, calling Tory claims of 750 losses “ludicrous” and suggesting Labour may even lose “red wall” seats.

Shadow cabinet ministers warned the party was on “thin ice” when it came to its poll lead. This week the shadow levelling up secretary, Lisa Nandy, warned the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, that the party needed to switch its focus from attacking the prime minister over Partygate, to talking about the cost of living crisis.