- Leading pollster Sir John Curtice believes Sir Keir Starmer is unlikely to lead Labour into the next general election, saying it is a question of “when, not if” he resigns.
- Meanwhile, polling expert Lord Hayward predicts Labour could face a “drastic” loss of over 75 per cent of the council seats they are defending this week, equating to 1,850 losses.
- Reform UK is projected to be the biggest winner in the local elections, gaining 1,550 seats, while the Green Party is expected to pick up 500.
- The elections are seen as a moment of severe peril for the prime minister, with challenges including the Peter Mandelson scandal and record-low economic optimism.
- Despite the anticipated poor results, some analysts suggest Sir Keir might retain his position due to the absence of an obvious successor.
IN FULL