Rishi Sunak’s Premiership Catastrophically Imperiled as Tories Endure Disastrous Local Election Drubbing, Worst in 3 Decades –
Labour Wins Big in Blackpool By-Election
The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s grip on power is increasingly tenuous after a bruising night for the Conservatives in the local elections and a by-election in Blackpool. Labour candidate Chris Webb trounced the Tories, winning 58.9% of the vote compared to just 21.8% for the Conservative candidate.
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“This is a direct message to the prime minister,” Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer declared, hailing the “smashing” victory which saw a 26.33% swing from the Tories to Labour. “Blackpool speaks for the whole country – it’s saying that we’ve had enough now.”
Tories Hemorrhage Council Seats Nationwide
As results trickled in from around England, a grim picture emerged for the governing Conservatives. Though the final tallies are still being calculated, it is clear the Tories have already lost over 100 council seats to Labour.
High-profile losses include Hartlepool, Redditch, Thurrock, and the symbolic blow of losing control of Rushmoor – dubbed “the home of the British Army” – after nearly 25 years of Tory rule.
“This result demonstrates just how much the Labour Party has changed and people in Rushmoor know that only Labour can deliver the change they want to see,” a Labour spokesperson said.
Labour Gains Police Commissioner Posts
Labour’s gains extended to several Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Clare Moody ousted the incumbent Tory in Avon and Somerset, while David Allen won in Cumbria with a 22% swing from the Conservatives.
“The results so far are clear – people have had enough of Rishi Sunak’s out-of-touch leadership and want change,” said Labour campaign coordinator Shabana Mahmood. “Voters are putting their trust in Labour’s plan for Britain.”
Local Issues Affect Some Labour Results
However, Labour did suffer some setbacks, losing overall control of Oldham council due to a surge in support for independent candidates. MP Pat McFadden suggested the party’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict may have been “a factor in some places.”
“I don’t think there’s any point in denying that. It does get raised, and I understand why people have strong feelings about that,” McFadden said.
No Coup for Mordaunt – For Now
Rumors had swirled that senior Tory Penny Mordaunt could move to oust Sunak after the expected poor results. But Mordaunt dismissed the speculation, stating in Parliament:
“Let me say again that I support our Prime Minister, and I will continue to support him after this weekend and beyond, because his plan is working.”
