By Ben Kerrigan-
Early indications are pointing towards a significant setback for the Conservative Party in this year’s local election, after the party lost so many seats.
Millions of voters exercised their democratic right on Thursday, participating in the selection of councils and mayors.
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As the first results started trickling in during the early hours of Friday, concerns began to mount within Conservative ranks.
Earlier in the day, Professor Curtice, a respected authority on electoral trends, issued a stark warning, suggesting that the Conservatives could see a loss of up to 500 councillors.
This potential outcome would mark a historic low for the party, rivalling some of its worst showings in recent memory.
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The timing of these elections adds an extra layer of significance. While most council seats were last contested in 2021 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson enjoyed a surge in popularity dubbed the “vaccine bounce.”
However, with the political landscape shifting once again, the Conservatives find themselves coming to terms with the consequences.
Labour’s victories include winning key councils and regional mayors, dealing a blow to Conservative dominance in several regions.
The Greens are celebrating a spectacular victory in Bristol, where it became by far the largest party, as it headed for a record number of councillors in local elections across England.
Party officials said they believed they were on track to finish with more than 800 members on more than 170 councils.
The Tories lost of control over Gloucester City Council, where the Liberal Democrats now hold the most seats, underscores the extent of the setback for the Tories.
Labour’s success extended beyond council victories, as evidenced by winning the Blackpool South by-election, seizing the seat from the Tories with a significant 26% swing.
Party leader Sir Keir Starmer interpreted these results as a clear message to Rishi Sunak and called upon Prime Minister Boris Johnson to “make way.”
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