Local elections in UK could challenge PM Rishi Sunak’s leadership, say experts

Britons are heading to the polls on Thursday in a crucial set of local elections that could have significant implications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the governing Conservatives. With thousands of politicians vying for over 2,500 council seats, 25 spots in the London Assembly, and 10 regional mayoralties, the stakes are high.

The Conservatives have been trailing behind Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in national polling, and experts predict they could lose more than 400 of the 900 council seats they are defending. The outcome of the mayoral races in Tees Valley and the West Midlands, where Ben Houchen and Andy Street are running, could determine the party’s morale and Sunak’s leadership.

The Tories are facing challenges this time around due to their strong performance in the last local elections, where they gained over 200 council seats. The results are expected to start coming in early Friday, with some areas continuing the count through to Sunday.

One of the most anticipated results is the Parliamentary by-election in Blackpool South, triggered by the departure of Scott Benton. The Tories are defending a small majority in this seat, and Labour is looking to make gains in key battlegrounds across the Midlands and North of England.

The outcome of these elections could serve as a preview of what’s to come in the general election that Sunak must hold within the next nine months. With mayoral races in London and Greater Manchester also at stake, the political landscape in the UK is set for a significant shift based on the results of these local elections.