It’s been a tough night for the Tories in the 2024 local elections
The Conservatives have had a tough night as results from yesterday’s massive local elections trickle in – and it may get worse over the course of the day.
Labour claimed a win in the only Westminster seat race taking place yesterday, in the former ‘red wall’ seat of Blackpool South.
A huge swing of 26% in the vote was recorded for the party and its candidate Chris Webb, while Reform UK took a close third place.
Several local councils, including Hartlepool, Thurrock, Rushmoor and Redditch, have also been won by Labour in what it hopes is a precursor to a general election victory later this year.
But it will be a while before any official results announcements are made in the high-profile mayoral races and others from votes across England and Wales.
Last night, figures from the Labour Party in London were nervous about what appeared to be a low turnout among voters in the capital.
Tories were said to be cautiously optimistic about their chances of beating Sadiq Khan and ending his hopes of achieving a historic third term in the office.
Sign up for Metro’s politics newsletter
Not sure what’s going on in the world of politics? Ask Alright, Gov?, Metro’s brand new politics newsletter.
Sign up here for regular updates from Westminster and beyond, exclusive interviews with big names, and easy-to-read breakdowns of how today’s headlines will actually affect you.