Labour has made key gains in early local election results with the Conservatives losing control of nine councils nationally.
Overnight results have seen Sir Kier Starmer’s party gain control of Medway in Kent, Plymouth and Stoke-on-Trent, whilst the Liberal Democrats took Windsor and Maidenhead – the constituency of former Prime Minister Theresa May.
In Greater Manchester, Labour won the most seats in Bolton which was formally held by the Conservatives but failed to gain overall control. Tameside was a landslide for Labour as they took 51 of the 57 seats across 19 wards.
There have been further blows for the Conservatives this morning who have lost overall control of South Kesteven in Lincolnshire and South Gloucestershire.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed disappointment at early losses whereas Labour believes they are ‘on track’ to win the next general election.
Speaking in Medway, Sir Kier Starmer said: “You didn’t just get over the line you blew the doors off.
“We’re having fantastic results across the country. Make no mistake we are on course for a Labour majority at the next general election.”
Despite the disappointments the Prime Minister has been insisting it’s still early days.
He said: “In terms of results it’s still early. I am not detecting any massive groundswell of movement to the Labour Party or excitement about their agenda.”
The results across the country and Greater Manchester are continuing to come in and you can keep up to date on our live blog.
