Local elections 2023: Conservatives suffer early local election losses
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have made gains in local elections in England, with the Conservatives losing some council seats. Plymouth, Medway, and Stoke-on-Trent councils were won by Labour, while the Lib Dems took Windsor and Maidenhead. The Tories lost their majorities in Tamworth, Brentwood, Hertsmere, and North West Leicestershire. However, only a minority of councils counted overnight and most results will not be confirmed until later on Friday.
The vote is the first big test of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s electoral popularity since he took office. Conservatives acknowledged disappointment at the early results but noted that only 25% of councils have declared results so far.
The polls for more than 8,000 council seats on 230 councils, and four mayors, across England closed on Thursday. Results will continue to be declared throughout Friday, including three mayoral contests in Bedford, Leicester, and Mansfield. Elections are not taking place in London, Scotland, or Wales. Council elections in Northern Ireland have been moved back to Thursday 18 May due to the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday.