Tory mayor Ben Houchen bucks the trend on dire night for Rishi Sunak
Tories keep key Tees Valley mayor post — but wider picture is grim.
Driving the day
Good afternoon. The local election results are flying in — and it’s largely grim reading for PM Rishi Sunak. Here’s what you need to know:
- Labour is talking up councils wins in Hyndburn, Milton Keynes and Adur as the Tories lose more than 100 councilors. The party also won the North East and York & North Yorkshire mayoralties.
- The Conservatives lost the Hartlepool by-election on a 20-point swing to Labour. Leader Keir Starmer says it’s “seismic.” And Reform UK nearly overtook the Tories.
- But but but: Tory Ben Houchen secured a third term as Tees Valley mayor, with Sunak accusing Labour of throwing “a lot of mud” during the campaign.
- Labour lost Oldham with campaign boss Pat McFadden saying there’s “no denying” its stance on Gaza played a factor.
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