As Rishi Sunak’s conservative party confronts a “historic” defeat in the local elections, many opportunists have debated whether the party’s slackening popularity among English-voters could be a precedent for the forthcoming general elections
The polling day in United Kingdom saw thousands marching to elect a body of local government officials after months of high-profile political scandals. Election in local regions of U.K. are recognized as political yardstick to measure each party strength before they head to the battlefield, in this case the general election. The embattled prime minister, Rishi Sunak’s ruling conservative party occupied a worst electoral position in 40 years.Con
The local election in U.K. which took place on 2nd May were held to elect around 2,600 councilors on 107 councils in England, 37 police and crime commissioners in England and Wales, 11 directly elected mayors in England, and 25 members of the London Assembly. The result of the local mayoral, and police and crime commissioners in England and Wales will roll out during the weekend.
“The red wall” regions, particularly parts of Midlands, North of England and Wales, where conservatives reigned triumphantly under Boris Johnson had succumb to an uncomfortable defeat by Labor Party representatives who have gained over 170 council seats, taking control of 8 councils. Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party has hailed landslide victory in Blackpool South, a parliamentary constituency represented by Chris Web, a “seismic” result. “Voters in Blackpool South have sent a direct message to Rishi Sunak: make way, let’s have a general election. Only labor can get Britain’s future back.”
Tees Valley became Conservative’s only hope
Rishi Sunak’s governing body faced unprecedented losses in the local elections – loosing about half the seats the party was defending, further escalating pressure over the P.M by his party members. The party lost control of 400 councilors and 10 councils, including Basildon in Essex, which gained a legendary status under former Prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s leadership.
Amidst the darkened clouds which have hovered over Sunak’s administration, Tess Valley encountered a major victory, reinstating incumbent Tory Ben Houchen as its regional mayor for a third term straight. His undisputed triumph against his labor candidate has recharged the lost confidence in conservative leadership. The ruling party hailed his victory as “incomparable” to the labor representation, which has failed to deliver in 30 years what Ben Houchen delivered in 7 years.
This astounding achievement still cannot clear the chatter running around the block regarding the assumption that Labor Party is underway for a major breakthrough in the impending general election. The unhindered conquest of seats in the local election by Labor Party has only changed that assumption into an haunting nightmare for the Conservative bloc.
Labour Party’s stand on Gaza can reimburse Conservative victory?
The overwhelming support which English voters have showcased towards the main opposition bloc was overshadowed by Muslim populated areas where Labour has suffered some heavy losses. The lack of support from Muslim vote-bank is reflective of the raging Israel-Palestine war. The strongly pro-Palestine Workers Party of Britain won four seats – two in Rochdale, one in Manchester and one in Calderdale, where they ousted the Labor Deputy Leader, Luthfur Rahman.
On average, the party’s vote is down 11% in wards compared to last year where more than one in ten residents identify as Muslims. It lost control of Oldham in Greater Manchester, where two councilors quit the party over Gaza last year. The party is expected to take steps to extract votes from Muslim populated areas, how and when has not been disclosed by the party.
Loosening grip over areas where majority is held by Muslims by Labour party which is the main threat for Sunak’s re-enrollment as P.M of U.K. can spring no difference for the conservative regime. Sunak’s stance on Israel and Palestine war is one sided, supporting Israel to fulfill its long-standing endevour of destroying Hamas militants. So his chances of manipulating Muslim voters to help his regime get back to its lost shine is close to negligible. The local elections are a decisive feat for future Prime Minister of U.K.
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