Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Sunak clings on as Tory vote crashes
A ballot box arrives during the count for the Blackpool South by-election at Blackpool Sports Centre, Blackpool, May 2, 2024

RISHI SUNAK’S rocky premiership looked like it would survive disastrous local election results for the Tories across the country.

Victories in high-profile mayoral elections masked a haemorrhaging of up to 500 local councillors as the Conservative vote dropped by nearly 20 per cent.

Ben Houchen’s re-election as Tees Valley mayor and an anticipated win for Andy Street in the West Midlands may prove to be just enough good news for Mr Sunak to see off his Tory critics — for now.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Thaer Abu Daraz carries the body of his infant daughter, Sewar, who was killed along with her mother in an Israeli airstrike that struck a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Gaza Genocide / 30 June 2026
30 June 2026

The electoral cost of Labour’s stance on Gaza is impossible to ignore – the new leadership must take heed, argues PETER LEARY

A general view of Gorton, Greater Manchester
Britain / 25 February 2026
25 February 2026

By-election poll puts Starmer's future on a knife-edge

WELSH SHIFT: Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth (left) and Deputy Leader Delyth Jewell (right) with newly elected Senedd member Lindsay Whittle at a rally after victory in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election on October 24 2025
Features / 6 February 2026
6 February 2026

Morning Star Wales reporter DAVID NICHOLSON analyses polling for the Senedd election — and it’s bad news for Welsh Labour

A ballot box is emptied during the count for the Blackpool South by-election at Blackpool Sports Centre, Blackpool, May 2, 2024
Politics / 15 January 2026
15 January 2026