Local elections 2023: Tories suffer major losses as Labour make key gains - key results
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It was a bruising night for the Conservative Party in the local election, with Tory councillors pointing towards government scandals for the poor results.
At last count, the Tories had lost control of 674 council seats across England, with the Labour Party picking up 437 seats. The Conservatives have lost control of at least 38 councils.
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Hide AdThe Labour Party is now the largest party in local government in England. Sir Keir Starmer said the results showed that Labour was on course to win a general election after taking Medway off the Tories, while also gaining control of Plymouth.
Councillor Simon Bosher, the leader of Portsmouth's Conservative group, told our sister site The News he hoped the parliamentary Conservative Party "reflected on and learned from" the loss. "We've lost a number of very talented councillors because of their mess,' he said. "We will dust ourselves down and go again but ultimately we were punished for what's happening nationally - not our track record in Portsmouth."
However Tory MP Chris Philip attempted to play down Labour's success at the local elections. He told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme that the opposition party had not made the "breakthrough", comparing results to local election under the leadership of Ed Milliband in 2012.
The Liberal Democrats also made gains as the Tories lost control of a series of councils across England, with a spokesman for the party describing it as a “massive blow to Rishi Sunak” and “Conservative MPs across the blue wall will be looking over their shoulder at the Lib Dems this morning”. The results come as many would-be voters were turned away on local elections day due to newly-introduced photo ID requirements, candidates told NationalWorld.
Follow our local elections live blog below with all the results as they come in, and analysis from NationalWorld reporters across the country. You can also keep up to date with our interactive map.
Local elections 2023 - live
Key Events
Lib Dems celebrate after success in Dominic Raab's constituency
The Liberal Democrats have been celebrating after picking up significant council seats in former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab's constituency.
Although Raab wasn't contesting any seats as an MP, it gives vital insight into the feelings of the under-pressure MP's constituents. Raab, who stepped down as Deputy PM in April, was embroiled in a scandal following an investigation into bullying claims.
Speaking to my colleague Imogen Howse, Monica Harding, who is hoping to defeat Raab in his Esher and Walton Parliamentary seat at the next general election, said: “This has been a great day for the Lib Dems. The people of Elmbridge have put their faith in competent councillors who will work hard for them.
“Looking ahead to a general election, what’s clear is that the Lib Dems are the main contender to the Conservatives. We’re now the biggest party in Elmbridge, whilst the Conservatives are in third place - and this is at the heart of the blue wall.”
Local election polls close
Polls across England have closed in the 2023 local elections.
If you are still at a polling station waiting to vote, you will be permitted to cast your ballot even after the 10pm deadline if you are still in line.
Results are expected to trickle in overnight and into Friday. Follow the NationalWorld live blog for updates on any major races or calls across England.
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