UK: Labour Party wins in local elections, strengthening prospect of returning to government

Brussels – A strong message from the town halls to the capital: the country stands with the Labour Party. At local partial elections in municipalities in England yesterday (May 2), the Conservative Party, ruling nationally, lost votes in all cities.  The Labour Party gained councilors and secured the majority in at least three municipalities. It was a strong signal toward Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with the local vote confirming the difficulties seen in polls. The Labour Party, led by moderate Keir Starmer, strengthens the prospect of returning to 10 Downing Street, where they have been missing since 2010, when Gordon Brown was in government.

The Tories lost at least 126 local councilors across England (but figures are still partial). A victory for the Labour Party which, according to Starmer, represents “a step forward on path to power.” The success in the election prompted the Rose Party to call for early elections. In fact, the UK must vote for the renewal of Parliament no later than January 28. In addition to the local vote, by-elections were held in Blackpool, in the northwest, to elect a new member to the House of Commons. The Conservatives held the seat, but the Labourists managed to snatch it.

A downhill road then for the Labour Party? Not really. What worries the Labour Party are the implications of the situation in the Middle East. The position taken in support of Israel does not please a large part of the base. In Oldham (in the suburbs of Manchester), an area with a high number of Muslims, Starmer’s party lost control of the town hall because pro-Palestine left-wing candidates showed up. It is a signal not to be underestimated since over 6.5 percent of UK residents are Muslim.

Britain demands change. pic.twitter.com/rUMnJhSKe0

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) May 3, 2024