The upcoming local elections serve as a significant precursor to the general election, providing a testbed for party strategies. Labour, acknowledging challenges in certain areas like Tees Valley where they do not anticipate a win, is reallocating resources to more competitive regions such as the West Midlands, which is currently on a knife-edge. Analysts predict the Conservatives may lose between 400-500 council seats. Key mayoral races include Tees Valley, where Ben Houchen expects to retain his position, and West Midlands, described as a toss-up. The results in these elections could influence the broader political landscape leading up to the general election.
Ahead of the local elections tomorrow, I thought I'd share a little thread of some of the things to look out for, via previous stories from @politicshome 🧵👇
Locals preview @PronouncedAlva @isabellaaward — Houchen expects to win — Street toss-up — Khan should win — Tories to lose 400-500 councillors say Hayward, Rallings/Thrasher — No10 think they’ll avoid letters — but uncertain enough to keep it interesting https://t.co/yXG7HKl7Kq
Latest intel on TV & W Mids mayors: Lab don't think can win Tees V. Moving resources to W Mid: “We’re not going to get 23 pt swing. But if Houchen beats us by 10pc, it Pyrrhic victory, cos at GE that takes out all seats in this jewel of Tory crown' W Mids too close to call 👇 https://t.co/kSRbl4N6NR
LOCAL ELECTIONS: Biggest ballot box test b4 GE nearly upon us. A dry run for Lab to test GE strategy, here's inside track on what Lab looking for & intel on key races (They don't think'll win Tees Valley Mayor, moving resource to W Mids - on knife edge) 🧵 https://t.co/aYYDQDCIwP
🗳 It's nearly time for the local elections - and @ashcowburn and I have got you covered Here's our hour-by-hour guide of what to watch for and where key battlegrounds are https://t.co/3fWp85DSNq