The results of the ongoing local elections have been dubbed “disappointing” by Rishi Sunak.
In the Prime Minister’s first election after receiving the keys to No. 10, the Conservatives suffered severe defeats.
‘It’s always upsetting to lose devoted Conservative councillors; they’re friends and colleagues, and I’m so appreciative of everything they’ve done,’ Mr. Sunak said in a statement to Sky News.
“Regarding the results, it’s still early; only a quarter of the results are in. Nevertheless, I’m going to keep working to meet the priorities of the public, which include halving inflation, expanding the economy, lowering debt, eliminating waiting lists, and halting the boats.
‘That’s what people want us to do, that’s what I’m going to keep hard at doing.’
Mr Sunak maintained that ‘progress’ is still being made for his party.
Around 8,000 seats across 230 councils were up for grabs in the elections, and poll booths closed at 10pm last night.
Already, the Conservatives have lost control in councils in Tamworth, Brentford and North West Leicestershire.
Labour have also become the largest party in Hartlepool and Worcester.
Keir Starmer’s party also seized control of Plymouth – a result branded ‘terrible’ by Government minister and local MP Johnny Mercer.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the party had experienced a ‘bit of a blip’ following the turmoil in No 10 which saw Boris Johnson and Liz Truss ousted before Mr Sunak took office.
He attempted to present the expected losses as mid-term blues for the Tories, telling Sky News: ‘The British people are a very sensible group of folk and they understand what’s important.
‘Occasionally they like to give political parties a bit of a reminder of who the politicians serve. Certainly when you get into being mid-term in a government you get quite a bit of that.’
The local elections were the first of its kind to be carried out under new rules which required voters to carry photographic ID.
Critics say could discourage young people and disenfranchise minority voters, both of which are likely to be Labour voters.
There are around 2 million people without photographic ID, and of those around 86,000 have applied for the new certificate, research by The Big Issue has found.
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Many have had their applications rejected, FOI research found.
Issues with photographs, not being registered to vote in the first place, or not submitting their national insurance numbers were the most common reasons for rejection.
Last night, the elections watchdog said ‘regrettably’ some people were turned away from polling stations as a result.
As is British tradition, several dogs popped along to polling stations yesterday and, while they were not able to vote, they did pose for several cute photos.