in results the prime minister acknowledged were disappointing. but the tories hang on in a key mayoral race with ben houchen retaining his position in tees valley. they knew it would just stroll back to them _ they knew it would just stroll back to them but it did not. people knew that ben _ to them but it did not. people knew that ben could do for them. liberal democrats make modest gains, with the party leader sir ed davey calling on voters to make the conservative government history. and the bbc now projects that if a general election had been held today, only a quarter of voters would have backed the conservatives. welcome to bbc news. results are coming in and still but it is clear the conservatives have suffered heavy losses while labour have made

gains. another blow for conservatives, they also lost a blackpool by election. the third biggest swing in the postwar by election history. here's our political correspondent, hannah miller. the prime minister touring a military base with very little to laugh about. laughter. trying to defend his party's losses after a dismal set of results. obviously it's disappointing to lose good, hard—working conservative councillors, but we've still got lots of results to come as well. and there are also things that i would point to. harlow, for example, where keir starmer held a rallyjust on wednesday saying that was a place that he had to win to be on track to win a general election. that hasn't happened. the conservatives did deprive labour of a win in harlow, but they still lost five seats and are considering that a success. the party had also pinned its hopes

on ben houchen remaining tees valley mayor, though he wasn't even wearing a rosette. he did thank the prime minister in a later show of unity... applause. ..but warned people want to see more from his party. they want more progress. we need to give them the excuse to vote for us, and we haven't quite given them that excuse yet. for labour, the celebrations are much more widespread, winning two mayoralities — the north east and the newly created york and north yorkshire — as well as securing a seismic win in the blackpool south by—election, a victory symbolic of their successes throughout the night. we are winning votes _ across the country, and i think that reflects a changed labour party with a positive case _ to take to the country. the party also managed several significant council wins, taking rushmoor in hampshire and ada in west sussex for the first time ever. but in oldham, five independent candidates standing on a pro—gaza platform deprived of the party

of its majority, a trend that may be replicated in areas with a high muslim population. the counting is far from over. it will go on into the weekend, but as always, a narrative is emerging. and here in westminster, the story of these results is bound to impact how mps are feeling about their prospects ahead of a general eelction. the reform party recording their best ever by—election result in blackpool, almost pushing the conservatives into third place, will do little to calm backbench jitters. what's simply becoming clear is basically as more people who ask about reform, we are becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we are on the way up, and it's quite clear that the tories on the way down. the message from the liberal democrats is similar, though we're still waiting for the results for many of their main targets.

let's make this conservative government history! the message from across the country is out _ the message from across the country is out and _ the message from across the country is out and clear the people from across _ is out and clear the people from across the — is out and clear the people from across the great country have had it with this _ across the great country have had it with this conservative government. the greens may be on course for their best night ever, though again the key results are not in. greens are really now a national force, winning seats in local- government in all corners of the country. _ but for some conservatives, their expression says it all, with many thinking they're going to have to put on a brave face ahead of the general election campaign. hannah miller, bbc news. let's dig into some results with nick ardley. taste let's dig into some results with nick ardley-_ let's dig into some results with nick ardley. let's dig into some results with nick ardle . ~ . ., ., ., nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and _ nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and now— nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and now and _ nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and now and are - nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and now and are in - nick ardley. we are getting a lot of the results and now and are in a . the results and now and are in a pretty good place and we have got to the point where the bbc has

published this. this is the projected national share of the vote and now a caveat to this and obviously the whole of the uk did not vote yesterday. scotland did not vote, northern ireland did not vote but if the whole country had voted in the same way that people voted yesterday, countrywide, this is the extrapolation that sirjohn curtis and his team have come up with. labour on 34%, conservative 25%, live democrats on i7% to in some contexts, a similar lead for labour over conservative this time last year but that number will worry conservative. 25% is thejoint lowest the conservatives have ever had in the bbc local election projected national share. for labour, it's a good result but not a completely amazing result. it's not tony blair good, put it that way. the labour share the year labour won

the landslide in 97 was higher, the gap between the conservatives and labour was higher at that point as well. that's the projected national share. this is the score on the doors. how all the parties are doing with 77 of one of seven councils declared. as you can see, labour are quite ahead and have gone a wee bit more had just now, 131 seats up. the tories have lost 302 which means at the moment they are losing half the seats exactly they are defending so they are on course to lose 500 which would have been a more catastrophic in the results for them. you can see the liberal democrats have gained but not as much as a bite of hope and the green party doing well with independent as well. this is what it means for councils with liver back—up seven and the conservatives down two and independent up one. want to get into one result, milton keynes, a bellwether area. we can

get them all day and milton keynes often vote the same way as the country does at a general election. have a look. it was a hunk council, no overall control, no party in majority. not any more. labour have now a majority of authority which is above what they would need to hold the majority. have a look at what is changed with liver back—up for an conservatives down seven. that is the change in the vote in milton keynes. the tories dropping 10% and labour up 6%. they will look at that result and think that is a good indication. one of the arguments we have heard all day from leaver is it is not necessarily about the gap between the parties but they could to focus on areas they think they need to win in a general election to return to majority up and all the indications we are getting are they are pretty happy with where things are pretty happy with where things are at. let's have a look at the by election from overnight, the one westminster seat that did have a

vote. blackpool south was conservative in 2019 when boris johnson built up that slightly unique post—brexit vote coalition that included places like blackpool. not any more. look at that result. 7600 majority for chris webb, the labour candidate. if you compare the conservatives in the reform party, not much in it. reform of only come 117 votes behind the conservative and that will worry at the tories that reform are doing well in some parts of the country. that is how things have changed. the drop in the conservative vote. decent increase in the labour vote, increase in the reform boat as well. talk about this all day but the swing of the conservatives to labour is huge. 26%, the third—biggest weight since the second world war. that's a big deal and they will have a lot of conservative mps in similar sorts of seats pretty nervous about a general

election. yes want to show you to other things before i go, two things we picked up from the stats we think are quite interesting. this is what has happened in areas where the reform party have stood in local elections. reform of not one any counsellors but they have had a big impact on the conservative vote. it's a following by considerably more in areas where the reform party have stood, and if you can see the reform boat has gone up quite a bit, by 11%. the tories were worried about that with reform standing in their boat down more. one other thing, don't want to go away from this thinking that everything is rosy for labour. yes a good result, but with a couple of caveats. this is one of them. what is happening in areas of england they have a high muslim population and remember labour boat is up based on 2021, but not in these areas. look at that, the dam 21% in these high muslim population parts of england was of the conservative bo is down you can

see labour is down and the green party is up and also up our independent candidates, those who have stood on a specific gaza ticket saying we don't think labour have gone far enough. that will cause somejitters in some parts of gone far enough. that will cause some jitters in some parts of the country for labour and may have an impact on that west midlands may oral race which we get the result of tomorrow. that includes birmingham, and if lara were hoping to take that may oral race from the conservative incumbent, they will be worried about figures like that. fascinating, thank you so much. the conservative ben houchen has retained his position as the mayor of tees valley against a backdrop of heavy losses for the tories in other polls across england. ben houchen said there was "still a chance" his party could win the next general election, but there was work to do. iam i am absolutely humbled by everybody that voted _ i am absolutely humbled by everybody that voted for me. teesside is a

place _ that voted for me. teesside is a place i— that voted for me. teesside is a place i was _ that voted for me. teesside is a place i was born and i grew up in other— place i was born and i grew up in other than— place i was born and i grew up in otherthaha_ place i was born and i grew up in other than a very short sabbatical to newcastle, i came straight back and the _ to newcastle, i came straight back and the place i will be for the rest of my— and the place i will be for the rest of my life — and the place i will be for the rest of my life. to be reelected for a third term — of my life. to be reelected for a third term in my home is the greatest _ third term in my home is the greatest honour that anybody could ever give _ greatest honour that anybody could ever give me. iwant greatest honour that anybody could ever give me. i want to thank anybody— ever give me. i want to thank anybody who voted for me. it's very proud _ anybody who voted for me. it's very proud day~ — anybody who voted for me. it's very proud day~ i— anybody who voted for me. it's very proud day. i delighted. thank you for giving — proud day. i delighted. thank you for giving me your backing. thank you for— for giving me your backing. thank you for backing me over the last seven— you for backing me over the last seven years and my plan over the next _ seven years and my plan over the next four— seven years and my plan over the next four years. we ran a very positive — next four years. we ran a very positive campaign and try to show a clear vision— positive campaign and try to show a clear vision of what we have tried to show— clear vision of what we have tried to show for— clear vision of what we have tried to show for our area and how we can change _ to show for our area and how we can change our— to show for our area and how we can change our region for the better. let's _ change our region for the better. let's be — change our region for the better. let's be clear there is still a long way to— let's be clear there is still a long way to go — let's be clear there is still a long way to go. i'm not saying or pretending that everything is perfect — pretending that everything is perfect but we are making good progress — perfect but we are making good progress. we need to continue to tackle _ progress. we need to continue to tackle the — progress. we need to continue to tackle the problems we have in our local area — tackle the problems we have in our local area and the plan i have in place is — local area and the plan i have in place is the right one. for as long as i place is the right one. for as long as i am _ place is the right one. for as long as i am mayor, i work as hard as i can for— as i am mayor, i work as hard as i can for everybody was there for those _ can for everybody was there for those that don't vote for me, that's fine, _ those that don't vote for me, that's fine, iti— those that don't vote for me, that's fine, i'll spend the next four years working _ fine, i'll spend the next four years working doubly hard, doubling down and i working doubly hard, doubling down and i will— working doubly hard, doubling down and i will work even harder to make sure i_ and i will work even harder to make sure i can _

and i will work even harder to make sure i can secure your vote in four years' _ sure i can secure your vote in four years' time — sure i can secure your vote in four years' time i_ sure i can secure your vote in four years' time. i want to thank everybody out there but let's keep on going _ everybody out there but let's keep on going and let's keep pushing for a tletter— on going and let's keep pushing for a better teesside and livermore jobs and more _ a better teesside and livermore jobs and more investment and again i want to think— and more investment and again i want to think everybody. it's a really humhiihg — to think everybody. it's a really humbling experience. thank you so much _ joining me now is aidan garner, a youth officer for darlington constituency labour party, and joseph burt, chairman of the young conservatives in south tees. thank you for coming on the programme. how bad things been the conservative? i programme. how bad things been the conservative?— conservative? i would say bad nationally — conservative? i would say bad nationally. it _ conservative? i would say bad nationally. it has _ conservative? i would say bad nationally. it has been - conservative? i would say bad nationally. it has been quite l conservative? i would say bad i nationally. it has been quite bad, but iocaiiy— nationally. it has been quite bad, but iocaity we _ nationally. it has been quite bad, but locally we are _ nationally. it has been quite bad, but locally we are very _ nationally. it has been quite bad, but locally we are very fortunate i nationally. it has been quite bad, i but locally we are very fortunate to have treeh— but locally we are very fortunate to have been is— but locally we are very fortunate to have been is our— but locally we are very fortunate to have been is our mayor— but locally we are very fortunate to have been is our mayor and - but locally we are very fortunate to have been is our mayor and have a| have been is our mayor and have a great _ have been is our mayor and have a great record — have been is our mayor and have a great record of— have been is our mayor and have a great record of delivery— have been is our mayor and have a great record of delivery and - have been is our mayor and have a great record of delivery and a lot l great record of delivery and a lot of the _ great record of delivery and a lot of the voters _ great record of delivery and a lot of the voters have _ great record of delivery and a lot of the voters have voted - great record of delivery and a lot of the voters have voted on - great record of delivery and a lot of the voters have voted on that| of the voters have voted on that today _ of the voters have voted on that today and _ of the voters have voted on that today. and we _ of the voters have voted on that today. and we can _ of the voters have voted on that today. and we can say - of the voters have voted on that today. and we can say that - of the voters have voted on that - today. and we can say that teesside trust treing _ today. and we can say that teesside trust being anti—side _ today. and we can say that teesside trust being anti—side back— today. and we can say that teesside trust being anti—side back band. - trust being anti—side back band. [£3 there trust being anti—side back band. there any chance of the trust being anti—side back bandl- there any chance of the conservative winning the next general election

equipment i came of this programme to talk about the tees valley area really and i will not make a comment on thatjust really and i will not make a comment on that just yet. really and i will not make a comment on thatjust yet. that is a political answer. we will be back with un a minute but i want to bring in aiden here. labour clearly doing well, but not there.— well, but not there. yeah, it was a really positive _ well, but not there. yeah, it was a really positive campaign _ well, but not there. yeah, it was a really positive campaign though i well, but not there. yeah, it was a really positive campaign though in | really positive campaign though in the tees valley and we really proud. i know chris personally, he's a friend of mine and we could not have had a better candidate in this election. i'm proud of him. we had made certificate gains nationally if you see the conservative have been rejected, and then locally we have achieved a massive swing. 60.5% in this election, we have not quite gotten over the line this time but we have changed hartlepool castles that would not be a labour council and britain harrison will lead the council there. and britain harrison will lead the councilthere. if and britain harrison will lead the council there. if this swing is implicated in that general election

later this year, then there will be a labour government and we will take back every single seat across the tees valley, all the ones we lost a 20 nothing and even ones we lost before. ~ . , ., ., ., before. what can be done and learned in our before. what can be done and learned in your eyes — before. what can be done and learned in your eyes for— before. what can be done and learned in your eyes for the _ before. what can be done and learned in your eyes for the conservatives - in your eyes for the conservatives more widely about how this victory was achieved? it more widely about how this victory was achieved?— was achieved? it with this victory, it sure seems _ was achieved? it with this victory, it sure seems that _ was achieved? it with this victory, it sure seems that the _ was achieved? it with this victory, it sure seems that the public - was achieved? it with this victory, it sure seems that the public trust the conservative _ it sure seems that the public trust the conservative and _ it sure seems that the public trust the conservative and when - it sure seems that the public trust the conservative and when we - the conservative and when we promise bil the conservative and when we promise trig and _ the conservative and when we promise trig and we _ the conservative and when we promise trig and we make — the conservative and when we promise big and we make those _ the conservative and when we promise big and we make those bold _ the conservative and when we promise big and we make those bold decisionsl big and we make those bold decisions like big and we make those bold decisions iike treing _ big and we make those bold decisions iike treing has, — big and we make those bold decisions like being has, that— big and we make those bold decisions like being has, that creates— big and we make those bold decisions like being has, that creates a - like being has, that creates a really— like being has, that creates a really great _ like being has, that creates a really great record _ like being has, that creates a really great record of- like being has, that creates a. really great record of delivery. being — really great record of delivery. being has _ really great record of delivery. being has achieved _ really great record of delivery. being has achieved and - really great record of delivery. being has achieved and the . really great record of delivery. i being has achieved and the vote really great record of delivery. - being has achieved and the vote is a vote for— being has achieved and the vote is a vote for today — being has achieved and the vote is a vote for today. [5 _ being has achieved and the vote is a vote for today-— vote for today. is it a case of campaigning _ vote for today. is it a case of campaigning with _ vote for today. is it a case of campaigning with the - vote for today. is it a case of- campaigning with the individual, with the collection to the area, with the collection to the area, with the collection to the area, with the record rather than the conservative branding and the prime minister brand?—

minister brand? yeah, i suppose it's a bit of both, _ minister brand? yeah, i suppose it's a bit of both, really. _ minister brand? yeah, i suppose it's a bit of both, really. so _ minister brand? yeah, i suppose it's a bit of both, really. so we - minister brand? yeah, i suppose it's a bit of both, really. so we have - a bit of both, really. so we have campaigned _ a bit of both, really. so we have campaigned a _ a bit of both, really. so we have campaigned a lot— a bit of both, really. so we have campaigned a lot on— a bit of both, really. so we have campaigned a lot on being - a bit of both, really. so we have . campaigned a lot on being positive record _ campaigned a lot on being positive record of— campaigned a lot on being positive record of delivery, _ campaigned a lot on being positive record of delivery, and _ campaigned a lot on being positive record of delivery, and then - campaigned a lot on being positive record of delivery, and then beingi record of delivery, and then being as a person — record of delivery, and then being as a person because _ record of delivery, and then being as a person because he _ record of delivery, and then being as a person because he is- record of delivery, and then being as a person because he is a - record of delivery, and then being as a person because he is a locali as a person because he is a local tad _ as a person because he is a local tad he _ as a person because he is a local tad he is— as a person because he is a local tad he is from _ as a person because he is a local lad. he is from teesside, - as a person because he is a local. lad. he is from teesside, but then coming _ lad. he is from teesside, but then coming onto— lad. he is from teesside, but then coming onto that _ lad. he is from teesside, but then coming onto that point _ lad. he is from teesside, but then coming onto that point about - lad. he is from teesside, but then coming onto that point about the i coming onto that point about the party— coming onto that point about the party as— coming onto that point about the party as well, _ coming onto that point about the party as well, we _ coming onto that point about the party as well, we have _ coming onto that point about the party as well, we have also - coming onto that point about the| party as well, we have also voted coming onto that point about the - party as well, we have also voted on the party _ party as well, we have also voted on the party. the — party as well, we have also voted on the party. the prime _ party as well, we have also voted on the party. the prime minister- the party. the prime minister has been _ the party. the prime minister has been here — the party. the prime minister has been here a — the party. the prime minister has been here a few— the party. the prime minister has been here a few times— the party. the prime minister has been here a few times was - the party. the prime minister has been here a few times was up- the party. the prime minister has. been here a few times was up he was up been here a few times was up he was up here— been here a few times was up he was up here today— been here a few times was up he was up here today supporting _ been here a few times was up he was up here today supporting ben - been here a few times was up he was up here today supporting ben and - been here a few times was up he wasi up here today supporting ben and was also up _ up here today supporting ben and was also up here _ up here today supporting ben and was also up here just — up here today supporting ben and was also up here just a _ up here today supporting ben and was also up here just a few— up here today supporting ben and was also up here just a few weeks - up here today supporting ben and was also up here just a few weeks ago - also up here just a few weeks ago at the teesside — also up here just a few weeks ago at the teesside freeport, _ also up here just a few weeks ago at the teesside freeport, the - also up here just a few weeks ago at the teesside freeport, the biggest. the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe — the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe so— the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe. so it's— the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe. so it's a _ the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe. so it's a bit— the teesside freeport, the biggest in europe. so it's a bit of— in europe. so it's a bit of both really. — in europe. so it's a bit of both really. i— in europe. so it's a bit of both really, i would _ in europe. so it's a bit of both really, i would say. _ in europe. so it's a bit of both really, i would say.— in europe. so it's a bit of both really, i would say. what would need to happen? — really, i would say. what would need to happen? how _ really, i would say. what would need to happen? how long _ really, i would say. what would need to happen? how long would - really, i would say. what would need to happen? how long would it - really, i would say. what would need to happen? how long would it take i to happen? how long would it take and how many more elections to unseat the result here? fine and how many more elections to unseat the result here? one more election. unseat the result here? one more election- i— unseat the result here? one more election. i thought _ unseat the result here? one more election. i thought we _ unseat the result here? one more election. i thought we had - unseat the result here? one more election. i thought we had a - unseat the result here? one more election. i thought we had a good| election. i thought we had a good chance this time and we are making really good progress was of the main challenge has been that ben has not presented himself as a tory is he builds mythology as like a pseudo—

independent of sorts it is campaign literature does not mention the conservative. it mentions the conservatives bailing them out but all of his ben houchen posters are not vote conservative but he did not have the blue rose on at the count today. i don't know if this really shows that there is trust in the tories across the tees valley. i think this is a very individual lots campaign it does not billed us like tees valley that we have lost to the tories, but like we have lost a ben houchen. �* p, tories, but like we have lost a ben houchen. . ., ., houchen. and what about the enthusiasm _ houchen. and what about the enthusiasm among _ houchen. and what about the enthusiasm among the - houchen. and what about the - enthusiasm among the grassroots activists and voters there? is there activists and voters there? is there a case of the numbers will be out and the vote will be out for the general election? we and the vote will be out for the general election?— and the vote will be out for the general election? we always see differential _ general election? we always see differential turnout _ general election? we always see differential turnout in _ general election? we always see differential turnout in local- differential turnout in local elections compared to general elections. that's expected. it turned out did seem to be quite level that seems to be the case in other areas of the country. in terms of the activists, they were very

energised chris is a good motivator and motivates himself and himself and motivates himself and himself and motivates himself and himself and motivates and inspires others so we did this will be an uphill battle, we lost by 46% last time in 2021, suggest three years ago almost to the day when we lost by a stalking margin was that we knew this was going to be an uphill battle but we have come out in our droves and got a really wide ranging campaign from across the tees valley to the activists are motivated. thank you both are coming on the programme, thank you. let's speak to our correspondent georgia roberts who joins us live from westminster. bring us up—to—date with where we are and what is the state of play now? , p, are and what is the state of play now? , ., ., , ._ are and what is the state of play now? , ., ., , , now? the state of play is the conservative _ now? the state of play is the conservative continuing - now? the state of play is the conservative continuing to i now? the state of play is the i conservative continuing to have a bleak _ conservative continuing to have a bleak set — conservative continuing to have a bleak set of results. results of course — bleak set of results. results of course the company and they will be coming _ course the company and they will be coming in _ course the company and they will be coming in across the weekend. but certainty— coming in across the weekend. but certainly we have quite a firm picture — certainly we have quite a firm picture of _ certainly we have quite a firm picture of what we're looking at here, _ picture of what we're looking at here, and — picture of what we're looking at here, and that is the conservatives

iosing _ here, and that is the conservatives iosing just — here, and that is the conservatives losing just in the half of the seats that they— losing just in the half of the seats that they were defending across the country _ that they were defending across the country. labourwinning in that they were defending across the country. labour winning in those key battleground areas where they need to win _ battleground areas where they need to win if _ battleground areas where they need to win if they are to get a majority at the _ to win if they are to get a majority at the next — to win if they are to get a majority at the next general election. still some _ at the next general election. still some results to comment in terms of how the _ some results to comment in terms of how the liberal democrats are faring — how the liberal democrats are faring. they are hoping for some wins _ faring. they are hoping for some wins in _ faring. they are hoping for some wins in places like tunbridge wells and dorset, but this morning they had been — and dorset, but this morning they had been pointing to progress in areas _ had been pointing to progress in areas around hampshire that say that they set— areas around hampshire that say that they set them in good stead and the green _ they set them in good stead and the green party as well increasing their share _ green party as well increasing their share so _ green party as well increasing their share. so the small parties doing weii~ _ share. so the small parties doing well. reform and that blackpool south _ well. reform and that blackpool south by — well. reform and that blackpool south by election coming within 100 south by election coming within100 votes _ south by election coming within100 votes a _ south by election coming within100 votes a bit _ south by election coming within100 votes a bit in the conservative in second _ votes a bit in the conservative in second place was of that blackpool point of _ second place was of that blackpool point of entry by election did to the tone — point of entry by election did to the tone for a lot of these results in terms — the tone for a lot of these results in terms of— the tone for a lot of these results in terms of a resurgent labour party in terms of a resurgent labour party in the _ in terms of a resurgent labour party in the conservatives struggling. is what _ in the conservatives struggling. is what we're — in the conservatives struggling. is what we're looking at in terms of these _ what we're looking at in terms of these results and as i say still plenty— these results and as i say still

plenty to— these results and as i say still plenty to comment including some key may orat— plenty to comment including some key may oral contests we will see in london — may oral contests we will see in london in — may oral contests we will see in london in the west midlands tomorrow. london in the west midlands tomorrow— london in the west midlands tomorrow. , ., ., ., ,, , tomorrow. georgia, thank you very much for that. _ let's speak to sirjohn curtice, professor of politics at the university of strathclyde. great to talk to you again. this is an estimate _ great to talk to you again. this is an estimate of— great to talk to you again. this is an estimate of what _ great to talk to you again. this is an estimate of what would i great to talk to you again. this is an estimate of what would have i an estimate of what would have happened — an estimate of what would have happened if— an estimate of what would have happened if the _ an estimate of what would have happened if the whole - an estimate of what would have happened if the whole of- an estimate of what would have happened if the whole of the i an estimate of what would have i happened if the whole of the country had had _ happened if the whole of the country had had iocai— happened if the whole of the country had had local council— happened if the whole of the country had had local council elections- had had local council elections yesterday _ had had local council elections yesterday rather _ had had local council elections yesterday rather than - had had local council elections yesterday rather than just i had had local council elections yesterday rather than just 107| yesterday rather than just 107 counciis — yesterday rather than just 107 councils in— yesterday rather than just 107 councils in england _ yesterday rather than just 107 councils in england that- yesterday rather than just 107 l councils in england that happen yesterday rather than just 107 i councils in england that happen to do so _ councils in england that happen to do so we — councils in england that happen to do so we did _ councils in england that happen to do so. we did have _ councils in england that happen to do so. we did have to _ councils in england that happen to do so. we did have to assume i councils in england that happen toj do so. we did have to assume and make _ do so. we did have to assume and make some — do so. we did have to assume and make some assumptions - do so. we did have to assume and make some assumptions that i do so. we did have to assume and i make some assumptions that people who lived _ make some assumptions that people who lived elsewhere _ make some assumptions that people who lived elsewhere outside - make some assumptions that people who lived elsewhere outside those i who lived elsewhere outside those 107 counciis — who lived elsewhere outside those 107 councils would _ who lived elsewhere outside those 107 councils would have _ who lived elsewhere outside those 107 councils would have behaved l who lived elsewhere outside those | 107 councils would have behaved in another— 107 councils would have behaved in another analogous _ 107 councils would have behaved in another analogous matter- 107 councils would have behaved in another analogous matter to - 107 councils would have behaved in another analogous matter to those | another analogous matter to those who did _ another analogous matter to those who did have — another analogous matter to those who did have elections. _ another analogous matter to those who did have elections. we - another analogous matter to those who did have elections. we say- another analogous matter to those l who did have elections. we say how much _ who did have elections. we say how much witt— who did have elections. we say how much will be — who did have elections. we say how much will be the _ who did have elections. we say how much will be the share _ who did have elections. we say how much will be the share of— who did have elections. we say how much will be the share of the - who did have elections. we say how much will be the share of the vote i much will be the share of the vote the parties — much will be the share of the vote the parties would _ much will be the share of the vote the parties would get _ much will be the share of the vote the parties would get in _ much will be the share of the vote the parties would get in so - much will be the share of the vote the parties would get in so it's- much will be the share of the vote the parties would get in so it's not an estimate — the parties would get in so it's not an estimate of— the parties would get in so it's not an estimate of what _ the parties would get in so it's not an estimate of what the _ the parties would get in so it's not an estimate of what the result i the parties would get in so it's not an estimate of what the result of. the parties would get in so it's not| an estimate of what the result of a generat— an estimate of what the result of a general election— an estimate of what the result of a general election would _ an estimate of what the result of a general election would have - an estimate of what the result of a general election would have beenl general election would have been yesterday — general election would have been yesterday it _ general election would have been yesterday it is— general election would have been yesterday. it is very _ general election would have been yesterday. it is very much - general election would have been yesterday. it is very much an i yesterday. it is very much an attempt _ yesterday. it is very much an attempt to—

yesterday. it is very much an attempt to provide _ yesterday. it is very much an attempt to provide a - yesterday. it is very much an i attempt to provide a summary yesterday. it is very much an _ attempt to provide a summary measure of performance — attempt to provide a summary measure of performance of — attempt to provide a summary measure of performance of the _ attempt to provide a summary measure of performance of the parties _ attempt to provide a summary measure of performance of the parties in - of performance of the parties in these _ of performance of the parties in these tocai— of performance of the parties in these local elections. _ of performance of the parties in these local elections. now- of performance of the parties in i these local elections. now headline figures, _ these local elections. now headline figures, labour— these local elections. now headline figures, labour 24%, _ these local elections. now headline figures, labour24%, conservative. figures, labour 24%, conservative 25%, _ figures, labour 24%, conservative 25%. iive — figures, labour24%, conservative 25%, live democrat _ figures, labour24%, conservative 25%, live democrat 70%. - figures, labour24%, conservative 25%, live democrat 70%. but- figures, labour 24%, conservativej 25%, live democrat 70%. but what figures, labour24%, conservative. 25%, live democrat 70%. but what is the implication — 25%, live democrat 70%. but what is the implication for _ 25%, live democrat 70%. but what is the implication for this. _ 25%, live democrat 70%. but what is the implication for this. we - 25%, live democrat 70%. but what is the implication for this. we are - the implication for this. we are saying — the implication for this. we are saying essentially— the implication for this. we are saying essentially that - the implication for this. we are saying essentially that labour. the implication for this. we are i saying essentially that labour and the conservatives _ saying essentially that labour and the conservatives are _ saying essentially that labour and the conservatives are down - saying essentially that labour and the conservatives are down a i saying essentially that labour andl the conservatives are down a little bit on _ the conservatives are down a little bit on the — the conservatives are down a little bit on the equivalent _ the conservatives are down a little bit on the equivalent measure i the conservatives are down a little bit on the equivalent measure fori bit on the equivalent measure for last year— bit on the equivalent measure for last year but _ bit on the equivalent measure for last year but of— bit on the equivalent measure for last year but of course _ bit on the equivalent measure for last year but of course the - last year but of course the conservatives _ last year but of course the conservatives well - last year but of course the conservatives well down, i last year but of course the i conservatives well down, about last year but of course the - conservatives well down, about ten points _ conservatives well down, about ten points and — conservatives well down, about ten points and what _ conservatives well down, about ten points and what they _ conservatives well down, about ten points and what they achieved i conservatives well down, about ten| points and what they achieved three years— points and what they achieved three years ago. _ points and what they achieved three years ago. which— points and what they achieved three years ago, which is _ points and what they achieved three years ago, which is when _ points and what they achieved three years ago, which is when the - points and what they achieved three years ago, which is when the seatsl years ago, which is when the seats that were — years ago, which is when the seats that were being _ years ago, which is when the seats that were being contested - years ago, which is when the seats that were being contested on- that were being contested on thursday— that were being contested on thursday were _ that were being contested on thursday were for _ that were being contested on thursday were for the - that were being contested on thursday were for the most i that were being contested on. thursday were for the most part that were being contested on- thursday were for the most part last contested _ thursday were for the most part last contested. thus _ thursday were for the most part last contested. thus the _ thursday were for the most part last contested. thus the big _ thursday were for the most part last contested. thus the big losses. i thursday were for the most part last contested. thus the big losses. butl contested. thus the big losses. but the political— contested. thus the big losses. but the political certificates _ contested. thus the big losses. but the political certificates of - contested. thus the big losses. but the political certificates of the i the political certificates of the fact that — the political certificates of the fact that the _ the political certificates of the fact that the lead _ the political certificates of the fact that the lead therefore i the political certificates of the fact that the lead therefore ofj fact that the lead therefore of labour — fact that the lead therefore of labour over— fact that the lead therefore of labour over the _ fact that the lead therefore ofj labour over the conservatives fact that the lead therefore of i labour over the conservatives is fact that the lead therefore of - labour over the conservatives is the same _ labour over the conservatives is the same nine _ labour over the conservatives is the same nine points— labour over the conservatives is the same nine points as _ labour over the conservatives is the same nine points as last— labour over the conservatives is the same nine points as last year- labour over the conservatives is the same nine points as last year is i same nine points as last year is that— same nine points as last year is that in— same nine points as last year is that in that _ same nine points as last year is that in that crucial _ same nine points as last year is that in that crucial battle - same nine points as last year is that in that crucial battle for i same nine points as last year is| that in that crucial battle for the two largest _ that in that crucial battle for the two largest parties, _ that in that crucial battle for the two largest parties, the - that in that crucial battle for the i two largest parties, the message from _ two largest parties, the message from the — two largest parties, the message from the ballot _ two largest parties, the message from the ballot box _ two largest parties, the message from the ballot box is _ two largest parties, the message from the ballot box is essential. from the ballot box is essential that nothing _ from the ballot box is essential that nothing has— from the ballot box is essential that nothing has changed - from the ballot box is essential that nothing has changed in i from the ballot box is essentialj that nothing has changed in the from the ballot box is essential- that nothing has changed in the last 12 months — that nothing has changed in the last 12 months. that— that nothing has changed in the last 12 months. that of— that nothing has changed in the last 12 months. that of course _ that nothing has changed in the last 12 months. that of course is- that nothing has changed in the last 12 months. that of course is also i 12 months. that of course is also the message _ 12 months. that of course is also the message from _ 12 months. that of course is also the message from the _ 12 months. that of course is also the message from the opinion i 12 months. that of course is also i the message from the opinion polls over the _ the message from the opinion polls over the last — the message from the opinion polls over the last 12— the message from the opinion polls

over the last 12 onset, _ the message from the opinion polls over the last 12 onset, albeit - the message from the opinion polls over the last 12 onset, albeit in i over the last 12 onset, albeit in the labour— over the last 12 onset, albeit in the labour lead _ over the last 12 onset, albeit in the labour lead larger. - over the last 12 onset, albeit in the labour lead larger. and i over the last 12 onset, albeit in| the labour lead larger. and that therefore — the labour lead larger. and that therefore there _ the labour lead larger. and that therefore there is _ the labour lead larger. and that therefore there is further- the labour lead larger. and that. therefore there is further evidence that that _ therefore there is further evidence that that conservative _ therefore there is further evidence that that conservative effort - therefore there is further evidence that that conservative effort to i therefore there is further evidence that that conservative effort to try| that that conservative effort to try to reduce — that that conservative effort to try to reduce labour— that that conservative effort to try to reduce labour lead _ that that conservative effort to try to reduce labour lead and - that that conservative effort to try to reduce labour lead and get- that that conservative effort to try to reduce labour lead and get it i to reduce labour lead and get it back— to reduce labour lead and get it back in— to reduce labour lead and get it back in a — to reduce labour lead and get it back in a position _ to reduce labour lead and get it back in a position where - to reduce labour lead and get it back in a position where they. to reduce labour lead and get it i back in a position where they might be able _ back in a position where they might be able to— back in a position where they might be able to win — back in a position where they might be able to win an— back in a position where they might be able to win an election, - back in a position where they might be able to win an election, that i back in a position where they might be able to win an election, that is. be able to win an election, that is still not _ be able to win an election, that is still not showing _ be able to win an election, that is still not showing any— be able to win an election, that is still not showing any discernible i still not showing any discernible progress — still not showing any discernible progress and _ still not showing any discernible progress and that _ still not showing any discernible progress and that therefore i still not showing any discernible progress and that therefore the| progress and that therefore the conservatives _ progress and that therefore the conservatives given _ progress and that therefore the conservatives given they- progress and that therefore the conservatives given they are i progress and that therefore the conservatives given they are so progress and that therefore the i conservatives given they are so far behind _ conservatives given they are so far behind in _ conservatives given they are so far behind in the — conservatives given they are so far behind in the polls, _ conservatives given they are so far behind in the polls, they— conservatives given they are so far behind in the polls, they still- conservatives given they are so far behind in the polls, they still have| behind in the polls, they still have a very— behind in the polls, they still have a very substantial— behind in the polls, they still have a very substantial amount - behind in the polls, they still have| a very substantial amount declined butjust_ a very substantial amount declined but just that — a very substantial amount declined but just that it's _ a very substantial amount declined but just that it's only _ a very substantial amount declined but just that it's only about - a very substantial amount declined but just that it's only about six i but just that it's only about six months — but just that it's only about six months to— but just that it's only about six months to climb _ but just that it's only about six months to climb in. _ but just that it's only about six months to climb in. i- butjust that it's only about six months to climb in.— butjust that it's only about six months to climb in. i want to come back to the — months to climb in. i want to come back to the two _ months to climb in. i want to come back to the two main _ months to climb in. i want to come back to the two main parties i months to climb in. i want to come back to the two main parties and l back to the two main parties and their takeaways from that but want to deal quickly with the smaller parties. talk us through the certificates of the numbers for the liberal democrats, the green party. 70% for the lib dems, that's three points— 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down— 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down on _ 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down on last _ 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down on last year _ 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down on last year and - 70% for the lib dems, that's three points down on last year and i - 70% for the lib dems, that's three i points down on last year and i think there _ points down on last year and i think there will_ points down on last year and i think there will be — points down on last year and i think there will be a _ points down on last year and i think there will be a bit— points down on last year and i think there will be a bit disappointed. - there will be a bit disappointed. though— there will be a bit disappointed. though crucially— there will be a bit disappointed. though crucially for— there will be a bit disappointed. though crucially for their- there will be a bit disappointed. though crucially for their plans i though crucially for their plans last year. _ though crucially for their plans last year, with _ though crucially for their plans last year, with a _ though crucially for their plans last year, with a performing i though crucially for their plans . last year, with a performing bast and where — last year, with a performing bast and where were _ last year, with a performing bast and where were they _ last year, with a performing bast and where were they most - last year, with a performing bast and where were they most likely| and where were they most likely to advance _ and where were they most likely to advance their— and where were they most likely to advance their position? _ and where were they most likely to advance their position? it -

and where were they most likely to advance their position? it was - advance their position? it was in those _ advance their position? it was in those wars — advance their position? it was in those wars where _ advance their position? it was in those wars where they— advance their position? it was in those wars where they were - advance their position? it was in those wars where they were the | advance their position? it was in - those wars where they were the local challengers _ those wars where they were the local challengers to — those wars where they were the local challengers to the _ those wars where they were the local challengers to the conservatives. - challengers to the conservatives. and there — challengers to the conservatives. and there they— challengers to the conservatives. and there they were _ challengers to the conservatives. and there they were able - challengers to the conservatives. and there they were able to - challengers to the conservatives. . and there they were able to benefit from anti—conservative _ and there they were able to benefit from anti—conservative tactical - from anti—conservative tactical voting~ — from anti—conservative tactical voting~ reform _ from anti—conservative tactical voting. reform only— from anti—conservative tactical voting. reform only fought - from anti—conservative tactical voting. reform only fought 16| from anti—conservative tactical. voting. reform only fought 16 of from anti—conservative tactical - voting. reform only fought 16 of the councit— voting. reform only fought 16 of the council wards — voting. reform only fought 16 of the council wards but— voting. reform only fought 16 of the council wards but their— voting. reform only fought 16 of the council wards but their vote - voting. reform only fought 16 of the council wards but their vote was - council wards but their vote was basically— council wards but their vote was basically twice _ council wards but their vote was basically twice a _ council wards but their vote was basically twice a level _ council wards but their vote was basically twice a level that - council wards but their vote was basically twice a level that it - council wards but their vote was| basically twice a level that it was last year — basically twice a level that it was last year and _ basically twice a level that it was last year. and so _ basically twice a level that it was last year. and so these - basically twice a level that it was last year. and so these results . last year. and so these results together— last year. and so these results together with _ last year. and so these results together with the _ last year. and so these results together with the blackpool i last year. and so these results . together with the blackpool south last year. and so these results - together with the blackpool south by election _ together with the blackpool south by election confirmed _ together with the blackpool south by election confirmed that _ together with the blackpool south by election confirmed that the - together with the blackpool south by election confirmed that the form - together with the blackpool south by election confirmed that the form are| election confirmed that the form are indeed _ election confirmed that the form are indeed more — election confirmed that the form are indeed more significant _ election confirmed that the form are indeed more significant players - election confirmed that the form are indeed more significant players than they were _ indeed more significant players than they were 12— indeed more significant players than they were 12 months _ indeed more significant players than they were 12 months ago. _ indeed more significant players than they were 12 months ago. way - indeed more significant players than they were 12 months ago. way and i indeed more significant players thanl they were 12 months ago. way and of they were 12 months ago. way and of the message — they were 12 months ago. way and of the message from _ they were 12 months ago. way and of the message from the _ they were 12 months ago. way and of the message from the opinion - they were 12 months ago. way and of the message from the opinion polls. i the message from the opinion polls. the green _ the message from the opinion polls. the green party— the message from the opinion polls. the green party doing _ the message from the opinion polls. the green party doing a _ the message from the opinion polls. the green party doing a bit - the message from the opinion polls. the green party doing a bit better. the green party doing a bit better than three — the green party doing a bit better than three years _ the green party doing a bit better than three years ago _ the green party doing a bit better than three years ago and - the green party doing a bit better than three years ago and in - the green party doing a bit better than three years ago and in the i than three years ago and in the probably— than three years ago and in the probably at— than three years ago and in the probably at least _ than three years ago and in the probably at least matching - than three years ago and in the | probably at least matching their previous — probably at least matching their previous best _ probably at least matching their previous best local— probably at least matching their previous best local leisure - probably at least matching their| previous best local leisure world visit engtand _ previous best local leisure world visit england which _ previous best local leisure world visit england which was - previous best local leisure world visit england which was a - previous best local leisure world visit england which was a 2019. i visit england which was a 2019. modest— visit england which was a 2019. modest gains _ visit england which was a 2019. modest gains in seats, - visit england which was a 2019. modest gains in seats, but - visit england which was a 2019. i modest gains in seats, but again confirming — modest gains in seats, but again confirming the _ modest gains in seats, but again confirming the message - modest gains in seats, but again confirming the message of- modest gains in seats, but again confirming the message of the l confirming the message of the opinion— confirming the message of the opinion polls _ confirming the message of the opinion polls that _ confirming the message of the opinion polls that all— confirming the message of the opinion polls that all the - confirming the message of the opinion polls that all the still. opinion polls that all the still very— opinion polls that all the still very much— opinion polls that all the still very much a _ opinion polls that all the still very much a minority - opinion polls that all the still very much a minority party, i opinion polls that all the still. very much a minority party, the green _ very much a minority party, the green party— very much a minority party, the green party do— very much a minority party, the green party do now _ very much a minority party, the green party do now have - very much a minority party, the - green party do now have more support than realty— green party do now have more support than really at _ green party do now have more support than really at any — green party do now have more support than really at any point _ green party do now have more support than really at any point since _ green party do now have more support than really at any point since the - than really at any point since the foundation — than really at any point since the foundation back— than really at any point since the foundation back in _ than really at any point since the foundation back in the _ than really at any point since the foundation back in the 1970s - than really at any point since the foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s _

foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s so— foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s so for— foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s. so for all— foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s. so for all of— foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s. so for all of the - foundation back in the 1970s and 1980s. so for all of the smaller. 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties. — 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties. there _ 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties, there is— 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties, there is at— 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties, there is at least- 1980s. so for all of the smaller parties, there is at least some | parties, there is at least some where — parties, there is at least some where they— parties, there is at least some where they can _ parties, there is at least some where they can look _ parties, there is at least some where they can look to - parties, there is at least some where they can look to incite l where they can look to incite this isiust_ where they can look to incite this isiust not— where they can look to incite this isiust not a — where they can look to incite this is just not a battle _ where they can look to incite this isjust not a battle between- isjust not a battle between conservative _ isjust not a battle between conservative and _ isjust not a battle between conservative and labour. isjust not a battle betweenl conservative and labour but isjust not a battle between. conservative and labour but a isjust not a battle between- conservative and labour but a battle between _ conservative and labour but a battle between us — conservative and labour but a battle between us having _ conservative and labour but a battle between us having a _ conservative and labour but a battle between us having a role _ conservative and labour but a battle between us having a role as - conservative and labour but a battle between us having a role as well. i between us having a role as well. before _ between us having a role as well. before i_ between us having a role as well. before i let — between us having a role as well. before i let you _ between us having a role as well. before i let you go, _ between us having a role as well. before i let you go, slightly- between us having a role as well. | before i let you go, slightly unfair but you did outline implications of the 34% of labour in 20% conservative but in a kind of sentence, when labour listing seen that 34% vote share, what with their reaction have been? thea;r that 3496 vote share, what with their reaction have been?— reaction have been? they would've liked it to have _ reaction have been? they would've liked it to have been _ reaction have been? they would've liked it to have been a _ reaction have been? they would've liked it to have been a little - reaction have been? they would've liked it to have been a little bit - liked it to have been a little bit above — liked it to have been a little bit above 25% _ liked it to have been a little bit above 25% of _ liked it to have been a little bit above 25% of last _ liked it to have been a little bit above 25% of last year- liked it to have been a little bit above 25% of last year rather. liked it to have been a little bit i above 25% of last year rather than below, _ above 25% of last year rather than below, but — above 25% of last year rather than below, but i — above 25% of last year rather than below, but i suspect— above 25% of last year rather than below, but i suspect that - above 25% of last year rather than below, but i suspect that the - above 25% of last year rather than below, but i suspect that the lead�* below, but i suspect that the lead of the _ below, but i suspect that the lead of the conservative _ below, but i suspect that the lead of the conservative is _ below, but i suspect that the lead of the conservative is much - below, but i suspect that the lead of the conservative is much the l of the conservative is much the same' _ of the conservative is much the same, there'll_ of the conservative is much the same, there'll probably- of the conservative is much the same, there'll probably take i of the conservative is much the . same, there'll probably take that, although— same, there'll probably take that, although what _ same, there'll probably take that, although what is _ same, there'll probably take that, although what is i— same, there'll probably take that, although what is i think— same, there'll probably take that, although what is i think clear- same, there'll probably take that, i although what is i think clear from all sorts— although what is i think clear from all sorts of— although what is i think clear from all sorts of aspects _ although what is i think clear from all sorts of aspects of— although what is i think clear from all sorts of aspects of the - although what is i think clear from all sorts of aspects of the results. all sorts of aspects of the results is the _ all sorts of aspects of the results is the labour— all sorts of aspects of the results is the labour leader— all sorts of aspects of the results is the labour leader is _ all sorts of aspects of the results is the labour leader is right - all sorts of aspects of the results is the labour leader is right at i all sorts of aspects of the resultsl is the labour leader is right at the pubiic— is the labour leader is right at the public were — is the labour leader is right at the public were quite _ is the labour leader is right at the public were quite strongly- is the labour leader is right at the public were quite strongly voting i public were quite strongly voting against _ public were quite strongly voting against the — public were quite strongly voting against the conservatives - public were quite strongly voting against the conservatives and i public were quite strongly voting i against the conservatives and that usually _ against the conservatives and that usually meant _ against the conservatives and that usually meant they— against the conservatives and that usually meant they voted - against the conservatives and that usually meant they voted labour. against the conservatives and that . usually meant they voted labour but sometimes — usually meant they voted labour but sometimes they— usually meant they voted labour but sometimes they opted _ usually meant they voted labour but sometimes they opted for— usually meant they voted labour but sometimes they opted for liberal. sometimes they opted for liberal democrats — sometimes they opted for liberal democrats instead. _

sometimes they opted for liberal democrats instead. find- sometimes they opted for liberal democrats instead.— sometimes they opted for liberal democrats instead. and on the prime minister, democrats instead. and on the prime minister. 25% — democrats instead. and on the prime minister. 25% of _ democrats instead. and on the prime minister, 25% of the _ democrats instead. and on the prime minister, 25% of the national - democrats instead. and on the prime minister, 25% of the national share i minister, 25% of the national share for the conservatives, candy went in election from there? fiat for the conservatives, candy went in election from there?— for the conservatives, candy went in election from there? not from there. the position — election from there? not from there. the position does _ election from there? not from there. the position does have _ election from there? not from there. the position does have to _ election from there? not from there. the position does have to be - the position does have to be improved, _ the position does have to be improved, but _ the position does have to be improved, but of— the position does have to be improved, but of course - the position does have to be improved, but of course this| the position does have to be l improved, but of course this is the position does have to be - improved, but of course this is not a forecast — improved, but of course this is not a forecast i— improved, but of course this is not a forecast. i maybe _ improved, but of course this is not a forecast. i maybe think- improved, but of course this is not a forecast. i maybe think things i a forecast. i maybe think things will improve _ a forecast. i maybe think things will improve the _ a forecast. i maybe think things will improve the next _ a forecast. i maybe think things will improve the next six - a forecast. i maybe think thingsl will improve the next six months a forecast. i maybe think things - will improve the next six months but these _ will improve the next six months but these results — will improve the next six months but these results underline _ will improve the next six months but these results underline the - will improve the next six months but these results underline the fact - these results underline the fact that in— these results underline the fact that in the _ these results underline the fact that in the last _ these results underline the fact that in the last 12— these results underline the fact that in the last 12 months, - these results underline the fact that in the last 12 months, the| that in the last 12 months, the position— that in the last 12 months, the position has— that in the last 12 months, the position has not— that in the last 12 months, the position has not improved - that in the last 12 months, the position has not improved forl that in the last 12 months, the i position has not improved for the conservatives. _ position has not improved for the conservatives. in— position has not improved for the conservatives.— conservatives. in the caveat you ave her conservatives. in the caveat you gave her to _ conservatives. in the caveat you gave her to the _ conservatives. in the caveat you gave her to the top _ conservatives. in the caveat you gave her to the top we - conservatives. in the caveat you gave her to the top we heard - conservatives. in the caveat you i gave her to the top we heard loud and clear, thank you very much for that as always. let's speak to andrewjefferies, former conservative leader of thurrock council. thank you very much. check and you can hear me there.— can hear me there. yes, i can, hello. can hear me there. yes, i can, hello- your — can hear me there. yes, i can, hello. your reaction _ can hear me there. yes, i can, hello. your reaction to - can hear me there. yes, i can, hello. your reaction to what i hello. your reaction to what happened — hello. your reaction to what happened in _ hello. your reaction to what happened in thurrock - hello. your reaction to what happened in thurrock this i hello. your reaction to what - happened in thurrock this time. disappointed to lose some of our valued colleagues who have been

superb counsellors and some for a couple of decades. so very disappointed but not unexpected in the opinion polls were clearly against us. . we should start to rebuild ready for next time. when ou sa rebuild ready for next time. when you say reba _ rebuild ready for next time. when you say reba for _ rebuild ready for next time. when you say reba for next _ rebuild ready for next time. when you say reba for next time, - rebuild ready for next time. when you say reba for next time, you l you say reba for next time, you talked local elections. is there a chance for the conservatives to rebuild and time for the general election equipment absolutely. if anything what i will be saying now... to all conservative mps is now... to all conservative mps is now at the time to unite behind the prime minister, the prime minister is the right person take us into the next election and they are in the message and the message that the people the conservative party is listening, is doing which is what a lot of people were saying on the doorstep. they were frustrated, angry with the conservative party and i think as your previous contributor was just saying, some of these boats appear to be more about

against the government and not in favour of the labour party and we need to start getting ready for the general election but here and there are we have all out next year and we need to prepare and get ready to take back control.— need to prepare and get ready to take back control. chatting to those the are, take back control. chatting to those they are. was _ take back control. chatting to those they are, was there _ take back control. chatting to those they are, was there a _ take back control. chatting to those they are, was there a locals - take back control. chatting to those they are, was there a locals voting l they are, was there a locals voting on local issues with the performance of the council and the conservatives there or was this voting on a national basis as well? so national basis as well? it overwhelmingly national basis as well? sr overwhelmingly this was voting on national issues. of course at local elections, there is some personal vote and many of my colleagues receive personal votes and people that know and have worked with them, but overwhelmingly this was a national opinion poll. qm.

but overwhelmingly this was a national opinion poll. 0k, thank you ve much national opinion poll. 0k, thank you very much for— national opinion poll. 0k, thank you very much for coming _ national opinion poll. 0k, thank you very much for coming on _ very much for coming on the programme. we mentioned there labour has taken control of thurrock council. let's continue ourjourney around the country and catch up with what is happening. cannock chase council. live now to our correspondent joanne writtle in cannock chase. labour have ta ken labour have taken control of short time _ labour have taken control of short time ago — labour have taken control of short time ago here with the majority of the six _ time ago here with the majority of the six and — time ago here with the majority of the six and historically, the councit— the six and historically, the council here has been a labour stronghold but back in 2021, the tories _ stronghold but back in 2021, the tories took control for the very first— tories took control for the very first time _ tories took control for the very first time. then last year, the tories — first time. then last year, the tories of— first time. then last year, the tories of that majority but did not win enough seats to get overall control, — win enough seats to get overall control, so for the last 12 months it's been— control, so for the last 12 months it's been a — control, so for the last 12 months it's been a labour and green party attiance _ it's been a labour and green party alliance. that's all changed with labour— alliance. that's all changed with labour taking that majority in taking — labour taking that majority in taking control of this council again~ — taking control of this council again i'm _ taking control of this council

again. i'mjoined now by taking control of this council again. i'm joined now by tony johnson, _ again. i'm joined now by tony johnson, the leader of the council. what _ johnson, the leader of the council. what is _ johnson, the leader of the council. what is your— johnson, the leader of the council. what is your reaction to today? i�*m what is your reaction to today? i'm a olice if what is your reaction to today? i'm a police if they can overall controt~ _ a police if they can overall controt~ i_ a police if they can overall control. i think— a police if they can overall control. i think we - a police if they can overall control. i think we have i a police if they can overall- control. i think we have shown the last control. i think we have shown the tast12 _ control. i think we have shown the tast12 months _ control. i think we have shown the last 12 months that _ control. i think we have shown the last 12 months that weekend at. last 12 months that weekend at response — last 12 months that weekend at response we _ last 12 months that weekend at response we can _ last 12 months that weekend at response we can work - last 12 months that weekend at response we can work together last 12 months that weekend at - response we can work together across party but _ response we can work together across party but now — response we can work together across party but now that _ response we can work together across party but now that she _ response we can work together across party but now that she had _ response we can work together across party but now that she had to - response we can work together across party but now that she had to take - party but now that she had to take the agenda — party but now that she had to take the agenda forward. _ party but now that she had to take the agenda forward.— party but now that she had to take the agenda forward. people obviously both in local — the agenda forward. people obviously both in local elections _ the agenda forward. people obviously both in local elections for _ the agenda forward. people obviously both in local elections for their - both in local elections for their local— both in local elections for their local services but one of the national— local services but one of the national mood?— local services but one of the national mood? ., ., ,, . national mood? look at where we were locall two national mood? look at where we were locally two years _ national mood? look at where we were locally two years ago. _ national mood? look at where we were locally two years ago, and _ national mood? look at where we were locally two years ago, and we - national mood? look at where we were locally two years ago, and we have - locally two years ago, and we have really _ locally two years ago, and we have really rejuvenated _ locally two years ago, and we have really rejuvenated and _ locally two years ago, and we have really rejuvenated and reorganisedj really rejuvenated and reorganised our local— really rejuvenated and reorganised our local labour— really rejuvenated and reorganised our local labour party _ really rejuvenated and reorganised our local labour party to _ really rejuvenated and reorganised our local labour party to campaignj our local labour party to campaign at which _ our local labour party to campaign at which now— our local labour party to campaign at which now wins _ our local labour party to campaign at which now wins elections - our local labour party to campaign at which now wins elections and ii at which now wins elections and i think— at which now wins elections and i think it _ at which now wins elections and i think it would _ at which now wins elections and i think it would not _ at which now wins elections and i think it would not be _ at which now wins elections and i think it would not be or- at which now wins elections and i think it would not be or cannot. think it would not be or cannot be so arrogant— think it would not be or cannot be so arrogant to _ think it would not be or cannot be so arrogant to think— think it would not be or cannot be so arrogant to think everything i think it would not be or cannot be so arrogant to think everything is| so arrogant to think everything is local— so arrogant to think everything is local but— so arrogant to think everything is local but obviously— so arrogant to think everything is local but obviously the _ so arrogant to think everything is local but obviously the national. local but obviously the national picture — local but obviously the national picture has _ local but obviously the national picture has a _ local but obviously the national picture has a big _ local but obviously the national picture has a big influence. - local but obviously the national| picture has a big influence. and local but obviously the national. picture has a big influence. and i think— picture has a big influence. and i think it _ picture has a big influence. and i think it bodes— picture has a big influence. and i think it bodes well— picture has a big influence. and i think it bodes well for— picture has a big influence. and i think it bodes well for the - think it bodes well for the candidate _ think it bodes well for the candidate in— think it bodes well for the candidate in the - think it bodes well for the i candidate in the forthcoming think it bodes well for the _ candidate in the forthcoming general election _ candidate in the forthcoming general election tan— candidate in the forthcoming general election. ., , ., candidate in the forthcoming general election. . . . . election. can you read that much into local results? _ election. can you read that much into local results? since - election. can you read that much into local results? since 2010, i into local results? since 2010, despite — into local results? since 2010, despite the long history labour has had with— despite the long history labour has had with the council here, since 2010 _ had with the council here, since 2010 you — had with the council here, since 2010 you had a conservative mp. can

you read _ 2010 you had a conservative mp. can you read that into it? as 2010 you had a conservative mp. can you read that into it?— you read that into it? as we move forward, you read that into it? as we move forward. i — you read that into it? as we move forward, ithink_ you read that into it? as we move forward, i think the _ you read that into it? as we move forward, i think the people - you read that into it? as we move forward, i think the people of - forward, i think the people of cannock— forward, i think the people of cannock remitting _ forward, i think the people of cannock remitting back- forward, i think the people of cannock remitting back to - forward, i think the people of| cannock remitting back to the forward, i think the people of- cannock remitting back to the more traditional— cannock remitting back to the more traditional voting _ cannock remitting back to the more traditional voting patterns - cannock remitting back to the more traditional voting patterns and - traditional voting patterns and there — traditional voting patterns and there is— traditional voting patterns and there is a _ traditional voting patterns and there is a big _ traditional voting patterns and there is a big majority- traditional voting patterns and there is a big majority but - traditional voting patterns and - there is a big majority but however as we _ there is a big majority but however as we have — there is a big majority but however as we have seen _ there is a big majority but however as we have seen in _ there is a big majority but however as we have seen in blackpool- there is a big majority but however as we have seen in blackpool most recently _ as we have seen in blackpool most recently today, _ as we have seen in blackpool most recently today, those _ as we have seen in blackpool most recently today, those big - as we have seen in blackpool mosti recently today, those big majorities can be _ recently today, those big majorities can be overturned _ recently today, those big majorities can be overturned with _ recently today, those big majorities can be overturned with a _ recently today, those big majorities can be overturned with a 26% - recently today, those big majorities can be overturned with a 26% swing to labour— can be overturned with a 26% swing to labour from _ can be overturned with a 26% swing to labour from the _ can be overturned with a 26% swing to labour from the conservative. i to labour from the conservative. thank _ to labour from the conservative. thank you — to labour from the conservative. thank you for— to labour from the conservative. thank you forjoining _ to labour from the conservative. thank you forjoining us - to labour from the conservative. thank you forjoining us also - to labour from the conservative. | thank you forjoining us also also work— thank you forjoining us also also work say— thank you forjoining us also also work say this back in 2016 during the eu _ work say this back in 2016 during the eu referendum was very much a pro brexit— the eu referendum was very much a pro brexit with some 70% of the population here and it cannock voting — population here and it cannock voting to — population here and it cannock voting to come out of the eu. so 'ust voting to come out of the eu. so just to _ voting to come out of the eu. so just to sum — voting to come out of the eu. so just to sum up, lewis has taken control— just to sum up, lewis has taken control of— just to sum up, lewis has taken control of cannock with a majority of six _ control of cannock with a majority of six so — control of cannock with a majority of six. so overall, lara has 21 sees here _ of six. so overall, lara has 21 sees here and _ of six. so overall, lara has 21 sees here and a — of six. so overall, lara has 21 sees here and a conservative have ten and the green _ here and a conservative have ten and the green party have five most of thank— the green party have five most of thank you — the green party have five most of thank you so much for that. sir ed davey of the liberal democrats has spoken

in the last hour or so. let's bring you what he had to say. the votes are still being counted, but the message from across the country is loud and clear. people have had enough of this out of touch conservative government. they have had enough of being taken for granted and been let down. it is time for change. and across this country, from cheltenham to dorset, from west hertfordshire to here in winchester, so many people, including lifelong conservatives are switching to the liberal democrats to make that change happen. so they can have real champions who work tirelessly for the local community and deliver the fair deal that people still deserve. the reform party didn't stand councillors in every available seat. but they did put their focus on the blackpool south by—election —

and they came a close third to the conservatives.