Two Members of Parliament (MPs) have clashed over their respective parties' performance in the recent local elections held in the West Midlands. Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, argued that the results highlight a growing reluctance among voters to support the Conservative Party. In contrast, Jack Brereton, Conservative MP for Stoke South, viewed it as an indication of Labour's underperformance in this region.
In Warwick's hung council election, where Green Party emerged as the largest group on the council, Conservatives lost 13 seats and finished with just six councillors. However, Phillips acknowledged that Labour still needs to make progress due to its lack of gains in Walsall and Dudley.
The elections were also notable as they marked England's first instance of requiring photo ID at polling stations – a measure introduced by new rules affecting voting procedures.
Wes Streeting MP from Ilford North expressed confidence regarding Labour's prospects at winning a majority during next year’s general election. He cited "enormous progress" within the party since Sir Keir Starmer assumed leadership back in 2020 and highlighted anticipated wins from Brexit-supporting constituencies such as Great Grimsby, Redditch and Burnley.
According to recent polls comparing 2019 figures under former leader Jeremy Corbyn with current data collected after Sir Keir Starmer took charge last year; support for Labour has risen by seven points across heavily pro-leave wards. A polling expert noted that these leave-leaning voters are not as repelled byLabour today compared to when Corbyn was leading them into electoral defeat back then.
Meanwhile Conservatives suffered massive losses during these local elections - losing 1,064 seats while gaining control over only 22 councils which puts them behind schedule ahead of general election expected next year.
On another note Liberal Democrats celebrated their best result in decades — they are now setting sights on more than 20 Conservative-held seats for the upcoming general election.