The Conservatives have suffered a heavy defeat in the 2024 local elections, losing more than 400 council seats across England. The results, described as 'disappointing' by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, also saw Labour secure a historic by-election victory in Blackpool South.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hailed the result as a 'seismic win' and an 'overwhelming vote for change'. Labour gained control of key councils including Thurrock in Essex and Rushmoor in Hampshire, the latter having been under Tory control for 24 years. The party also won Hartlepool council, a personal victory for Starmer who nearly resigned after losing the Hartlepool by-election in 2021.
However, the Conservatives received a boost in Tees Valley, where incumbent mayor Ben Houchen retained his position, albeit with a reduced majority. Houchen secured 53.6% of the vote, down from 73% in 2021, while Labour's Chris McEwan took 41.3%.
The Green Party also made significant gains, with elections expert Professor Sir John Curtice noting they were 'heading for their best performance yet in English local elections'. More than 2,600 council seats were contested across 107 local authorities, alongside 11 mayoral elections including those in London and Greater Manchester.
