The 2017 UK council elections, while significant for introducing six metro-mayors and notable shifts in control across counties like Derbyshire and Glasgow, have been overshadowed by the upcoming general election on 8 June. The Guardian editorial notes that these local events are being viewed primarily as indicators for the national vote, which is a missed opportunity to appreciate genuine innovations in English local government.
Results from Thursday suggest the Conservatives are on course for a substantial victory in June, with a projected national share of 38% compared to Labour's 27%, according to the BBC's measure. The Tories gained over 500 seats, making inroads in Scotland and winning the West Midlands metro-mayoral contest. However, the editorial argues that this success is largely due to the first-past-the-post system and the collapse of UKIP, rather than a surge in support for Theresa May.
Labour suffered serious setbacks, losing nearly 400 seats, mainly to the Tories and SNP, and failing to win mayoral contests in the West Midlands and Tees Valley. The Liberal Democrats performed better than in recent years but still lost councillors overall. The editorial highlights that the combined support for left-leaning parties (Labour, Lib Dems, Greens) is 45%, versus 43% for the right (Conservatives and UKIP), but the distribution of votes favours the Tories.
Four key conclusions emerge: the Tories are on track for a large majority; efforts should be made to minimise this; Labour must improve its campaign and avoid infighting; and pro-European voters on the left need to overcome tribalism. Without these changes, the opposition risks a significant defeat in June.
