you know, a disappointing night for us. but, you know, that's what you'd expect from parties in midterm of government. it's early days and counting continues. we're expecting a result in the race for tees valley mayor in the next hour or so. professor sirjohn curtice will be with us throughout, analysing all the electoral trends. i'll be at the big screen, crunching the numbers. i'll be at the big screen, crunching the numbere— the numbers. there are lots of results still _ the numbers. there are lots of results still to _ the numbers. there are lots of results still to come _ the numbers. there are lots of results still to come for- the numbers. there are lots of. results still to come for mayors, police commissioners and councillors. i will be talking to correspondents at counts up and down the country, politicians and commentators from across the political spectrum. with me throughout, the bbc�*s deputy political editor, vicki young and, at the start of today's show, health minister andrea leadsom, labour's deputy national campaign coordinator ellie reeves, and liberal democrat deputy leader daisy cooper. this is politics live.

yes, hello and welcome. it is going to be an extremely busy afternoon, as the results tumble in from all over the country. we have two thirds of the results from the local authorities in england, still to come in. mayoral contest from across the country, that will influence the mood within the two main parties. and the police and crime commissioners and england and wales. 50 commissioners and england and wales. so far, broadly speaking, it has been a bad night for the conservatives, as expected. the question is, just how bad, as more results come in and a good night for the labour party, which have to be if they want these results to provide a bedrock ahead of the general election. that was underlined, their success, and illustrated with the by—election win in blackpool south, with a very

impressive swing away from the conservatives to labour. as we said there, in the headlines at the top of the programme, we are expecting that all result from tees valley and the mayoral contest there. ben houchen, the tory incumbent, although he seems to have done as much as he can to distance himself from the conservative brand, he is hoping to hold on there, but will be important in terms of sentiment within the conservative party. to open the programme, i think we might be able to show you pictures from the account, which we are expecting... yes, there it is, busy counting all morning. we are hoping to get a result are perhaps within the next 30 minutes. as i said, ben houchen is hoping to hold on. there were reports that labour had sort of left the scene, if you like, because they thought they had not done quite enoughin they thought they had not done quite enough in tees valley. we will find out shortly when we go and hear the results. vicki, that is the

narrative in terms of a bad night for the conservatives, a good night for the conservatives, a good night for the conservatives, a good night for the labour party. is that going to change, do you think, the picture? i to change, do you think, the icture? ., �* ~' , picture? i don't think it will very much. picture? i don't think it will very much- even _ picture? i don't think it will very much. even if— picture? i don't think it will very much. even if the _ picture? i don't think it will very much. even if the conservatives picture? i don't think it will very - much. even if the conservatives have some relatively good news from the mayoral elections, there will be lots of conservative mps looking up their patch and looking at the swing from the conservatives to labour and thinking that tensely puts my seat in jeopardy. thinking that tensely puts my seat injeopardy. in terms thinking that tensely puts my seat in jeopardy. in terms of a psychological boost, holding onto a couple of mayoral elections is going to help, but it'll all be about that reaction from conservative mps in terms of whether they think that rishi sunak should be moved on, that somebody else should come in and take over, because the difference with these elections, they are in their own right are very important, making these choices about who runs your council, who your local mayor is, they are important, but we have a general election coming up later this year and there is no way of separating out those two things. that is what is behind all of this.

conservative mps are desperate to see, are they closing the gap on labour in terms of opinion polls? and labour are equally determined to make the poll leads into actual real boats. �* , . make the poll leads into actual real boats. , boats. because labour has been ollin: at boats. because labour has been polling at around _ boats. because labour has been polling at around 20 _ boats. because labour has been polling at around 20 points - boats. because labour has been. polling at around 20 points ahead boats. because labour has been - polling at around 20 points ahead of the conservatives. we will see if thatis the conservatives. we will see if that is broadly reflected as more results come in. we will give you the results of some of the key councils that happened overnight, and as they come in this afternoon. there has been a sort of pause this morning, obviously while people catch up on things like sleep. but let's go to the tees valley count and talk to richard moss, the bbc north—east political editor. hello. where are we? north-east political editor. hello. where are we?— north-east political editor. hello. where are we? well, we are pretty close to getting — where are we? well, we are pretty close to getting a _ where are we? well, we are pretty close to getting a result. _ where are we? well, we are pretty close to getting a result. it - where are we? well, we are pretty close to getting a result. it looks i close to getting a result. it looks pretty clear now that ben houchen will get a third term as tees valley mayor. four overthe will get a third term as tees valley mayor. four over the authorities have declared, and all four gave a significant lead to ben houchen. certainly enough for him to be

pretty confident that the final declaration, when it comes here, will go his way. it's not 73% as it was in 2021. nobody expected that. labour have pushed him closer, but it is clear that, barring some very strange happening, he will have won. he will have done it to some extent on his personal appeal, because there was a lot of reporting around there was a lot of reporting around the fact that he was trying to distance himself from the conservative party brand and rishi sunak as prime minister. has that been contributing to his possible win here? ., , been contributing to his possible win here? . , , , .,, win here? certainly, because he has made it clear. _ win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as _ win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as you _ win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as you say, _ win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as you say, this - win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as you say, this is - win here? certainly, because he has made it clear, as you say, this is a l made it clear, as you say, this is a vote about who leads locally, who is the best person for tees valley. he made it clear this was nothing about westminster politics. a lot of his social media feed, there were a lot of voters who would say i am never going to vote conservative again, i'm sick of the government, but i will vote for you. that has been borne out by the results. hartlepool, where the conservatives had a very bad night on the council, they all 60 costs, labour —— they

lost six seats, ben houchen came on top in the in the vote in the council area. top in the in the vote in the councilarea. it's top in the in the vote in the council area. it's a clear indication his appeal goes beyond the conservative party. rishi sunak will take solace from the fact there is a conservative still capable of winning in this area, but whether it means much for the parliamentary election, mps he needs to keep in this area, that is another matter. ben houchen will see this as a personal win and personal vote. it was totemic, it is still, the tees valley, when it came to the issue of levelling up. very much something borisjohnson would claim was his mantra. is that dream still alive? well, for the conservatives, it was crucial to keep hold of ben houchen, otherwise he was going to shout up for levelling up? who will deliver on the ground, potentially, developers that the mp5 and government can point to as evidence that it government can point to as evidence thatitis government can point to as evidence that it is making a difference? there are a lot of disputes about whether enough differences being

made in this area, there is a lot of poverty still, a lot of areas of clear deprivation will stop one of the arguments during the campaign was if enough of the big developments, the regeneration of the steelworks site, really filtered down to ordinary people in this area. to have someone waving the flag here was crucial. if ben houchen had lost, that was probably the last hope for conservative mps who have been keener, i have to say, to attach themselves to the colours are ben houchen and what he is doing and what is going on in westminster. richard moss in tees valley, thank you very much. we will go straight back to the account when we have sight of a result. andrea leadsom, it is quite something, isn't it, to hearfrom richard moss, the evidence was clear from the campaign literature, that ben houchen was divorcing himself pretty well from the conservative party brand, because of where it is in the polls, languishing 20 points behind. what does it say? i languishing 20 points behind. what doesitsa ? , , languishing 20 points behind. what does it say?— does it say? i completely disagree with the analysis _ does it say? i completely disagree with the analysis that _ does it say? i completely disagree with the analysis that has - does it say? i completely disagree

with the analysis that hasjust - does it say? i completely disagree | with the analysis that hasjust been with the analysis that has just been put forward. ben houchen is the absolutely archetypal conservative in his views, creating opportunities, creating growth, working his socks off for his local communities. likewise, many hundreds of conservatives, including many conservative mps, have been in tees valley campaigning for him to get him over the line. if he wins today, i think what it says its two things. one is that our policy, rishi sunak�*s policy of levelling up is working, people are listening, and ben houchen has delivered for tees valley. the other thing, i think, ben houchen has delivered for tees valley. the other thing, ithink, is that labour have been very smug about last night, and of course they would have hoped very strongly to have won tees valley if they want to have, as angela rayner called it in harlow, which they also lost, their pathway to power. i don't think labour has much to be smug about when they see a result like tees valley, which is at the heart of conservative levelling up. i conservative levelling up. ellie? i don't think— conservative levelling up. ellie? i don't think the _ conservative levelling up. ellie? i don't think the labour _ conservative levelling up. ellie? i don't think the labour party - conservative levelling up. ellie? i don't think the labour party smug about_

don't think the labour party smug about anything, we have fought for every _ about anything, we have fought for every vote — about anything, we have fought for every vote at this set of mayoral and local— every vote at this set of mayoral and local elections, we fought for every— and local elections, we fought for every vote — and local elections, we fought for every vote in blackpool. we saw the third—highest swing from the tories to labour_ third—highest swing from the tories to labour in— third—highest swing from the tories to labour in a post—war by—election. we are _ to labour in a post—war by—election. we are really— to labour in a post—war by—election. we are really pleased about that, but we _ we are really pleased about that, but we are — we are really pleased about that, but we are not complacent about what it means _ but we are not complacent about what it means i_ but we are not complacent about what it means. i don't think there is srnugness— it means. i don't think there is smugness there. the thing about ben houchen_ smugness there. the thing about ben houchen is_ smugness there. the thing about ben houchen is that he did run a campaign _ houchen is that he did run a campaign that was very much distancing himself from the conservative party and the conservative party and the conservative branding. if you look at his_ conservative branding. if you look at his social media posts on his leaflets, — at his social media posts on his leaflets, it _ at his social media posts on his leaflets, it would be difficult to tell he — leaflets, it would be difficult to tell he was actually standing under a conservative ticket.— a conservative ticket. that's not riaht, a conservative ticket. that's not right. everybody _ a conservative ticket. that's not right, everybody knew - a conservative ticket. that's not right, everybody knew he - a conservative ticket. that's not right, everybody knew he was . a conservative ticket. that's not right, everybody knew he was a | right, everybody knew he was a conservative. what they were doing as exact what voters should do, looking at the track record and to looking at the track record and to look at the labour opponent and think if that person is going to deliver. if people have chosen to vote for ben houchen, it is because of his agenda as a conservative on levelling up. it

of his agenda as a conservative on levelling urn-— levelling up. it will be a bright sot for levelling up. it will be a bright spot for the — levelling up. it will be a bright spot for the conservatives... i levelling up. it will be a bright i spot for the conservatives... as levelling up. it will be a bright - spot for the conservatives. .. as is spot for the conservatives... as is harlow. spot for the conservatives... as is harlovv- yes. _ spot for the conservatives... as is harlow. yes, you're _ spot for the conservatives... as is harlow. yes, you're holding - spot for the conservatives... as is harlow. yes, you're holding ontol harlow. yes, you're holding onto harlow. yes, you're holding onto harlovv- you _ harlow. yes, you're holding onto harlow. you lost _ harlow. yes, you're holding onto harlow. you lost seats _ harlow. yes, you're holding onto harlow. you lost seats in - harlow. yes, you're holding onto| harlow. you lost seats in harlow, thou . h. harlow. you lost seats in harlow, though- angela — harlow. you lost seats in harlow, though. angela rayner _ harlow. you lost seats in harlow, though. angela rayner and - harlow. you lost seats in harlow, though. angela rayner and keir l though. angela rayner and keir starmer where _ though. angela rayner and keir starmer where they're - though. angela rayner and keir starmer where they're just - though. angela rayner and keir starmer where they're just a . though. angela rayner and keir - starmer where they're just a couple of days ago, and keir starmer says we need to win in places like harlow if we are to form... we need to win in places like harlow if we are to form. . ._ if we are to form... they are winning _ if we are to form... they are winning in — if we are to form... they are winning in hartlepool- if we are to form... they are winning in hartlepool and i if we are to form... they are - winning in hartlepool and thurrock, and that is spread across the country. you were a key player, andrea, in the brexit campaign, part of that, formulating an historic alliance with former labour hotlines like the ones i have mentioned, in the north—west and north—east, and parts of borisjohnson's cabinet. do you accept that alliance is broken? if you have lost councils in thurrock, hartlepool, yes, you won the by—election in 2021, it is gone. it's been a really tough night for the conservatives. i would just to thank all of those amazing ex

councillors who have worked their socks off for the communities. let down by the national party? it - socks off for the communities. let down by the national party? it is l down by the national party? it 3 understandable, post covid, post—ukraine invasion, we have seen a cost of living crisis unprecedented, the pandemic was unprecedented, the pandemic was unprecedented, and what we have now, after many years of supporting people, we now have a hangover of inflation, of people feeling very fed up. inflation, of people feeling very fed u -. �* inflation, of people feeling very fed u. �* , ., inflation, of people feeling very fed u.�* i. . inflation, of people feeling very fed u. �* . , fed up. and you have been in government _ fed up. and you have been in government during _ fed up. and you have been in government during a - fed up. and you have been in government during a time. . fed up. and you have been in government during a time. i | fed up. and you have been in - government during a time. i agree. the oint government during a time. i agree. the point is — government during a time. i agree. the point is that _ government during a time. i agree. the point is that people _ government during a time. i agree. the point is that people feel- government during a time. i agree. the point is that people feel fed . government during a time. i agree. the point is that people feel fed upj the point is that people feel fed up and i totally understand why they are staying at home and sitting on their hands, but i don't think last night ensuring that there is a massive love for labour. ellie, what do ou massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say — massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say about — massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say about that? _ massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say about that? i _ massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say about that? i will- massive love for labour. ellie, what do you say about that? i will show. do you say about that? i will show you one result from swindon, labour have held onto it, i think we can just show you there, 29 seats required for a majority, and they

are on a1. the labour party. the conservatives are a long way behind on 15. a labour hold in swindon. we can show you the share, which is always important. labour have added nine seats and the conservatives have lost nine. it is a pattern that has been reflected in a number of councils across the country. in terms of sealing the deal, this is about proving that labour is not just picking up from people who are fed up with the conservatives, but they are actually voting with enthusiasm in those parts of the country they need to win the general election? �* �* , , election? and i've spent time in blackpool. _ election? and i've spent time in blackpool. in — election? and i've spent time in blackpool, in thurrock, - election? and i've spent time in blackpool, in thurrock, and - election? and i've spent time in blackpool, in thurrock, and a i election? and i've spent time in - blackpool, in thurrock, and a number ofm _ blackpool, in thurrock, and a number of... rushmore was declared last night _ of... rushmore was declared last night i_ of... rushmore was declared last night. i speak to voters on the doorstep — night. i speak to voters on the doorstep there, and it is notjust that they— doorstep there, and it is notjust that they are fed up after ia years of the _ that they are fed up after ia years of the conservatives, the cost of living, _ of the conservatives, the cost of living, nhs waiting lists and the rest of— living, nhs waiting lists and the rest of it. — living, nhs waiting lists and the rest of it, they are listening to the positive for that labour have to

put forward. the positive for that labour have to put forward-— the positive for that labour have to put forward._ first i the positive for that labour have to | put forward._ first of put forward. which is what? first of all, put forward. which is what? first of all. financial— put forward. which is what? first of all, financial stability _ put forward. which is what? first of all, financial stability is _ put forward. which is what? first of all, financial stability is the - all, financial stability is the first— all, financial stability is the first thing. under the conservatives we had _ first thing. under the conservatives we had the — first thing. under the conservatives we had the mini budget that crashed the economy, it sent mortgages skyrocketing. let the economy, it sent mortgages skyrocketing-— skyrocketing. let her respond. peole skyrocketing. let her respond. people are _ skyrocketing. let her respond. people are paying _ skyrocketing. let her respond. people are paying £100 - skyrocketing. let her respond. people are paying £100 more. skyrocketing. let her respond. i people are paying £100 more per month— people are paying £100 more per month in— people are paying £100 more per month in mortgages. economic security, — month in mortgages. economic security, everything being fully costed, — security, everything being fully costed, having a beefed up obr to make _ costed, having a beefed up obr to make sure — costed, having a beefed up obr to make sure that we are financially secure, _ make sure that we are financially secure, it — make sure that we are financially secure, it is— make sure that we are financially secure, it is at the heart of everything we would do. one that resonates — everything we would do. one that resonates with voters, they want that stability. they have not had it in the _ that stability. they have not had it in the conservatives. we that stability. they have not had it in the conservatives.— in the conservatives. we can ask that question — in the conservatives. we can ask that question and _ in the conservatives. we can ask that question and see _ in the conservatives. we can ask that question and see how - in the conservatives. we can ask that question and see how it - in the conservatives. we can ask that question and see how it is i that question and see how it is reflected in the results. daisy cooper, for the liberal democrats, you held on to the councils that were already liberal democrats. where are you hoping to make gains? we are respecting results from places— we are respecting results from places like _ we are respecting results from places like tunbridge - we are respecting results from places like tunbridge wells, i places like tunbridge wells, wokingham. _ places like tunbridge wells, wokingham, and _ places like tunbridge wells, wokingham, and we - places like tunbridge wells, wokingham, and we can- places like tunbridge wells, . wokingham, and we can make significant _ wokingham, and we can make significant gains _ wokingham, and we can make significant gains in _ wokingham, and we can make significant gains in both- wokingham, and we can make significant gains in both of- wokingham, and we can make i significant gains in both of those places — significant gains in both of those places both— significant gains in both of those places. both councils _ significant gains in both of those places. both councils are - significant gains in both of those i places. both councils are currently

are no— places. both councils are currently are no overall— places. both councils are currently are no overall control. _ places. both councils are currently are no overall control. what - places. both councils are currently are no overall control. what we i places. both councils are currentlyl are no overall control. what we can see overall — are no overall control. what we can see overall is — are no overall control. what we can see overall is that _ are no overall control. what we can see overall is that we _ are no overall control. what we can see overall is that we are _ are no overall control. what we can see overall is that we are on - are no overall control. what we can see overall is that we are on a - see overall is that we are on a winning — see overall is that we are on a winning streak. _ see overall is that we are on a winning streak, our— see overall is that we are on a winning streak, our winning . see overall is that we are on a - winning streak, our winning streak is continuing _ winning streak, our winning streak is continuing we _ winning streak, our winning streak is continuing. we have _ winning streak, our winning streak is continuing. we have seen - winning streak, our winning streak is continuing. we have seen we i winning streak, our winning streak. is continuing. we have seen we have consolidated — is continuing. we have seen we have consolidated our _ is continuing. we have seen we have consolidated our position _ is continuing. we have seen we have consolidated our position in- is continuing. we have seen we have consolidated our position in places i consolidated our position in places like winchester, _ consolidated our position in places like winchester, where _ consolidated our position in places like winchester, where we - consolidated our position in places like winchester, where we have i consolidated our position in places i like winchester, where we have won more _ like winchester, where we have won more council— like winchester, where we have won more council seats. _ like winchester, where we have won more council seats. we _ like winchester, where we have won more council seats. we held - like winchester, where we have won more council seats. we held on- like winchester, where we have won more council seats. we held on to i more council seats. we held on to eastleigh. — more council seats. we held on to eastleigh. as— more council seats. we held on to eastleigh. as a _ more council seats. we held on to eastleigh, as a counsel. _ more council seats. we held on to eastleigh, as a counsel. david - eastleigh, as a counsel. david cameron— eastleigh, as a counsel. david cameron has— eastleigh, as a counsel. david cameron has a _ eastleigh, as a counsel. david cameron has a liberal- eastleigh, as a counsel. david . cameron has a liberal democrat councillor, — cameron has a liberal democrat councillor, we _ cameron has a liberal democrat councillor, we found _ cameron has a liberal democrat councillor, we found out - cameron has a liberal democrat councillor, we found out not - cameron has a liberal democrati councillor, we found out not long ago _ councillor, we found out not long ago we — councillor, we found out not long ago we are _ councillor, we found out not long ago. we are making _ councillor, we found out not long ago. we are making significant. ago. we are making significant gains, — ago. we are making significant gains, particularly— ago. we are making significant gains, particularly in _ ago. we are making significant gains, particularly in places- ago. we are making significant. gains, particularly in places where we are _ gains, particularly in places where we are really— gains, particularly in places where we are really keen, _ gains, particularly in places where we are really keen, ideally- we are really keen, ideally positioned _ we are really keen, ideally positioned to _ we are really keen, ideally positioned to win - we are really keen, ideally positioned to win seats - we are really keen, ideally positioned to win seats offj we are really keen, ideally- positioned to win seats off the conservatives _ positioned to win seats off the conservatives at _ positioned to win seats off the conservatives at the _ positioned to win seats off the conservatives at the next - positioned to win seats off the - conservatives at the next election. another result, this from norwich. a labour game. they had it in the past and only needed to win back a few seats to hold it again. it was hung, but you can see, the labour party on 20 and the greens with a strong performance there, on 1a. if we show you the seats that have changed hands, labour have lost one, the greens have gained one, but that is a labour gain from

greens have gained one, but that is a labour gainfrom no greens have gained one, but that is a labour gain from no overall control there in norwich. let's get a sort of overview of where we are in terms of the seats and the number of councillors, with my colleague, nick eardley. hi, jo, of councillors, with my colleague, nick eardley. hi,jo, it of councillors, with my colleague, nick eardley. hi, jo, it reflects the conversation you were just having. if you look at the tally we have so far, 30 of 107 councils insofar. it keeps changing in the last few minutes. you can see, labour are doing pretty well, maybe not quite as well as they could have, but they are up 65 seats. in the last few minutes, the lib dems have overtaken the conservatives in terms of how many seats they have won mike so far. obviously a long way to go. the number the conservatives are on, down 1a2, that is really bad. as things stand, they are on course to lose about half of the seats they are defending, which would be at the upper end of their worst fears, so a bad picture for the conservatives at the moment. have a look at this. this is what it means in terms of councils that have

changed hands so far. labour are up four, the conservatives are down three. norwich was the hung council that has gone to labour. when you are in the party hos on a day like this, you are trying to figure out what this means for the national picture, and that is really bad for the conservatives, down 1a based on 2021. in 2021, they had a bit of a bounce from the vaccine roll—out and borisjohnson was on a bit of a high, but that is a bad result so far. you can see, labour up 5%. pretty good, again, maybe not quite as good as they would have hoped. what does it mean for westminster elections is the question a lot of people will be wondering today. we have a sense with the by—election in blackpool south, which was very good for labour, very bad for the conservatives. have a look at — 7600 majority for chris webb. so

interesting that reform uk come within 117 interesting that reform uk come within117 votes of beating the conservatives into second place. the conservatives into second place. the conservative vote was down massively, almost a third. labour was the main beneficiary on that one. this is my graphic of the day so far, because that is a huge, colossal swing, 26% from the conservatives to labour, the third biggest swing since the second world war. jo, you will know, the other two bigger swings were in recent by—elections as well. if you are a tory mp sitting down for your lunch this afternoon and you are wondering, what do these results mean for me? that will really worry you. it has been a long night. the blackpool south by—election has been declared overnight and we will talk about that in a moment. this set of local elections and mayoral contest and police and crime commissioners, the last major electoral test before

a general election, could be within a general election, could be within a matter of months. there has been talk on this programme about any threat to rishi sunak�*s leadership in terms of being the head of the conservative party still languishing in the polls and what these elections might do to that threat. let's hear from the elections might do to that threat. let's hearfrom the prime minister himself. he is in his part of the country, in north yorkshire. let’s country, in north yorkshire. let's listen to rishi _ country, in north yorkshire. let's listen to rishi sunak. _ country, in north yorkshire. let�*s listen to rishi sunak. obviously, it is disappointing to lose good, hard—working conservative councillors, and i'm grateful to them for all their service in local government, keeping council tax low and delivering services for local people, but we've still got lots of results to come, and there are also things i would point to. harlow, for example, where keir starmer held a rally on wednesday, saying that was a place he had to win to be on track to win the general election. that hasn't happened and we are still waiting for the result in the tees valley mayoral election, also an

important test.— valley mayoral election, also an imortant test. , ,, .~ . ~ important test. rishi sunak, talking u . important test. rishi sunak, talking u- harlow, important test. rishi sunak, talking up harlow, because _ important test. rishi sunak, talking up harlow, because it _ important test. rishi sunak, talking up harlow, because it was - important test. rishi sunak, talking up harlow, because it was one - important test. rishi sunak, talking up harlow, because it was one of. up harlow, because it was one of those areas the conservatives held onto, despite a threat from labour. he is in north yorkshire, in his constituency, and we are waiting for the result of the new mayoral post, which is york and north yorkshire. hopefully we will get that this afternoon. let's find out where we are in terms of the state of the parties with our elections expert, sirjohn curtice. welcome. before we do, this hasjust come in from blackburn. labour have held onto it. they needed 26 seats for a majority and they got 29. independents were 13. let's look at what has happened in terms of seats that have changed hands. they have lost four and independents have gained eight. there have been resignations prior to these local elections of labour councillors who have quit over the

issue of the israel hamas war in gaza. you can see those independents, the seats had gone up ljy independents, the seats had gone up by eight, but blackburn is still a labour hold. a quick response from you, early — that is a pattern that has been replicated in parts of the country with large muslim populations. numbers of labours of councillors quitting. how worried are you about that trend? it is a reminder that particular issues can be very damaging electorally. independents always do better in local elections than at general elections. we know there is work to do to build trust with the muslim community, and we know how much people feel very strongly about what is happening in gaza, and the devastation there. we recognise that there is work to do in relation to this issue, and we will continue to engage with communities and build back that trust. fiur

engage with communities and build back that trust.— back that trust. our political editor in the _ back that trust. our political editor in the west _ back that trust. our political editor in the west midlands| back that trust. our political - editor in the west midlands says that labour briefing that they believe — that labour briefing that they believe they will be defeated the west midlands mayoral race, that is andy street. and they are citing the independent candidate, och med yacouh, — independent candidate, och med yacoub, who stood on a pro—gaza ticket~ _ yacoub, who stood on a pro—gaza ticket~ there _ yacoub, who stood on a pro—gaza ticket. there is a row brewing. the labour— ticket. there is a row brewing. the labour party— ticket. there is a row brewing. the labour party said it is the middle east, _ labour party said it is the middle east, not — labour party said it is the middle east, not the west midlands, that will have — east, not the west midlands, that will have one like andy st the contest _ will have one like andy st the contest. once again, hamas are the real villains — contest. once again, hamas are the real villains. a conservative source has come — real villains. a conservative source has come back saying that quote is vile and _ has come back saying that quote is vile and that they insist that the contest — vile and that they insist that the contest is — vile and that they insist that the contest is close. is vile and that they insist that the contest is close.— contest is close. is that the language — contest is close. is that the language that _ contest is close. is that the language that people - contest is close. is that the | language that people should contest is close. is that the - language that people should be using? language that people should be usina ? . , , . using? that is the first time i have heard this quote. _ using? that is the first time i have heard this quote. we _ using? that is the first time i have heard this quote. we need - using? that is the first time i have heard this quote. we need to - using? that is the first time i have heard this quote. we need to see l heard this quote. we need to see what happens in the election and the west midlands. i was in the west midlands yesterday campaigning and it wasn't the issue that was coming up it wasn't the issue that was coming up on the doorstep.—

up on the doorstep. writes, but is that the language _ up on the doorstep. writes, but is that the language that _ up on the doorstep. writes, but is that the language that labour- that the language that labour candidates, councillors and mayoral candidates, councillors and mayoral candidates should be using? it’s candidates, councillors and mayoral candidates should be using? it's not the language _ candidates should be using? it's not the language i _ candidates should be using? it's not the language i would _ candidates should be using? it's not the language i would personally- candidates should be using? it's not the language i would personally usej the language i would personally use but we need to see what happens with result and analyse it when they come out. we haven't seen the results. let's turn to sirjohn curtice and get an overview of the state of the parties at this stage. welcome to you, john. a lot more results to come in, but the of these elections, important in their own right, of course, electing local councillors, but they are important because we are up against a general election, which could be a matter of months away. which could be a matter of months awa . ~ which could be a matter of months awa . . ., , .. away. indeed. we need to be careful about that- — away. indeed. we need to be careful about that. the _ away. indeed. we need to be careful about that. the first _ away. indeed. we need to be careful about that. the first thing _ away. indeed. we need to be careful about that. the first thing i - away. indeed. we need to be careful about that. the first thing i would i about that. the first thing i would say is that local elections don't necessarily forecast what will happen in a general election in six months, but they are useful as a barometer, though sometimes a rather complex one, of where we are at present. although it is undoubtedly true that not everybody votes the

same way in local elections as they would in a general election, and that helps the lib dems, the greens, the independents etc, but the ups and downs of party fortunes, particularly for the conservatives and labour, do tend to parallel the ups and downs in other indicators, such as parliamentary by—elections and in the opinion polls. the crucial message that has come out of the bulk of the evidence overnight is that, really, very little has changed in the last 12 months, and what we have seen today is redolent of what we have been seeing throughout the last 12 months. that is that it looks as though conservative support may be down a bit on last year. labour have may be edged slightly up, the lib dems may be slightly down, but nothing really has changed. of course, that is what the opinion polls have been telling us. they have been telling us that the conservative party has not made

any significant progress in narrowing labour's lead. equally, we now have got used to these parliamentary by—elections where we get spectacular swings. blackpool south was the third biggest swing ever from conservative to labour in a post—war parliamentary by—election, but we've now had five parliamentary by—elections in which the swing has been over 20%. we've never had a parliament with so many, not even between 1992 and 1997. although it is always understandable, always part of the game that we play at this stage of an election night and day, for parties who are not doing so well to cherry pick the odd result where they do well. we do have to acknowledge that the broad swathe of the evidence basically is sending a message that the conservative project of trying to narrow labour's leader doesn't seem to be making

progress. as you have pointed out, there is only six months ago. maybe they can achieve what they have not managed to achieve in the 16 months orso managed to achieve in the 16 months or so since rishi sunak became prime minister, but change is required and the clock is ticking. can minister, but change is required and the clock is ticking.— the clock is ticking. can we talk about the _ the clock is ticking. can we talk about the mayoral— the clock is ticking. can we talk about the mayoral contests, i the clock is ticking. can we talk- about the mayoral contests, because we are about to get the result from tees valley. the indications are that the incumbent conservative candidate, ben helton, will hold on there. it is difficult to read across party success from my oral contest, but it does provide a huge boost to morale and incentive within the party in terms of who holds onto the party in terms of who holds onto the big mayoral elections. thea;r the party in terms of who holds onto the big mayoral elections.— the big mayoral elections. they can sometimes — the big mayoral elections. they can sometimes be _ the big mayoral elections. they can sometimes be about _ the big mayoral elections. they can sometimes be about big _ sometimes be about big personalities, and ben houchen and andy street are big personalities. we have known since the first mayoral contest in london in 2000 that it can produce results that cut

across the party system, such as ken livingstone's victory in london in 2000. they are interesting and they have got personalities. i 2000. they are interesting and they have got personalities.— have got personalities. i think we can now say _ have got personalities. i think we can now say that _ have got personalities. i think we can now say that ben _ have got personalities. i think we can now say that ben houchen i have got personalities. i think we | can now say that ben houchen has taken that mayoral election. conservative candidate ben houchen has won in the tees valley. please continue. , ., has won in the tees valley. please continue. ,., , . has won in the tees valley. please continue. , . , , continue. the point is that because the have continue. the point is that because they have big _ continue. the point is that because they have big personalities, - they have big personalities, personalities can sometimes win on the basis of a personal vote. so far as the tees valley is concerned, we have seen opinion polling that said that ben houchen had a good chance of winning but which at the same time said he was going to get about seven or 8% more of the vote than the conservative party would when people were asked how they would vote in a general election will stop also, just bear in mind in that area of the labour party managed to win control of hartlepool. the truth is that mayoral contests are probably the least reliable guide to the question you asked me at the beginning of this conversation,

which is what do these results tell us for a general election? it is the result that happened to anonymous councillors across the piece and across the country that tell us much more about the ups and downs of parties as parties, as opposed to the impact or otherwise of particular high profile personalities that might be able to buck the trend in a particular kind of contest. 5ir buck the trend in a particular kind of contest. ,, g ., buck the trend in a particular kind of contest-— buck the trend in a particular kind of contest. sirjohn curtice, thank ou for of contest. sirjohn curtice, thank you for the _ of contest. sirjohn curtice, thank you for the moment. _ of contest. sirjohn curtice, thank you for the moment. let's get i of contest. sirjohn curtice, thank i you for the moment. let's get brief reaction. we are saying that ben houchen has won in the tees valley, he has held onto it for his third term. ., ., , . , he has held onto it for his third term. . ., . , , ., term. fantastic news, brilliant. this is the _ term. fantastic news, brilliant. this is the bright _ term. fantastic news, brilliant. this is the bright spot - term. fantastic news, brilliant. this is the bright spot for i term. fantastic news, brilliant. this is the bright spot for you. | term. fantastic news, brilliant. i this is the bright spot for you. at this point, i should probably introduce our new guest, the political editor of the sun newspaper. asjohn said, they are not easily interpretable as how a party will perform in a general election. what is the mood in the party? it election. what is the mood in the .a ? , ., election. what is the mood in the -a ? , . , , election. what is the mood in the .a ? , ., , , ., party? it is at the upper end of the worst case — party? it is at the upper end of the worst case scenario _ party? it is at the upper end of the worst case scenario predictions. i party? it is at the upper end of the | worst case scenario predictions. no

amount— worst case scenario predictions. no amount of— worst case scenario predictions. no amount of spin can change the fact that the _ amount of spin can change the fact that the lib dem numbers are getting ahead _ that the lib dem numbers are getting ahead of— that the lib dem numbers are getting ahead of the tories right now. blackpool, they stayed second but only by— blackpool, they stayed second but only by 100 votes. it shows reform uk polling — only by 100 votes. it shows reform uk polling hire. they are getting it from both— uk polling hire. they are getting it from both sides, labourand uk polling hire. they are getting it from both sides, labour and reform uk. ~ ., . ., ., ~ , uk. we will go when the count makes the declaration _ uk. we will go when the count makes the declaration in _ uk. we will go when the count makes the declaration in tees _ uk. we will go when the count makes the declaration in tees valley, - uk. we will go when the count makes the declaration in tees valley, but i the declaration in tees valley, but we are calling it that ben houchen has won. let's talk about blackpool south. the size of the swing is enormous, impressive by historic standards, but as harry cole has just mentioned, reform uk were almost within 100 votes of the conservatives. how worried are you about that? i conservatives. how worried are you about that?— about that? i would have loved to have asked _ about that? i would have loved to have asked sir _ about that? i would have loved to have asked sirjohn _ about that? i would have loved to have asked sirjohn curtice i about that? i would have loved to have asked sirjohn curtice about| have asked sirjohn curtice about that himself— have asked sirjohn curtice about that himself because _ have asked sirjohn curtice about that himself because he - have asked sirjohn curtice about that himself because he is- have asked sirjohn curtice about| that himself because he is talking about— that himself because he is talking about this — that himself because he is talking about this huge _ that himself because he is talking about this huge swing, _ that himself because he is talking about this huge swing, but- that himself because he is talking about this huge swing, but of- about this huge swing, but of course, — about this huge swing, but of course, the _ about this huge swing, but of course, the last— about this huge swing, but of course, the last time - about this huge swing, but of course, the last time there i about this huge swing, but of- course, the last time there wasn't a reform _ course, the last time there wasn't a reform uk — course, the last time there wasn't a reform uk candidate, _ course, the last time there wasn't a reform uk candidate, and - course, the last time there wasn't a reform uk candidate, and as - course, the last time there wasn't a reform uk candidate, and as you i course, the last time there wasn't a i reform uk candidate, and as you have 'ust reform uk candidate, and as you have just said. _ reform uk candidate, and as you have just said. reform _ reform uk candidate, and as you have just said, reform uk _ reform uk candidate, and as you have just said, reform uk were _ reform uk candidate, and as you have just said, reform uk were snapping i just said, reform uk were snapping at the _ just said, reform uk were snapping at the heels — just said, reform uk were snapping at the heels of— just said, reform uk were snapping at the heels of the _ just said, reform uk were snapping at the heels of the conservatives. i at the heels of the conservatives. reform _ at the heels of the conservatives. reform uk —

at the heels of the conservatives. reform uk voters _ at the heels of the conservatives. reform uk voters would - at the heels of the conservatives. i reform uk voters would potentially as an _ reform uk voters would potentially as an alternative _ reform uk voters would potentially as an alternative choose _ reform uk voters would potentially as an alternative choose to - reform uk voters would potentially as an alternative choose to vote i as an alternative choose to vote conservative _ as an alternative choose to vote conservative on _ as an alternative choose to vote conservative on the _ as an alternative choose to vote conservative on the whole. i- as an alternative choose to vote i conservative on the whole. i would be interested — conservative on the whole. i would be interested to _ conservative on the whole. i would be interested to know— conservative on the whole. i would be interested to know what - conservative on the whole. i would be interested to know what that i conservative on the whole. i would i be interested to know what that says about _ be interested to know what that says about the _ be interested to know what that says about the swing _ be interested to know what that says about the swing. it _ be interested to know what that says about the swing. it might _ be interested to know what that says about the swing. it might be - about the swing. it might be statistically— about the swing. it might be statistically a _ about the swing. it might be statistically a huge - about the swing. it might be statistically a huge swing i about the swing. it might be| statistically a huge swing but reform — statistically a huge swing but reform uk, _ statistically a huge swing but reform uk, what _ statistically a huge swing but reform uk, what that - statistically a huge swing but reform uk, what that says i statistically a huge swing but| reform uk, what that says to statistically a huge swing but i reform uk, what that says to me statistically a huge swing but - reform uk, what that says to me is that we _ reform uk, what that says to me is that we need — reform uk, what that says to me is that we need to _ reform uk, what that says to me is that we need to do _ reform uk, what that says to me is that we need to do much _ reform uk, what that says to me is that we need to do much more i reform uk, what that says to me is that we need to do much more to. reform uk, what that says to me is i that we need to do much more to win back our— that we need to do much more to win back our reform _ that we need to do much more to win back our reform uk _ that we need to do much more to win back our reform uk voters. - that we need to do much more to win back our reform uk voters. what i back our reform uk voters. what would ou back our reform uk voters. what would you change, _ back our reform uk voters. what would you change, then? - back our reform uk voters. would you change, then? are back our reform uk voters.- would you change, then? are you to have put letters in of no confidence. read or revels in the conservative party that they are right in terms of changing policy now. ~ ., ~' , , right in terms of changing policy now. . . ~ , , ,, .~ right in terms of changing policy now. . , ,, now. what i think is rishi sunak is focused on — now. what i think is rishi sunak is focused on the _ now. what i think is rishi sunak is focused on the things _ now. what i think is rishi sunak is focused on the things that - now. what i think is rishi sunak is focused on the things that matter| now. what i think is rishi sunak is i focused on the things that matter to people so— focused on the things that matter to people so creating _ focused on the things that matter to people so creating the _ focused on the things that matter to people so creating the conditions i people so creating the conditions for inflation — people so creating the conditions for inflation to _ people so creating the conditions for inflation to come _ people so creating the conditions for inflation to come down, - people so creating the conditions. for inflation to come down, having people so creating the conditions i for inflation to come down, having a £900 _ for inflation to come down, having a £900 tax _ for inflation to come down, having a £900 tax cut— for inflation to come down, having a £900 tax cut for— for inflation to come down, having a £900 tax cut for working _ for inflation to come down, having a £900 tax cut for working people. i £900 tax cut for working people. it's £900 tax cut for working people. it's clearly — £900 tax cut for working people. it's clearly not _ £900 tax cut for working people. it's clearly not getting _ £900 tax cut for working people. it's clearly not getting through i £900 tax cut for working people. it's clearly not getting through toj it's clearly not getting through to voters. . ., ., it's clearly not getting through to voters. . . . , voters. the challenge we have is after the pandemic _

voters. the challenge we have is after the pandemic and - voters. the challenge we have is after the pandemic and the i voters. the challenge we have is after the pandemic and the cost| after the pandemic and the cost of living _ after the pandemic and the cost of living crisis— after the pandemic and the cost of living crisis were _ after the pandemic and the cost of living crisis were inflation - after the pandemic and the cost of living crisis were inflation hit - living crisis were inflation hit 11%, _ living crisis were inflation hit ii%, people _ living crisis were inflation hit ii%. people are _ living crisis were inflation hit 11%, people are not- living crisis were inflation hit 11%, people are not yet - living crisis were inflation hit i 11%, people are not yet feeling living crisis were inflation hit - 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are _ 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in — 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a — 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a good _ 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a good place _ 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a good place and - 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a good place and so i 11%, people are not yet feeling that they are in a good place and so it's| they are in a good place and so it's understandable _ they are in a good place and so it's understandable people _ they are in a good place and so it's understandable people are - they are in a good place and so it's understandable people are fed i they are in a good place and so it's understandable people are fed upi they are in a good place and so it's. understandable people are fed up but we also _ understandable people are fed up but we also do _ understandable people are fed up but we also do need — understandable people are fed up but we also do need to— understandable people are fed up but we also do need to look— understandable people are fed up but we also do need to look at _ understandable people are fed up but we also do need to look at in- understandable people are fed up but we also do need to look at in 2021 i we also do need to look at in 2021 that the _ we also do need to look at in 2021 that the conservatives _ we also do need to look at in 2021 that the conservatives run - we also do need to look at in 2021 that the conservatives run a - we also do need to look at in 2021 that the conservatives run a highi that the conservatives run a high point _ that the conservatives run a high point because _ that the conservatives run a high point because there _ that the conservatives run a high point because there have - that the conservatives run a high point because there have been. that the conservatives run a high i point because there have been this hu-e point because there have been this huge support— point because there have been this huge support for— point because there have been this huge support for public, _ point because there have been this huge support for public, for- point because there have been this huge support for public, forjobs... is huge support for public, forjobs... is the _ huge support for public, forjobs... is the answerm _ huge support for public, forjobs... is the answer... millions _ huge support for public, forjobs... is the answer... millions of - huge support for public, forjobs... is the answer... millions ofjobs i is the answer... millions ofjobs were _ is the answer... millions ofjobs were saved _ is the answer... millions ofjobs were saved and _ is the answer... millions ofjobs were saved and businesses- is the answer... millions ofjobsl were saved and businesses were is the answer... millions ofjobs - were saved and businesses were saved and we _ were saved and businesses were saved and we rolled _ were saved and businesses were saved and we rolled out — were saved and businesses were saved and we rolled out the _ were saved and businesses were saved and we rolled out the covid _ were saved and businesses were saved and we rolled out the covid faxing i and we rolled out the covid faxing faster— and we rolled out the covid faxing faster than — and we rolled out the covid faxing faster than anywhere _ and we rolled out the covid faxing faster than anywhere in _ and we rolled out the covid faxing faster than anywhere in europe i and we rolled out the covid faxingi faster than anywhere in europe and people _ faster than anywhere in europe and people run— faster than anywhere in europe and people run a — faster than anywhere in europe and people run a high— faster than anywhere in europe and people run a high and _ faster than anywhere in europe and people run a high and that - people run a high and that translator— people run a high and that translator with _ people run a high and that translator with richey- people run a high and that translator with richey or i people run a high and that i translator with richey or two people run a high and that - translator with richey or two doing my rishi _ translator with richey or two doing my rishi sunak— translator with richey or two doing my rishi sunak as _ translator with richey or two doing my rishi sunak as chancellor. i translator with richey or two doingj my rishi sunak as chancellor. iohn my rishi sunak as chancellor. john curtis and ask _ my rishi sunak as chancellor. john curtis and ask him _ my rishi sunak as chancellor. curtis and ask him that but that leaves people with a feeling that it was under borisjohnson and a conservative voter. was under boris johnson and a conservative voter.— was under boris johnson and a conservative voter. that wasn't the oint i conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was — conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was making. _ conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was making. i _ conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was making. ithink- conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was making. i think that's i conservative voter. that wasn't the point i was making. i think that's a | point i was making. i think that's a fantas of point i was making. i think that's a fantasy of some _ point i was making. i think that's a fantasy of some politicians. - point i was making. i think that's a fantasy of some politicians. i i point i was making. i think that's a fantasy of some politicians. i thinkj fantasy of some politicians. i think it's fairly delusion of the side of an election. i don't think that is

the answer. one thing that surprised me this morning is even the people are put letters in are saying, we haven't got the numbers and it's a numbers game. bud haven't got the numbers and it's a numbers game-— haven't got the numbers and it's a numbers game. and that's definitely a feelin: i numbers game. and that's definitely a feeling i came _ numbers game. and that's definitely a feeling i came across _ numbers game. and that's definitely a feeling i came across in _ numbers game. and that's definitely a feeling i came across in a - numbers game. and that's definitely a feeling i came across in a numberl a feeling i came across in a number of interviews that time has run out. times change and if they were going to do they would do it injanuary and rishi sunak and spent the last two weeks buying of different bits of a possible rebellion and the defence minister, former defence ministers are up in arms and he was saying the right things and benefits andrew and that mightjust take off. who knows? it is andrew and that might 'ust take off. who knows?— andrew and that might 'ust take off. who knows?i let i who knows? it is a key policy. let me brina who knows? it is a key policy. let me bring you _ who knows? it is a key policy. let me bring you the _ who knows? it is a key policy. let me bring you the result _ who knows? it is a key policy. let me bring you the result since i who knows? it is a key policy. let me bring you the result since we i me bring you the result since we have been talking about it and that is the tees valley result, the mayoral contest there. we put up the figures and you're looking at figures and you're looking at figures there for the count that ben houchen has one on nearly 82,000 two chris mcewan, the labour candidate

on just over 63000 chris mcewan, the labour candidate onjust over 63000 and chris mcewan, the labour candidate on just over 63000 and the liberal democrat there, quite a long way behind. let's have a look at the share of the vote there. 5a% for the conservatives but you have to remember that in 2021 it was 73%. that is a big drop there but still a win for ben houchen and a1% of their four labour and we win for ben houchen and a1% of their four labourand we can win for ben houchen and a1% of their four labour and we can see how the share has changed. we can see a drop there of 19% for ben houchen there in the tees valley and labour are up 1a%, not enough to take it but they are up by 1a% and the liberal democrats are up 5% and the conservatives i will lost by 70% but in the end it wasn't enough. it conservatives i will lost by 70% but in the end it wasn't enough.- in the end it wasn't enough. it was a very hard — in the end it wasn't enough. it was a very hard challenge _ in the end it wasn't enough. it was a very hard challenge to _ in the end it wasn't enough. it was a very hard challenge to win i in the end it wasn't enough. it was a very hard challenge to win the i a very hard challenge to win the mayoral— a very hard challenge to win the mayoral elections in the tees valley and we _ mayoral elections in the tees valley and we talked earlier about ben

houchen's campaign and him distancing set himself on the conservative party but if you look at the _ conservative party but if you look at the results, the swing to labour there. _ at the results, the swing to labour there. but— at the results, the swing to labour there, but majority the ben houchen had, 73% _ there, but majority the ben houchen had, 73% of— there, but majority the ben houchen had, 73% of the vote last time... but that— had, 73% of the vote last time... but that underlines how badly labour was doing at that point. you are your lowest point then. if was doing at that point. you are your lowest point then.- was doing at that point. you are your lowest point then. if you look at the swing _ your lowest point then. if you look at the swing to — your lowest point then. if you look at the swing to us _ your lowest point then. if you look at the swing to us and _ your lowest point then. if you look at the swing to us and thinking i your lowest point then. if you look at the swing to us and thinking of| at the swing to us and thinking of the battleground seats there... is -ood the battleground seats there... good to the battleground seats there... is good to tees valley and hear it. the battleground seats there... is. good to tees valley and hear it. -- let's go- -- — good to tees valley and hear it. —— let's go... the combined authority returning — let's go... the combined authority returning officer— let's go... the combined authority returning officer for— let's go... the combined authority returning officer for the _ let's go... the combined authority returning officer for the election i returning officer for the election of the _ returning officer for the election of the mayoralty_ returning officer for the election of the mayoralty on _ returning officer for the election of the mayoralty on the - returning officer for the electionl of the mayoralty on the thursday returning officer for the election i of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of _ of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may _ of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may 2024 _ of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i _ of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i hereby— of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give - of the mayoralty on the thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the i 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the total false — 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the total false counted _ 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the total false counted was _ 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the total false counted was as - 2nd of may 2024 i hereby give the| total false counted was as follows. how tune, — total false counted was as follows. how tune, ben, _ total false counted was as follows. how tune, ben, conservative - total false counted was as follows. i how tune, ben, conservative 81,000 930. mcewan, —

how tune, ben, conservative 81,000 930. mcewan, chris, _ how tune, ben, conservative 81,000 930. mcewan, chris, labour, - how tune, ben, conservative 81,000 930. mcewan, chris, labour, 63,141.j 930. mcewan, chris, labour, 63,141. the liberal— 930. mcewan, chris, labour, 63,141. the liberal democrats, _ 930. mcewan, chris, labour, 63,141. the liberal democrats, 7679. - 930. mcewan, chris, labour, 63,141. the liberal democrats, 7679. the i the liberal democrats, 7679. the total_ the liberal democrats, 7679. the total number_ the liberal democrats, 7679. the total number of— the liberal democrats, 7679. the total number of votes _ the liberal democrats, 7679. the total number of votes counted... | total number of votes counted... rejected — total number of votes counted... rejected was _ total number of votes counted... rejected was hundred _ total number of votes counted... rejected was hundred and - total number of votes counted... rejected was hundred and 80 . total number of votes counted... rejected was hundred and 80 or... total number of votes counted... . rejected was hundred and 80 or... i was 841— rejected was hundred and 80 or... i was 841 rejected _ rejected was hundred and 80 or... i was 841 rejected ballot _ rejected was hundred and 80 or... i was 841 rejected ballot papers. - rejected was hundred and 80 or... i was 841 rejected ballot papers. l was 841 rejected ballot papers. that wasm — was 841 rejected ballot papers. that wasm the _ was 841 rejected ballot papers. that was... the turnout _ was 841 rejected ballot papers. that was... the turnout was - was 841 rejected ballot papers. i that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i -ive that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice _ that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice that— that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice that when _ that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice that when how _ that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice that when how tune - that was... the turnout was 30.8%. i give notice that when how tune was l give notice that when how tune was duly give notice that when how tune was duty etected — give notice that when how tune was duly elected mayor— give notice that when how tune was duly elected mayor for— give notice that when how tune was duly elected mayor for the - give notice that when how tune was duly elected mayor for the tees - duly elected mayor for the tees valley—

duly elected mayor for the tees valley -- — duly elected mayor for the tees valley -- ben— duly elected mayor for the tees valley —— ben houchen... - duly elected mayor for the tees valley —— ben houchen... é- duly elected mayor for the tees valley -- ben houchen...- duly elected mayor for the tees valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, _ valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, even _ valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, even if _ valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, even if he - valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, even if he has - valley -- ben houchen... a big chair for ben houchen, even if he has lost| for ben houchen, even if he has lost share of the vote, he has held on and listen to what he has to say. thank you. i would like to thank the staff, returning officer and police... and everybody who did an incrediblejob in the polling stations. i'm extremely proud of the work. when it comes to the election i am humbled work. when it comes to the election lam humbled by work. when it comes to the election i am humbled by everyone who voted for me. teesside is a place where i

will live the rest of my life and to be re—elected for a third time is absolutely the greatest honour that anybody can get so i would thank anybody can get so i would thank anybody who voted for me and it's a very proud day and i'm delighted and thank you for backing me for the last seven years and i will keep working for the next four years... we try to show how we can change our city for the better. it is we try to show how we can change our city for the better.— city for the better. it is all a little bit eco _ city for the better. it is all a little bit eco makkelie. - city for the better. it is all a - little bit eco makkelie. thanking everybody and a very personal... maybe he was going to come but what's interesting is the idea of this local personality which is the point of the mayor, the leaders and figures. he has managed to withstand a significant swing away from the

conservative party to labour and if you look at the parliamentary seats in that area, that makes a lot of them very vulnerable. one that probably isn't a simon clark who is very critical of rishi sunak... on the other so far are still sounding loyal in saying this is not the time to get rid of rishi sunak but i don't mean to be rude about the egos of mps but i'm quite a big name in my area andi of mps but i'm quite a big name in my area and i could also withstand this kind of shift but it doesn't really happen in general elections... is notjust ben houchen but it's also a £3 million of the treasury cash that went into teesside. .. treasury cash that went into teesside... you can't underestimate the amount of investment that went into teesside which is why... but there is a — into teesside which is why... but there is a lot _ into teesside which is why... but there is a lot of _ into teesside which is why... but there is a lot of controversy as well. �* ., . , well. below that were stirred by labour.

well. below that were stirred by labour- to _ well. below that were stirred by labour. to underline _ well. below that were stirred by labour. to underline with - well. below that were stirred by labour. to underline with vicky| well. below that were stirred by . labour. to underline with vicky has been saying — labour. to underline with vicky has been saying and — labour. to underline with vicky has been saying and this _ labour. to underline with vicky has been saying and this is _ labour. to underline with vicky has been saying and this is the - labour. to underline with vicky has been saying and this is the first - been saying and this is the first conservative silver lining if you like in these elections and although ben houchen's vote has fallen by 19% since 2021, that was when he got 73%, his performance is still 14% what he achieved in the first contest and he has been the only mayor in tees valley in 2017 and the polling shows support for conservatives in the area in the general election was 21% lower than support recorded for how tune. this win is down to his personal popularity —— ben houchen... that popularity -- ben houchen... that whole bit of— popularity -- ben houchen... that whole bit of discussion _ popularity —— ben houchen... that whole bit of discussion is pathetic from _ whole bit of discussion is pathetic from the — whole bit of discussion is pathetic from the bbc _ whole bit of discussion is pathetic from the bbc. you _ whole bit of discussion is pathetic from the bbc. you enter- whole bit of discussion is pathetic from the bbc. you enter vicky... | from the bbc. you enter vicky... this— from the bbc. you enter vicky... this is— from the bbc. you enter vicky... this is pathetic. _ from the bbc. you enter vicky... this is pathetic. all— from the bbc. you enter vicky... this is pathetic. all you - from the bbc. you enter vicky... this is pathetic. all you are - from the bbc. you enter vicky... i this is pathetic. all you are saying is he _ this is pathetic. all you are saying is he had — this is pathetic. all you are saying is he had the _ this is pathetic. all you are saying is he had the swing _ this is pathetic. all you are saying is he had the swing away... - this is pathetic. all you are saying is he had the swing away... i- this is pathetic. all you are sayingl is he had the swing away... i am... no one— is he had the swing away... i am... no one is— is he had the swing away... i am... no one is taking _ is he had the swing away... i am... no one is taking away _ is he had the swing away... i am... no one is taking away from - is he had the swing away... i am... no one is taking away from ben - no one is taking away from ben houchen. , , ., . , no one is taking away from ben houchen. , ,, . , , no one is taking away from ben houchen. , i. . , , . houchen. yes, you are. this is all credit to a —

houchen. yes, you are. this is all credit to a mayor _ houchen. yes, you are. this is all credit to a mayor who _ houchen. yes, you are. this is all credit to a mayor who has - houchen. yes, you are. this is all credit to a mayor who has done i houchen. yes, you are. this is all| credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely — credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely brilliant _ credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely brilliant job _ credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely brilliant job in - credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely brilliant job in a - credit to a mayor who has done an absolutely brilliantjob in a key- absolutely brilliant job in a key part of— absolutely brilliant job in a key part of the _ absolutely brilliant job in a key part of the levelling _ absolutely brilliant job in a key part of the levelling up - absolutely brilliant job in a key part of the levelling up agenda absolutely brilliantjob in a key. part of the levelling up agenda for this government. _ part of the levelling up agenda for this government. this _ part of the levelling up agenda for this government. this is - part of the levelling up agenda for this government. this is an- part of the levelling up agenda for. this government. this is an absolute testament _ this government. this is an absolute testament to — this government. this is an absolute testament to the _ this government. this is an absolute testament to the conservative - testament to the conservative government _ testament to the conservative government... hang - testament to the conservative government... hang on... - testament to the conservativej government... hang on... but testament to the conservative - government... hang on... but have backed — government... hang on... but have backed ben _ government... hang on... but have backed ben houchen— government... hang on... but have backed ben houchen and _ government... hang on... but have backed ben houchen and it - government... hang on... but have backed ben houchen and it is - government... hang on... but have backed ben houchen and it is an- backed ben houchen and it is an absolute — backed ben houchen and it is an absolute testament— backed ben houchen and it is an absolute testament to _ backed ben houchen and it is an absolute testament to him - backed ben houchen and it is an absolute testament to him and i backed ben houchen and it is an| absolute testament to him and a backed ben houchen and it is an- absolute testament to him and a good conservative _ absolute testament to him and a good conservative and _ absolute testament to him and a good conservative and his _ absolute testament to him and a good conservative and his conservative... l conservative and his conservative... on his— conservative and his conservative... on his area — conservative and his conservative... on his area in— conservative and his conservative... on his area in negotiating _ conservative and his conservative... on his area in negotiating to- conservative and his conservative... on his area in negotiating to win - on his area in negotiating to win and to— on his area in negotiating to win and to apply— on his area in negotiating to win and to apply for _ on his area in negotiating to win and to apply for the _ on his area in negotiating to win and to apply for the funding - on his area in negotiating to win and to apply for the funding that on his area in negotiating to win . and to apply for the funding that is avaitabtem — and to apply for the funding that is available- - -— and to apply for the funding that is available... ., . . ., , , . available... you have ma'or speech but actually — available... you have ma'or speech but actually we h available... you have ma'or speech but actually we can _ available. .. you have major speech but actually we can show— available... you have major speech but actually we can show exactly i available... you have major speech i but actually we can show exactly why it is not necessarily down to the conservative government. this was his poster. my promise to you is to deliver flights to malaga and tenerife from teesside airport. nothing about the conservative party. hang on. and nothing about rishi sunak. no one is taking away from his victory, his personal victory but the evidence andrea is very clear that it was despite the conservatives and not necessarily

because of them. this is another one. we are backing band. where is the tory logo? where is rishi sunak? where is the conservative party now? are you asserting that nobody knew he was _ are you asserting that nobody knew he was a _ are you asserting that nobody knew he was a conservative? _ are you asserting that nobody knew he was a conservative? i’m“ - are you asserting that nobody knew he was a conservative?— are you asserting that nobody knew he was a conservative? i'm sure they did and what — he was a conservative? i'm sure they did and what they _ he was a conservative? i'm sure they did and what they said _ he was a conservative? i'm sure they did and what they said to _ he was a conservative? i'm sure they did and what they said to him was . did and what they said to him was they are voting for him but they are not voting conservative next elections. that's your assertion. that's what the political editor in the northeast. this that's what the political editor in the northeast.— the northeast. this is a fantastic victory--- yes. — the northeast. this is a fantastic victory... yes, for _ the northeast. this is a fantastic victory... yes, for ben _ the northeast. this is a fantastic victory... yes, for ben houchen. the northeast. this is a fantastic- victory... yes, for ben houchen. and demonstrate — victory... yes, for ben houchen. and demonstrate what _ victory... yes, for ben houchen. and demonstrate what are _ victory... yes, for ben houchen. and demonstrate what are levelling - victory... yes, for ben houchen. and demonstrate what are levelling up i demonstrate what are levelling up pi’op demonstrate what are levelling up prop policy— demonstrate what are levelling up prop policy is— demonstrate what are levelling up prop policy is achieving. _ demonstrate what are levelling up prop policy is achieving. out- demonstrate what are levelling up prop policy is achieving.— prop policy is achieving. out in dorset liberal _ prop policy is achieving. out in dorset liberal democrats - prop policy is achieving. out in dorset liberal democrats are l dorset liberal democrats are campaigning hard and we hope to see -ains campaigning hard and we hope to see gains today— campaigning hard and we hope to see gains today when the results come out. gains today when the results come out down — gains today when the results come out. down in dorset the conservatives are putting out teaftets — conservatives are putting out leaflets saying they were distancing themselves from the national conservatives and the leaflet said we want — conservatives and the leaflet said we want to distance ourselves from the chaos _ we want to distance ourselves from the chaos of westminster and you

have conservative parties around the country _ have conservative parties around the country calling themselves the local conservatives saying please don't punish _ conservatives saying please don't punish us — conservatives saying please don't punish us for what national politicians are doing.- punish us for what national politicians are doing. how many labour mps _ politicians are doing. how many labour mps have _ politicians are doing. how many. labour mps have jeremy corbyn? politicians are doing. how many - labour mps have jeremy corbyn? come labour mps havejeremy corbyn? come on, you fight the battle in front of you. that's politics. the idea that he suddenly shocks... it you. that's politics. the idea that he suddenly shocks. . ._ you. that's politics. the idea that he suddenly shocks... it still says that there — he suddenly shocks... it still says that there are _ he suddenly shocks... it still says that there are conservatives - he suddenly shocks... it still says that there are conservatives who | he suddenly shocks... it still says i that there are conservatives who are embarrassed of rishi sunak. perhaps ou should embarrassed of rishi sunak. perhaps you should have _ embarrassed of rishi sunak. perhaps you should have taken _ embarrassed of rishi sunak. perhaps you should have taken that _ you should have taken that mayoralty. labourwere you should have taken that mayoralty. labour were dominant in the tees valley once upon a time and in the whole area of teesside and the conservatives took that from you. they took it and he now holds onto it, ben houchen, conservative or otherwise, labour did not win. fl or otherwise, labour did not win. h and at the time the ben houchen was fighting a battle against the conservatives. i don't know it is quite the victory that andrea is saying it is for the conservative

party but nevertheless it is also a swing to labour in that set of results and if you extrapolate that to the swing that is needed to win the seat in the battleground seats in tees valley of the general election, redcar, darlington, stockton, and the swing, i think we take those seats so although we didn't take the mayoralty, we have certainly gained a great deal of ground in an area where we need to win seats at the general election but goes back to the point that we don't take any votes for granted and we are not complacent and we will continue to work hard and speak to people in that tees valley area so they can put their trust in us and they can put their trust in us and the general election. has they can put their trust in us and the general election. that they can put their trust in us and the general election.— the general election. as i say, andrea, when _ the general election. as i say, andrea, when you _ the general election. as i say, andrea, when you look- the general election. as i say, andrea, when you look at - the general election. as i say, - andrea, when you look at areas like hartlepool that was a low point in 2021 for the labour party and its record of the keir starmer recorded quitting so bad was it in terms of election results and losing a by—election in hartlepool but labour have taken it, they have taken hartlepool and so they should but what does it mean for your

conservative party when they are losing the sorts of councils in areas that you want and those post—brexit years and that lights scrubbing? i post-brexit years and that lights scrubbinl ? ~ post-brexit years and that lights scrubbinl ? ,, . . post-brexit years and that lights scrubbinl? ,, . ., , ., scrubbing? i think what a shows for us is that we _ scrubbing? i think what a shows for us is that we need _ scrubbing? i think what a shows for us is that we need to _ scrubbing? i think what a shows for us is that we need to get _ scrubbing? i think what a shows for us is that we need to get the - us is that we need to get the message _ us is that we need to get the message out— us is that we need to get the message out there _ us is that we need to get the message out there about - us is that we need to get the j message out there about the us is that we need to get the - message out there about the attempts that the _ message out there about the attempts that the government _ message out there about the attempts that the government is _ message out there about the attempts that the government is really- message out there about the attempts that the government is really making l that the government is really making to recover— that the government is really making to recover inflation, _ that the government is really making to recover inflation, to _ that the government is really making to recover inflation, to levels - to recover inflation, to levels previously _ to recover inflation, to levels previously experienced - to recover inflation, to levels previously experienced suchi to recover inflation, to levels i previously experienced such as to recover inflation, to levels - previously experienced such as 2% target _ previously experienced such as 2% target of— previously experienced such as 2% target of the — previously experienced such as 2% target of the bank _ previously experienced such as 2% target of the bank of _ previously experienced such as 2% target of the bank of england - previously experienced such as 2% target of the bank of england and| previously experienced such as 2% l target of the bank of england and to put more _ target of the bank of england and to put more money— target of the bank of england and to put more money to— target of the bank of england and to put more money to be _ target of the bank of england and to put more money to be built's - target of the bank of england and toi put more money to be built's pockets through— put more money to be built's pockets through tax— put more money to be built's pockets through tax cuts _ put more money to be built's pockets through tax cuts. you _ put more money to be built's pockets through tax cuts.— through tax cuts. you have been sa inl through tax cuts. you have been saying this _ through tax cuts. you have been saying this since _ through tax cuts. you have been saying this since january. - through tax cuts. you have been saying this since january. i - through tax cuts. you have been saying this since january. i think| saying this since january. i think it's a very _ saying this since january. i think it's a very recent _ saying this since january. i think it's a very recent and _ saying this since january. i think it's a very recent and as - saying this since january. i think it's a very recent and as i - saying this since january. i think it's a very recent and as i said i it's a very recent and as i said earlier, — it's a very recent and as i said earlier, after— it's a very recent and as i said earlier, after we _ it's a very recent and as i said earlier, after we have - it's a very recent and as i said earlier, after we have had - earlier, after we have had this terrible — earlier, after we have had this terrible pandemic— earlier, after we have had this terrible pandemic and - earlier, after we have had this terrible pandemic and the - earlier, after we have had this. terrible pandemic and the energy crisis _ terrible pandemic and the energy crisis in _ terrible pandemic and the energy crisis in kosovan_ terrible pandemic and the energy crisis in kosovan crisis... - terrible pandemic and the energy crisis in kosovan crisis... you - terrible pandemic and the energy crisis in kosovan crisis... you had our crisis in kosovan crisis... you had your budget- _ crisis in kosovan crisis... you had your budget. once _ crisis in kosovan crisis... you had your budget. once in _ crisis in kosovan crisis... you had your budget. once in a _ crisis in kosovan crisis... you had your budget. once in a hundred l crisis in kosovan crisis... you had i your budget. once in a hundred year events, your budget. once in a hundred year events. global _ your budget. once in a hundred year events, global events _ your budget. once in a hundred year events, global events -- _ your budget. once in a hundred year events, global events -- the - your budget. once in a hundred year events, global events -- the cost. your budget. once in a hundred year events, global events -- the cost of| events, global events —— the cost of living _ events, global events —— the cost of

living crisis~~~ — events, global events —— the cost of living crisis... other— events, global events —— the cost of living crisis... other economies - events, global events —— the cost of living crisis... other economies are| living crisis... other economies are also struggling _ living crisis... other economies are also struggling across _ living crisis... other economies are also struggling across the - living crisis... other economies are also struggling across the world - living crisis... other economies arei also struggling across the world and our growth — also struggling across the world and our growth has _ also struggling across the world and our growth has been _ also struggling across the world and our growth has been better- also struggling across the world and our growth has been better and - also struggling across the world and. our growth has been better and many others _ our growth has been better and many others. but_ our growth has been better and many others. �* , ., , our growth has been better and many others. �* , .,, ., �* our growth has been better and many others. �* , .,�* , our growth has been better and many others. �* , ., �* , ., our growth has been better and many others. �* , , others. but people don't seem to be creditinl others. but people don't seem to be crediting you- _ others. but people don't seem to be crediting you. and _ others. but people don't seem to be crediting you. and that's _ others. but people don't seem to be crediting you. and that's why - others. but people don't seem to be crediting you. and that's why i - others. but people don't seem to be crediting you. and that's why i am i crediting you. and that's why i am sa inl crediting you. and that's why i am saying people _ crediting you. and that's why i am saying people are _ crediting you. and that's why i am saying people are fed _ crediting you. and that's why i am saying people are fed up - crediting you. and that's why i am saying people are fed up and - crediting you. and that's why i am saying people are fed up and if. crediting you. and that's why i am | saying people are fed up and if you compare _ saying people are fed up and if you compare a — saying people are fed up and if you compare a lovely— saying people are fed up and if you compare a lovely seats _ saying people are fed up and if you compare a lovely seats for - saying people are fed up and if you compare a lovely seats for in - saying people are fed up and if you compare a lovely seats for in 2021| compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when _ compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when the — compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when the reverse _ compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when the reverse was _ compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when the reverse was true, - compare a lovely seats for in 2021 when the reverse was true, we i compare a lovely seats for in 2021 i when the reverse was true, we came out of— when the reverse was true, we came out of lockdownl _ when the reverse was true, we came out of lockdown, we _ when the reverse was true, we came out of lockdown, we just _ when the reverse was true, we came out of lockdown, we just managed . when the reverse was true, we camej out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate _ out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate all — out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate all of _ out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate all of our _ out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate all of our population - out of lockdown, we just managed to vaccinate all of our population and i vaccinate all of our population and people _ vaccinate all of our population and people because _ vaccinate all of our population and people because 's _ vaccinate all of our population and people because 'sjobs _ vaccinate all of our population and people because 's jobs and - people because 'sjobs and livelihoods... _ people because 'sjobs and livelihoods... [n— people because 's 'obs and livelihoods. . ._ people because 's 'obs and livelihoods... :: ' .. livelihoods... in 2021 the vote was forever was _ livelihoods... in 2021 the vote was forever was running _ livelihoods... in 2021 the vote was forever was running the _ livelihoods... in 2021 the vote was forever was running the country. l livelihoods... in 2021 the vote was| forever was running the country. in forever was running the country. in terms forever was running the country. terms of forever was running the country. in terms of what andrea saying there isn't long to the general election but what is going to have to change in order to narrow that gap? 20 point change and we are seeing these losses in key parts of the country, whether hartlepool, berwick, redditch, rushmore? i whether hartlepool, berwick, redditch, rushmore?- whether hartlepool, berwick, redditch, rushmore? ithink the aroblem redditch, rushmore? ithink the problem the _ redditch, rushmore? ithink the problem the government - redditch, rushmore? ithink the problem the government has - redditch, rushmore? i think the| problem the government has now redditch, rushmore? i think the i problem the government has now is that even the most optimistic people in the tory party look at the 20 point oil and don't buy it. they say

that in their patch feels fine but now we have a john curtis says that they basically have a party that if they basically have a party that if they were on a similar level this is exactly how they would perform. it's going to be a wake—up call, along wake—up call but i think the issue is now the party have been blocked in by reform uk on one side and labour together and they left it too late to do anything about it. george galloway who _ late to do anything about it. george galloway who was _ late to do anything about it. george galloway who was the _ late to do anything about it. george galloway who was the mp _ late to do anything about it. george galloway who was the mp for i late to do anything about it. george i galloway who was the mp for rochdale for the workers party in britain and you can see the back of him wearing a hat at count in rochdale and that was something of a disaster for the labour party. he said he was doing it for gaza and there has been councillors quitting the labour party. ellie, what's your prediction for rochdale? i’m party. ellie, what's your prediction for rochdale?— party. ellie, what's your prediction for rochdale? i'm not going to make aredictions for rochdale? i'm not going to make predictions for _ for rochdale? i'm not going to make predictions for rochdale. _ for rochdale? i'm not going to make predictions for rochdale. you - predictions for rochdale. you mention the roster by—election we

didn't stand a candidate there. it was a bit of a disaster. we i didn't stand a candidate there. it was a bit of a disaster. we tookl didn't stand a candidate there. it i was a bit of a disaster. we took the decision to — was a bit of a disaster. we took the decision to not _ was a bit of a disaster. we took the decision to not stand _ was a bit of a disaster. we took the decision to not stand there - was a bit of a disaster. we took the decision to not stand there which i decision to not stand there which was regrettable and we move to hope to have a candidate rushed out for the general election.— to have a candidate rushed out for the general election. again, this is a art of the general election. again, this is a part of the _ the general election. again, this is a part of the country, _ the general election. again, this is a part of the country, usually i the general election. again, this is a part of the country, usually very | a part of the country, usually very traditionally labour but is being challenged very much either by independence or in this case the workers party for britain. taste independence or in this case the workers party for britain. we talked to bowed before _ workers party for britain. we talked to bowed before the _ workers party for britain. we talked to bowed before the fact _ workers party for britain. we talked to bowed before the fact that i to bowed before the fact that independence generally fare better independence generally fare better in local elections than they do in general elections but we know that we need to rebuild trust in the something we are doing and working hard on. let's show you the results in hatfield. i think we can... i don't think we have the full result. actually, i should don't think we have the full result. actually, ishould remind ourselves... many of these councils are not up in total. not all seats

are not up in total. not all seats are being elected and they are up in thirds. that makes it more difficult for one or other party to take control. sometimes they can stay as they were but here it is in hatfield and it is a hung parliament, no overall control, 25 required for a majority, labour on 20, the liberal democrats and 15, the conservatives on 11 but if we show you the seats that have changed hands, again, a salutary lesson there in welwyn hatfield and the local mp there and its grand shops the conservative mp, it's hung but labour have gone up by eight, the liberal democrats by two and the conservatives have dropped by ten. if we have a look at the share it's quite close there, 32% for labour, 21% for the liberal democrats and 35% for the conservatives. this is going to make

conservatives. this is going to make conservative mps who hold the seeds by the two in or close to the council nervous.— by the two in or close to the council nervous. yes, grant shops seat and it's _ council nervous. yes, grant shops seat and it's all _ council nervous. yes, grant shops seat and it's all feeds _ council nervous. yes, grant shops seat and it's all feeds into - council nervous. yes, grant shops seat and it's all feeds into the i seat and it's all feeds into the mood of conservative mps who will be happy about any victories in the mayoral elections but they will be looking at the shares in the bout and the direction of travel and i think what's frustrating and worrying them so much is that there doesn't seem to be any sign of the gap closing between labour and conservatives. all the levers that rishi sunak is pulling doesn't seem to be making any difference. they feel like the electorate have stopped listening to them. we are not in a general election campaign yet so what they say to me is they are now holding out hope that people of the interest of the moment. of course these things and turn out is much lower in local elections and they are hoping that when it comes to a general election people will focus more that there will be more questioning of labour and labour

plasma policies and what they were doing government and they hope that thatis doing government and they hope that that is what is going to save them but as you are saying, this is a real vote being made here and it's not looking good for the conservatives.— not looking good for the conservatives. every time a politician — conservatives. every time a politician comes _ conservatives. every time a politician comes on - conservatives. every time a politician comes on a i conservatives. every time a politician comes on a draft. conservatives. every time a i politician comes on a draft pol is on television and the only poll is better— on television and the only poll is better ids. here it is laid bare. but people can vote differently in local elections. it's not the general election it's just that the temperature of england and wales and parts of it because everybody has an election somewhere in england and wales, the temperature is being tested here. liberal democrats quite often are overrepresented in local elections and it doesn't translate necessarily into the number of seats that you would like to see at a general election and so far you are holding your position. you need to be taking some councils, wouldn't you, to be putting more pressure on the conservatives if you want to

improve your tally of the general election? taste improve your tally of the general election? ~ ., improve your tally of the general election? . . , _. improve your tally of the general election? . . , , election? we are in second place in the conservatives _ election? we are in second place in the conservatives with _ election? we are in second place in the conservatives with 80 - the conservatives with 80 seats around — the conservatives with 80 seats around the country and those of the seats _ around the country and those of the seats we _ around the country and those of the seats we are campaigning hard and hope _ seats we are campaigning hard and hope to— seats we are campaigning hard and hope to win the conceits them are conserved — hope to win the conceits them are conserved to soften the general election— conserved to soften the general election is called. we have so far consolidated our position in stockport and winchester and eastleigh and it may well be that by the end _ eastleigh and it may well be that by the end of— eastleigh and it may well be that by the end of the day we still may have the end of the day we still may have the best— the end of the day we still may have the best to — the end of the day we still may have the best to come and made a couple of other— the best to come and made a couple of other places around the country by the _ of other places around the country by the end — of other places around the country by the end of today we may have gained _ by the end of today we may have gained those chances and if we do that will— gained those chances and if we do that will be a sure sign we're set to win _ that will be a sure sign we're set to win more _ that will be a sure sign we're set to win more seats of the conservatives when the general election— conservatives when the general election finally comes. the other im aortant election finally comes. the other important thing _ election finally comes. the other important thing is _ election finally comes. the other important thing is historic - election finally comes. the other| important thing is historic context in terms of the governing parties are and oppositions are. they are this close to a general election. labour has done well, no doubt about it, but you're expected to do well. it not spectacular as yet in terms of if you look at the local elections in 1995 and 1996 that led to a landslide under tony blair. does that where you are bit? iii to a landslide under tony blair. does that where you are bit? if you look at this — does that where you are bit? if you look at this stage _ does that where you are bit? if you

look at this stage of _ does that where you are bit? if you look at this stage of the _ does that where you are bit? if you look at this stage of the electoral l look at this stage of the electoral cycle and i was interested that richard holden said this was mid—term elections. richard holden said this was mid-term elections.- richard holden said this was mid-term elections. more like five to midnight- _ mid-term elections. more like five to midnight. that's _ mid-term elections. more like five to midnight. that's right. - mid-term elections. more like five j to midnight. that's right. actually, loverninl to midnight. that's right. actually, governing parties _ to midnight. that's right. actually, governing parties would _ to midnight. that's right. actually, governing parties would normally l to midnight. that's right. actually, l governing parties would normally do better at this stage because there is normally a pre—election bounce as the party of government does their pre—election budget and they set out their pre—election policy giveaway and that hasn't happened so you would expect the governing parties have a bounce rather than go backwards which seems to be happening with this set of results. and that's a fair point, isn't it? what are you going to change? you don't have a manifesto there. how close do we have to be to have the pulse change? it’s close do we have to be to have the pulse change?— pulse change? it's not necessary that and i don't _ pulse change? it's not necessary that and i don't agree _ pulse change? it's not necessary that and i don't agree that i pulse change? it's not necessary that and i don't agree that you i pulse change? it's not necessary i that and i don't agree that you will see a _ that and i don't agree that you will see a bounce — that and i don't agree that you will see a bounce because _ that and i don't agree that you will see a bounce because we - that and i don't agree that you will see a bounce because we were i that and i don't agree that you will see a bounce because we were set that and i don't agree that you will i see a bounce because we were set up a manifesto _ see a bounce because we were set up a manifesto which _ see a bounce because we were set up a manifesto which we _ see a bounce because we were set up a manifesto which we haven't - see a bounce because we were set up a manifesto which we haven't done i a manifesto which we haven't done what _ a manifesto which we haven't done what we _ a manifesto which we haven't done what we are — a manifesto which we haven't done what we are seeking _ a manifesto which we haven't done

what we are seeking to _ a manifesto which we haven't done what we are seeking to do - a manifesto which we haven't done what we are seeking to do is - a manifesto which we haven't done what we are seeking to do is cut. what we are seeking to do is cut taxes _ what we are seeking to do is cut taxes and — what we are seeking to do is cut taxes and see _ what we are seeking to do is cut taxes and see real— what we are seeking to do is cut taxes and see real wages - what we are seeking to do is cutj taxes and see real wages rising. completely_ taxes and see real wages rising. completely right _ taxes and see real wages rising. completely right that _ taxes and see real wages rising. completely right that is - taxes and see real wages rising. completely right that is not i completely right that is not mid-term _ completely right that is not mid—term but _ completely right that is not mid—term but on _ completely right that is not mid—term but on the - completely right that is not mid—term but on the other| completely right that is not - mid—term but on the other hand completely right that is not _ mid—term but on the other hand what i would _ mid—term but on the other hand what i would genuinely— mid—term but on the other hand what i would genuinely like _ mid—term but on the other hand what i would genuinely like john— mid—term but on the other hand what i would genuinely like john curtis - i would genuinely like john curtis to opine — i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on — i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on is _ i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on is that— i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on is that in— i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on is that in 2021- i would genuinely like john curtis to opine on is that in 2021 we - to opine on is that in 2021 we performed _ to opine on is that in 2021 we performed a _ to opine on is that in 2021 we performed a massively - to opine on is that in 2021 we - performed a massively outperformed soap this _ performed a massively outperformed soap this result — performed a massively outperformed soap this result is _ performed a massively outperformed soap this result is a _ performed a massively outperformed soap this result is a function - performed a massively outperformed soap this result is a function of- soap this result is a function of that_ soap this result is a function of that high— soap this result is a function of that high water— soap this result is a function of that high water mark— soap this result is a function of that high water mark and - soap this result is a function of that high water mark and i- soap this result is a function of. that high water mark and i would soap this result is a function of- that high water mark and i would be interested _ that high water mark and i would be interested genuinely— that high water mark and i would be interested genuinely to _ that high water mark and i would be interested genuinely to know- that high water mark and i would be i interested genuinely to know whether taking _ interested genuinely to know whether taking that _ interested genuinely to know whether taking that into — interested genuinely to know whether taking that into account, _ interested genuinely to know whether taking that into account, are - interested genuinely to know whether taking that into account, are these . taking that into account, are these results _ taking that into account, are these results as— taking that into account, are these results as disastrous _ taking that into account, are these results as disastrous or— taking that into account, are these results as disastrous or is - taking that into account, are these results as disastrous or is it - taking that into account, are these results as disastrous or is it in - results as disastrous or is it in fact— results as disastrous or is it in fact the — results as disastrous or is it in fact the case _ results as disastrous or is it in fact the case that _ results as disastrous or is it in fact the case that a _ results as disastrous or is it in fact the case that a lot - results as disastrous or is it in fact the case that a lot of- fact the case that a lot of conservatives _ fact the case that a lot of conservatives are - fact the case that a lot of conservatives are sitting i fact the case that a lot of. conservatives are sitting on fact the case that a lot of- conservatives are sitting on their hands _ conservatives are sitting on their hands the — conservatives are sitting on their hands the moment _ conservatives are sitting on their hands the moment because - conservatives are sitting on their. hands the moment because they're conservatives are sitting on their - hands the moment because they're a bit fed _ hands the moment because they're a bit fed up— hands the moment because they're a bit fed up and— hands the moment because they're a bit fed up and actually— hands the moment because they're a bit fed up and actually will— bit fed up and actually will come out and — bit fed up and actually will come out and turnover— bit fed up and actually will come out and turnover is _ bit fed up and actually will come out and turnover is a _ bit fed up and actually will come - out and turnover is a very important point _ out and turnover is a very important point here _ out and turnover is a very important point here as — out and turnover is a very important point here as well. _ out and turnover is a very important point here as well. we _ out and turnover is a very important point here as well. we have - out and turnover is a very important point here as well. we have seen i point here as well. we have seen in some _ point here as well. we have seen in some of— point here as well. we have seen in some of these — point here as well. we have seen in some of these local— point here as well. we have seen in some of these local council- point here as well. we have seen in| some of these local council turnouts as tow _ some of these local council turnouts as tow as _ some of these local council turnouts as tow as 30%~ _ some of these local council turnouts as low as 30%. in _ some of these local council turnouts as low as 30%. in blackpool- some of these local council turnouts as low as 30%. in blackpool south l as low as 30%. in blackpool south spent _ as low as 30%. in blackpool south spent 32%~ — as low as 30%. in blackpool south spent 32%~ it— as low as 3096. in blackpool south sent 32%. ., �* as low as 3096. in blackpool south spent 3296-— spent 3296. it hasn't been low, a bit lower that his _ spent 3296. it hasn't been low, a bit lower that his valley but _ spent 3296. it hasn't been low, a bit lower that his valley but not - spent 3296. it hasn't been low, a bit lower that his valley but not by - lower that his valley but not by much because you know, andrea, local elections, important though they are, important we don't tend to see high turnout. we will get the

all—important projected national all—importa nt projected national share all—important projected national share later on in the afternoon and that will give us an estimate, and it is an estimate, as to how if people have voted the same way nationally where the parties are and that will be very important in terms of the gap between labour and the conservatives and exactly what percentage of out you have. just briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor— briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in _ briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire _ briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire -- - briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire -- but - briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby| see editor in yorkshire -- but bbc see editor in yorkshire —— but bbc yorkshire... thing labour has won the york and north yorkshire mayor labour are not saying this and has not been confirmed that that's what some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back _ some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. _ some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. and - some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. and this i some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. and this is| some parties are saying. rishi i sunak's back yard. and this is an u date sunak's back yard. and this is an update about _ sunak's back yard. and this is an update about the _ sunak's back yard. and this is an update about the west _ sunak's back yard. and this is an update about the west midlands | sunak's back yard. and this is an - update about the west midlands where there has been a bit of a row because labour had been briefing that they were going to on course for defeat in the west midlands and

citing the independent candidate who was standing on a pro—gaza ticket and saying that was a major factor but a senior party source apparently has sent to our political editor there that is the middle east not there that is the middle east not the west midlands that has one andy st that contest and once again, how mass is the real villain. we had a response does hummus... that my yet again... pretty swift in terms of condemnation. _ yet again... pretty swift in terms of condemnation. on _ yet again... pretty swift in terms of condemnation. on the - yet again... pretty swift in termsj of condemnation. on the smaller parties and other parties and independent stomach we are going to pause because we are going to richard moss who has an interview with the tees valley mayor, ben houchen. ., . . ., , ., houchen. lord congratulations on our houchen. lord congratulations on your victory- _ houchen. lord congratulations on your victory. conservatives - houchen. lord congratulations on| your victory. conservatives haven't done extremely well but why did you?

we have unable to deliver and we should _ we have unable to deliver and we should real delivery for people, things— should real delivery for people, things i— should real delivery for people, things i said i would do in 2017 and 2021ahd _ things i said i would do in 2017 and 2021 and that's not what ijust said they can _ 2021 and that's not what ijust said they can see it and touch it for themselves and people have jobs, with increased employment 5a% since i was elected and are still more to do but _ i was elected and are still more to do but i _ i was elected and are still more to do but i think people have seen the progress _ do but i think people have seen the progress we made and they want to see more _ progress we made and they want to see more of that which is why they have _ see more of that which is why they have voted — see more of that which is why they have voted us.— see more of that which is why they have voted us. how much you think this is a personal _ have voted us. how much you think this is a personal vote _ have voted us. how much you think this is a personal vote for— have voted us. how much you think this is a personal vote for you - this is a personal vote for you rather the conservatives? you are much more popular than your party on the spur of the world?— the spur of the world? that's very kind of you _ the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to _ the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to say. _ the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to say. i _ the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to say. i don't - the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to say. i don't know, l the spur of the world? that's very kind of you to say. i don't know, i | kind of you to say. i don't know, i 'ust kind of you to say. i don't know, i just fight— kind of you to say. i don't know, i just fight for— kind of you to say. i don't know, i just fight for every single vote in the do _ just fight for every single vote in the do nry— just fight for every single vote in the do my best for my local area and do what's _ the do my best for my local area and do what's right but i can get away from _ do what's right but i can get away from the — do what's right but i can get away from the fact that richey and government have helped is a huge amount _ government have helped is a huge amount. the treasury in tournament, freeport _ amount. the treasury in tournament, freeport and — amount. the treasury in tournament, freeport and devolution and we cannot— freeport and devolution and we cannot do— freeport and devolution and we cannot do all these things when working — cannot do all these things when working with the governments i am thankful— working with the governments i am thankful for them for the support they've _ thankful for them for the support they've given me. you thankful for them for the support they've given me.— thankful for them for the support they've given me. you want keen to be conservative _ they've given me. you want keen to be conservative in _ they've given me. you want keen to be conservative in your— they've given me. you want keen to be conservative in your poster? - they've given me. you want keen to be conservative in your poster? it . be conservative in your poster? it was very much a ben houchen campaign. you're keen emphasise this was a vote but that might be seen as

saying i don't want much association with the conservative government at westminster because it isn't popular. westminster because it isn't -o - ular. ., westminster because it isn't --oular. ., , , , . popular. not sure because we had rishi sunak _ popular. not sure because we had rishi sunak in _ popular. not sure because we had rishi sunak in the _ popular. not sure because we had rishi sunak in the campaign - popular. not sure because we had rishi sunak in the campaign and l popular. not sure because we had. rishi sunak in the campaign and he cante— rishi sunak in the campaign and he canre up— rishi sunak in the campaign and he came up and we should all the fantastic— came up and we should all the fantastic work he did and he supports _ fantastic work he did and he supports us in this local area and nobody— supports us in this local area and nobody pretends that i'm not conservative. people know the for and i_ conservative. people know the for and i never — conservative. people know the for and i never shied away from that but it's true _ and i never shied away from that but it's true to _ and i never shied away from that but it's true to say that i've always put our— it's true to say that i've always put our area first.— it's true to say that i've always put our area first. does this give any solace _ put our area first. does this give any solace to — put our area first. does this give any solace to rishi _ put our area first. does this give any solace to rishi sunak - put our area first. does this give any solace to rishi sunak that i put our area first. does this give | any solace to rishi sunak that he can win the general election with conservatives winning here in teesside or is it about ben houchen winning? teesside or is it about ben houchen winnin: ? �* , teesside or is it about ben houchen winninr? �*, . ., teesside or is it about ben houchen winnim? �*, . .. . . teesside or is it about ben houchen winnim? �*, . .. , winning? there's always a chance but i kee winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying — winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is _ winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is what _ winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is what we _ winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is what we need - winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is what we need is i winning? there's always a chance but i keep saying is what we need is a i i keep saying is what we need is a government to do better and continue to be better for people. the people that i_ to be better for people. the people that i know that may not vote conservative in the next general election— conservative in the next general election want more progress and we want to— election want more progress and we want to give them the excuse to vote for us _ want to give them the excuse to vote for us but _ want to give them the excuse to vote for us but we haven't given them an excuse _ for us but we haven't given them an excuse abte — for us but we haven't given them an excuse able what we have seen in the try-election _ excuse able what we have seen in the by—election here is that when you do deliver— by—election here is that when you do deliver and _ by—election here is that when you do deliver and give people real and tangible — deliver and give people real and tangible results people back you again— tangible results people back you again so— tangible results people back you again so there is still a chance and again so there is still a chance and a tot—

again so there is still a chance and a tot of— again so there is still a chance and a tot of work— again so there is still a chance and a lot of work to do and the government needs to get on with it what we _ government needs to get on with it what we are seeing is a labour party with multiple visits from keir starmer— with multiple visits from keir starmer and the shadow cabinet and they were _ starmer and the shadow cabinet and they were trying to pretend this is about— they were trying to pretend this is about labour versus conservative and they didn't _ about labour versus conservative and they didn't do as well as they wanted _ they didn't do as well as they wanted. they were very confident a few days _ wanted. they were very confident a few days ago that there were going to win _ few days ago that there were going to win and — few days ago that there were going to win and they haven't. there's a lot to win and they haven't. there's a tot to _ to win and they haven't. there's a tot to play— to win and they haven't. there's a lot to play for nationally but that's — lot to play for nationally but that's for commentators and others to worry— that's for commentators and others to worry about. i'm worried my local area and _ to worry about. i'm worried my local area and the — to worry about. i'm worried my local area and the people i represent. it area and the people i represent. [it could area and the people i represent. could be a area and the people i represent. it could be a change of government round the corner, would things be quite as for the labour government involved? ~ ., quite as for the labour government involved? ~ . , , . , , involved? what is seen as everything we've done has _ involved? what is seen as everything we've done has been _ involved? what is seen as everything we've done has been fantastic- involved? what is seen as everything we've done has been fantastic and i involved? what is seen as everything | we've done has been fantastic and we created _ we've done has been fantastic and we created tots _ we've done has been fantastic and we created lots ofjobs and huge investment and i have four labour teaders _ investment and i have four labour leaders have to get agreement from anyway— leaders have to get agreement from anyway as— leaders have to get agreement from anyway as part of a combined authority— anyway as part of a combined authority as i'm used to working cross— authority as i'm used to working cross party— authority as i'm used to working cross party so if there was a labour government— cross party so if there was a labour government he has promised more powers— government he has promised more powers and — government he has promised more powers and more money to mayor setected _ powers and more money to mayor selected me more freedom to get on and do _ selected me more freedom to get on and do what i do best which is deliver— and do what i do best which is detiver for— and do what i do best which is deliver for local people. can rishi sunak deliver _ deliver for local people. can rishi sunak deliver for _ deliver for local people. can rishi sunak deliver for the _ deliver for local people. can rishi i sunak deliver for the conservatives? absolutely, he can. we have to get

work— absolutely, he can. we have to get work and _ absolutely, he can. we have to get work and double down and give people a reason _ work and double down and give people a reason to— work and double down and give people a reason to vote for us. ben houchen. — a reason to vote for us. ben houchen, thank— a reason to vote for us. ben houchen, thank you - a reason to vote for us. ben houchen, thank you very i a reason to vote for us. beg houchen, thank you very much. a reason to vote for us. ben - houchen, thank you very much. that was richard — houchen, thank you very much. that was richard moss _ houchen, thank you very much. that was richard moss talking to the triumphant ben houchen. the conservative candidate and incumbent in the tees valley and he has got a third term. he said at the commentators to make a decision. cue harry cole. and of course watchers and observers, vicky young, the government needs to do better at delivering. they need to make a lot more progress. the thing is, is there enough time? i more progress. the thing is, is there enough time?— there enough time? i think the interesting _ there enough time? i think the interesting line _ there enough time? i think the interesting line he _ there enough time? i think the interesting line he said - there enough time? i think the interesting line he said there i there enough time? i think the l interesting line he said there and when i imagine would appear sneers at downing street is give us an excuse to vote for you. give us something to sell on the doorstep, a takeaway and tangible retail policy. something. but they have the moment doesn't seem to be enough and i think that without a manifesto that really has some big eye—catching and

easy to explain policies on the doorstep, ratherthan easy to explain policies on the doorstep, rather than cooking the books in small boats and saying the word rwanda. cost of living, effective policies because the tax cuts hasn't worked and they have to go further and ben houchen were saying... it was like he was talking to the prime minister. saying. .. it was like he was talking to the prime minister.— to the prime minister. saying a message- _ to the prime minister. saying a message. pull— to the prime minister. saying a message. pull your _ to the prime minister. saying a message. pull your socks i to the prime minister. saying a message. pull your socks up. | to the prime minister. saying a i message. pull your socks up. why would a policy be if you're in charge and maybe you do advise senior cabinet ministers, what would a policy be that could change the dial to the conservatives? policy be that could change the dial for the conservatives? i rariiiii for the conservatives? i will answer- _ for the conservatives? i will answer- he _ for the conservatives? i will answer. he did _ for the conservatives? i will answer. he did say - for the conservatives? i will answer. he did say he i for the conservatives? i will answer. he did say he was i for the conservatives? i will| answer. he did say he was a conservative and he praised the prime _ conservative and he praised the prime minister. i would like to say i prime minister. i would like to say itotd _ prime minister. i would like to say itotd you — prime minister. i would like to say i told you so. trans red in answer to your question. _ trans red in answer to your question. i— trans red in answer to your question, i would - trans red in answer to your question, i would certainly| trans red in answer to your- question, i would certainly like to cedar— question, i would certainly like to cedar flights taking off to rwanda. for a _ cedar flights taking off to rwanda. for a tot _ cedar flights taking off to rwanda. for a lot of people, they have felt that is— for a lot of people, they have felt that is totemic of delivery. you said _ that is totemic of delivery. you said you — that is totemic of delivery. you said you would stop the small boats,

we saw _ said you would stop the small boats, we saw people dying in the channel 'ust we saw people dying in the channel just last _ we saw people dying in the channel just last week, and if we could get our immigration policy sorted out and stop— our immigration policy sorted out and stop you from going on, then i think— and stop you from going on, then i think it _ and stop you from going on, then i think it would reassure lots of reform — think it would reassure lots of reform voters to come back to us and -et reform voters to come back to us and get a _ reform voters to come back to us and get a tot— reform voters to come back to us and get a tot of— reform voters to come back to us and get a lot of conservative voters to think— get a lot of conservative voters to think they — get a lot of conservative voters to think they will come out and support you. think they will come out and support you to— think they will come out and support you. to harry's point, we are seeing tax cuts, _ you. to harry's point, we are seeing tax cuts, as— you. to harry's point, we are seeing tax cuts, as he — you. to harry's point, we are seeing tax cuts, as he says, they have not come _ tax cuts, as he says, they have not come through. we are seeing inftation _ come through. we are seeing inflation reduction. that has not cut through. i inflation reduction. that has not cut through-— cut through. i asked about one oli , cut through. i asked about one policy. that — cut through. i asked about one policy. that was _ cut through. i asked about one policy, that was it, _ cut through. i asked about one policy, that was it, we - cut through. i asked about one policy, that was it, we will i cut through. i asked about one policy, that was it, we will say | policy, that was it, we will say goodbye to you, andrea, and also daisy cooper. thank you both for joining us, and also to you, harry, my guests for this first part of the show. we are holding onto vicki young and ellie reeves. now it is time for a news update. here is a summary of the bbc news. the conservative party has suffered heavy losses in local elections in england. the results are being seen as the last major test of public opinion before a general election due this year. the labour party has

made significant gains with the party also winning the blackpool south by—election, taking the sea from the tories. rishi sunak gave his reaction not long ago. yellow is disappointing to lose hard—working conservative councillors, i'm grateful for their work. we have conservative councillors, i'm gratefulfor their work. we have a of results to come as well. there are also things i would point to, harlow, for example, where keir starmer held a rally on wednesday saying it was a place you have to win to be on track to win a general election. that has not happened and we are waiting for the result in the tees valley mayoralty. do you need to convince your party you can do better in a general election?— you can do better in a general election? ,, . . , . ., election? keir starmer was in harlow sa in: he election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed _ election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed to _ election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed to win _ election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed to win there i election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed to win there to i election? keir starmer was in harlow saying he needed to win there to win j saying he needed to win there to win the next general election, that has not happened. we haven't got the

results from places like tees valley, with the mayoralty results. i'm focused completely on the job in hand, delivering four people across the country. look at what we are doing in the last week or so alone. £900 tax cuts, the first failed asylum seeker off to rwanda at the same time, laboursaid asylum seeker off to rwanda at the same time, labour said they would scrap the rwanda scheme and offer an amnesty to illegal migrants, as far as i can tell. that is no way to solve the problem that is important to people. ben solve the problem that is important to --eole. �* ., . ., , to people. ben houchen has won tees valle , to people. ben houchen has won tees valley. giving — to people. ben houchen has won tees valley. giving rishi — to people. ben houchen has won tees valley, giving rishi sunak— to people. ben houchen has won tees valley, giving rishi sunak a _ valley, giving rishi sunak a potential political lifeline. i potential political lifeline. i would like to thank everybody who voted for me. thank you for giving me back unpacking my plan for the next four years. we run a very positive campaign and run a clear vision of what we wanted for our area. let's be clear, there is still area. let's be clear, there is still a long way to go. i will not sit

here pretending everything is perfect, but we are making good progress. we need to continue tackling the problems in our local area the plan i put in place is the right one. i will continue to work as hard as i possibly can for everybody. forthose as hard as i possibly can for everybody. for those people that didn't vote for me, i will spend the next four years working doubly hard, doubling down and work even harder to make sure i can secure your boat in four years' time. i want to thank everybody out there. let's keep on going, let's keep pushing for a better teesside, darlington and hartlepool. deliver morejobs, more investment i want to thank everybody. labour leader sir keir starmer was in blackpool this morning and spoke to our politcal correspondent helen catt. we wa nt we want that general election and we are confident going into the general election. what this by—election shows is that the country wants change. this is a clear divide now. we have had ia years of failure and

decline, chaos and division for the tories. people want to turn the page on that and go forward with labour and our positive plan for the country. a former senior lawyer at the post office has denied a cover up over the defects in the horizon it system, that led to the wrongful prosecutions of sub—postmasters. jarnail singh is back for a second time giving evidence today at the inquiry into the post office scandal. it comes as the bbc has learned that a number of post office lawyers, were aware in 2010, that a leading expert on the it system had given contradictory information. the government has been defeated in court — for a second time — for not doing enough to meet its targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. environmental campaigners argued that the energy minister signed off the government's climate plan for reaching net zero by 2050 without evidence it could actually be achieved. the high court ruled today that the government will now be required to redraft that plan again. in brazil, floods have killed over

30 people following the collapse of a damn after days of heavy rain. over a million people are now without power and clean water, since the storms began over the weekend. the collapse of a hydro—electric dam following days of heavy rains triggered massive flooding. more than 60 people are still believed to be missing. a chinese spacecraft has taken off this afternoon, aiming to become the first mission to collect rock and soil samples from the so—called dark side of the moon which is not visible from earth. it's an uncrewed aircraft, but could pave the way for china's ambitions to put a person on the moon by 2030. the 53—day mission aims to bring around two kilograms of lunar samples to earth for analysis. now back to the elections withjo coburn. welcome back. we have new gas for

this part of the election special. mark harper, secretary of state for transport for the government, and ellie reeves is still with us from the labour party, joining vicki young is rachel from the new statesman. just before we went to the news, the tees valley mayoralty has been held by the conservative ben houchen. he is obviously extremely pleased to hold on, and not least the conservative party, because that is a rare silver lining in the results that happened overnight because the conservatives have lost councils across the country. but there are many more results to come, including more mayoral contests and the police and crime commissioners. labour are triumphant in blackpool south. that was in the by—election. in the parliamentary seat, there was an historic swing from the conservatives to the labour party, but also reform, who came within

about 100 votes also of the conservative party. that will be very worrying for the government. i think we can go to rochdale and talk to the mp there. perhaps before we do that, there is george galloway, the mp for rochdale, he won in a by—election just recently for the workers party of britain. before we come to you, i want to show you some of the analysis of areas with high muslim populations. this is keyboard analysis, changes since 2021. you can see that labour has lost support, i6% down. the greens have benefited, and they are up 1a%, conservatives down 10% and you can see independents have gone up 9%. let's return to george galloway. we had the resulting oldham, labour lost the council. in rochdale, where you are, there is no chance of

labour losing the council there. they are in command under only a third of the seats are up, that's right, isn't it? third of the seats are up, that's right. isn't it?— third of the seats are up, that's right, isn't it? yes, although i can tell ou right, isn't it? yes, although i can tell you that _ right, isn't it? yes, although i can tell you that we _ right, isn't it? yes, although i can tell you that we have _ right, isn't it? yes, although i can tell you that we have won - right, isn't it? yes, although i canl tell you that we have won landslide victories in our target wards and come second more or less everywhere else, throughout the whole town, not just the constituency of rochdale, but the heywood and middleton constituency, which is also in the borough of rochdale. we are the second party in the town now. which is a considerable achievement. the one thing you haven't mentioned, probably not in yet, but i'm here to tell you that we have won a landslide victory in the long side ward in manchester, against the deputy leader of the labour council there. and also blackburn, i don't know if you are across the fact that labour had lost control of blackburn and what used to be called galloway

backed independence are now in demand. i think this is a major story emerging, notjust the labour under tory dichotomy, but labour is haemorrhaging votes.— haemorrhaging votes. you're using very emotive _ haemorrhaging votes. you're using very emotive language, _ haemorrhaging votes. you're using very emotive language, landslides| very emotive language, landslides and haemorrhaging, but labour has held blackburn, just as a correction. but i take your point that you are doing well in some key wards. this is a reminder to the labour party that issues like the israel and hamas war in gaza are very, very important to many voters, especially those areas with large muslim populations. is there any evidence, george galloway, that this would translate into any sort of win at a general election in terms of another seat? or even your own? welcome i don't know when landslide became emotive, if you could see the piles behind me, you would know what i meant by landslide. but yes, i

think we are in a good position against angela rayner, for example, not very far from here, and... against angela rayner, for example, not very farfrom here, and... but not very far from here, and... but at a general _ not very farfrom here, and... but at a general election, are you in a good position?— at a general election, are you in a good position? yes. to win against anrela good position? yes. to win against angela rayner. _ good position? yes. to win against angela rayner. to _ good position? yes. to win against angela rayner, to win _ good position? yes. to win against angela rayner, to win in _ good position? yes. to win against angela rayner, to win in the i angela rayner, to win in the constituency in manchester, to winning oldham east, to win in blackburn. craig murray, the former british ambassador was our candidate. absolutely. ithink british ambassador was our candidate. absolutely. i think that candidate. absolutely. i think that can translate. as for holding rochdale, you can put your house on that one. i rochdale, you can put your house on that one. , . ., that one. i will bear that in mind, georae that one. i will bear that in mind, george galloway. _ that one. i will bear that in mind, george galloway. to _ that one. i will bear that in mind, george galloway. to look- that one. i will bear that in mind, george galloway. to look at i that one. i will bear that in mind, george galloway. to look at the i george galloway. to look at the differences in terms of what is being said about what should happen in the israel and gaza conflict, the labour ceasefire motion in the commons, calls for hamas to release and return all hostages and for an

immediate humanitarian ceasefire, which means an immediate stop to the fighting and a ceasefire that lasts, and is observed by all sides. do you disagree with any of that? well, millions of _ disagree with any of that? well, millions of people _ disagree with any of that? well, millions of people in _ disagree with any of that? well, millions of people in britain i disagree with any of that? -ii millions of people in britain don't believe that labour is in any way interested in doing anything that will stop the rampage in gaza. the boat you have just been discussing with me make that clear. so they have not persuaded me of the bone fides, but they have not persuaded the core vote of the labour party, lost over gaza. let the core vote of the labour party, lost over gaza.— lost over gaza. let me put that to ellie reeves. _ lost over gaza. let me put that to ellie reeves, a _ lost over gaza. let me put that to ellie reeves, a senior _ lost over gaza. let me put that to ellie reeves, a senior campaign l ellie reeves, a senior campaign coordinator as well as an mp for the labour party. what do you say to that? it's not so much what labour is saying, george galloway hasn't said he necessarily disagrees with what has been said by the labour party, theyjust don't believe you care?

party, they 'ust don't believe you care? ~ u. party, they 'ust don't believe you care? ~ .. ., party, they 'ust don't believe you care? ~ ., . . care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in _ care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. _ care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. it _ care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. it took - care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. it took a i care? we called for an immediate ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. | ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. we have to _ ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. we have to rebuild _ ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. we have to rebuild trust - ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. we have to rebuild trust with i ceasefire in gaza. it took a while. we have to rebuild trust with the | we have to rebuild trust with the muslim community, we understand strength of feeling about the devastation that they see in gaza, the number of people that have been killed is intolerable. we have called for the immediate ceasefire. but also, what we want to see is a long lasting political solutions as well. a two—state solution, and a state of palestine. we have made that really clear. we know that we need to rebuild that trust with voters, but we have set out our position that we want an immediate ceasefire, we want the fighting to stop. fartoo ceasefire, we want the fighting to stop. far too many people have been killed and it needs to stop.— killed and it needs to stop. george gallowa , killed and it needs to stop. george galloway. you _ killed and it needs to stop. george galloway. you may _ killed and it needs to stop. george galloway, you may suspect - killed and it needs to stop. george galloway, you may suspect the i galloway, you may suspect the motive, or not feel they are sincerely held, but in terms of what is being said by the labour party, there is nothing there for you to disagree with?— disagree with? well, it is too little, disagree with? well, it is too little. too — disagree with? well, it is too little, too late. _ disagree with? well, it is too little, too late. it's _ disagree with? well, it is too little, too late. it's not i disagree with? well, it is too little, too late. it's not with l disagree with? well, it is too i little, too late. it's not with any

kind _ little, too late. it's not with any kind of— little, too late. it's not with any kind of gusto at all. i was at a foreign— kind of gusto at all. i was at a foreign office questions on tuesday, i asked _ foreign office questions on tuesday, i asked two— foreign office questions on tuesday, i asked two on tuesday after foreign office _ i asked two on tuesday after foreign office questions. the shadow foreign secretary. _ office questions. the shadow foreign secretary, david lammy, he went to the dispatch box three times and blamed _ the dispatch box three times and blamed the palestinians for a failure — blamed the palestinians for a failure to achieve a ceasefire. that's— failure to achieve a ceasefire. that's the _ failure to achieve a ceasefire. that's the real face of labour in the list — that's the real face of labour in the list. keir starmer did not hide the list. keir starmer did not hide the fact— the list. keir starmer did not hide the fact that he is unequivocal, in his words. — the fact that he is unequivocal, in his words, supporter of israel. and a very— his words, supporter of israel. and a very large — his words, supporter of israel. and a very large number of formerly loyal— a very large number of formerly loyal labour voters cannot stomach that~ _ loyal labour voters cannot stomach that~ they— loyal labour voters cannot stomach that. they showed that yesterday in the election. we that. they showed that yesterday in the election-— the election. we have 'ust heard alon: the the election. we have 'ust heard along the lines _ the election. we have 'ust heard along the lines were _ the election. we have just heard along the lines were talking - the election. we have just heard i along the lines were talking about that the workers party of britain, the party you represent, has won two awards in rochdale. is that underwhelming, bearing in mind the strength of feeling you have been talking about amongst voters there? well, we only put up five candidates, these were the two

target — candidates, these were the two target wards, and i use that emotive word landslide, and they have won by a landslide _ word landslide, and they have won by a landslide. across this whole area, workers _ a landslide. across this whole area, workers as— a landslide. across this whole area, workers as a — a landslide. across this whole area, workers as a team come across several— workers as a team come across several boroughs, we have won sensational results. we have even caused _ sensational results. we have even caused labour to fail to win the west— caused labour to fail to win the west midlands, the galloway backed candidate. we west midlands, the galloway backed candidate. ~ ., �* ,, ., candidate. we don't know the results. briefly, who would you rather see as prime _ briefly, who would you rather see as prime minister after the election — here starmer or rishi sunak the left side of— here starmer or rishi sunak the left side of the — here starmer or rishi sunak the left side of the right side of the same backside. — side of the right side of the same backside, they are just a backside for us _ backside, they are just a backside for us. 0"— backside, they are 'ust a backside for us. ., ., backside, they are 'ust a backside for us. . ., ., ., for us. on that rather low moment in terms of anatomy, _ for us. on that rather low moment in terms of anatomy, anyway, - for us. on that rather low moment in terms of anatomy, anyway, george | terms of anatomy, anyway, george galloway there in rochdale.- galloway there in rochdale. labour are callin: galloway there in rochdale. labour are calling east _ galloway there in rochdale. labour are calling east midlands. - galloway there in rochdale. labour are calling east midlands. they - galloway there in rochdale. labour are calling east midlands. they sayi

are calling east midlands. they say that labour's claire ward has beaten brad barrett —— ben bradley comfortably. they make the point that there are a dozen key parliamentary battleground seats there. ., , parliamentary battleground seats there. . , ., , parliamentary battleground seats there. . , ., there. that is important in terms of not 'ust there. that is important in terms of not just sentiment _ there. that is important in terms of notjust sentiment and _ there. that is important in terms of notjust sentiment and psychology. not just sentiment and psychology but actually the sort of seats that the tories are going to find very difficult to hold onto at the general election? it looks as if labour have won.— general election? it looks as if labour have won. first, i will wait and see the _ labour have won. first, i will wait and see the result. _ labour have won. first, i will wait and see the result. back - labour have won. first, i will wait and see the result. back to - and see the result. back to something _ and see the result. back to something you _ and see the result. back to something you were - and see the result. back to| something you were talking and see the result. back to- something you were talking about. ben something you were talking about. beh bradley— something you were talking about. ben bradley absolutely _ something you were talking about. ben bradley absolutely stood - something you were talking about. ben bradley absolutely stood as i something you were talking about. ben bradley absolutely stood as a i ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative _ ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative. i— ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative. i was _ ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative. i was in— ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative. i was in his - ben bradley absolutely stood as a conservative. i was in his patch i ben bradley absolutely stood as a i conservative. i was in his patch and he was _ conservative. i was in his patch and he was delivering _ conservative. i was in his patch and he was delivering leaflets _ conservative. i was in his patch and he was delivering leaflets that - conservative. i was in his patch and he was delivering leaflets that say. he was delivering leaflets that say he was delivering leaflets that say he was _ he was delivering leaflets that say he was a — he was delivering leaflets that say he was a conservative _ he was delivering leaflets that say he was a conservative candidate. i he was delivering leaflets that say. he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff— he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff about _ he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff about it _ he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff about it not _ he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff about it not really- he was a conservative candidate. all this stuff about it not really being i this stuff about it not really being a conservative _ this stuff about it not really being a conservative candidate - this stuff about it not really being a conservative candidate are - a conservative candidate are hohsehse _ a conservative candidate are hohsehse the _ a conservative candidate are nonsense. the prime - a conservative candidate are i nonsense. the prime minister a conservative candidate are - nonsense. the prime minister was campaigning— nonsense. the prime minister was campaigning with _ nonsense. the prime minister was campaigning with him, _ nonsense. the prime minister was campaigning with him, as- nonsense. the prime minister was campaigning with him, as you - nonsense. the prime minister was. campaigning with him, as you hard. we've _ campaigning with him, as you hard. we've treen— campaigning with him, as you hard. we've been working _ campaigning with him, as you hard. we've been working closely - campaigning with him, as you hard. we've been working closely with - campaigning with him, as you hard. l we've been working closely with him. his campaign — we've been working closely with him. his campaign was _ we've been working closely with him. his campaign was about _ we've been working closely with him.

his campaign was about delivering. his campaign was about delivering things. _ his campaign was about delivering things. and — his campaign was about delivering thihgs. and part— his campaign was about delivering things, and part of— his campaign was about delivering things, and part of that— his campaign was about delivering things, and part of that is- his campaign was about delivering things, and part of that is about. things, and part of that is about the money— things, and part of that is about the money that _ things, and part of that is about the money that we _ things, and part of that is about the money that we have - things, and part of that is about the money that we have given l things, and part of that is about. the money that we have given him, cancelling _ the money that we have given him, cancelling the — the money that we have given him, cancelling the second _ the money that we have given him, cancelling the second page - the money that we have given him, cancelling the second page of- the money that we have given him, cancelling the second page of hsz.| cancelling the second page of hsz. voters _ cancelling the second page of hsz. voters heed — cancelling the second page of hsz. voters need an— cancelling the second page of hsz. voters need an excuse _ cancelling the second page of hsz. voters need an excuse to - cancelling the second page of hsz. voters need an excuse to vote - voters need an excuse to vote conservative. i know you want to say that this, of course, is a victory, and it is, but it was more on personal appeal.— and it is, but it was more on personal appeal. no, joe, 10, 10. our opponents — personal appeal. no, joe, 10, 10. our opponents can't _ personal appeal. no, joe, 10, 10. our opponents can't have - personal appeal. no, joe, 10, 10. our opponents can't have it - personal appeal. no, joe, 10, 10. our opponents can't have it both| our opponents can't have it both ways _ our opponents can't have it both ways. they— our opponents can't have it both ways. they can't _ our opponents can't have it both ways. they can't say— our opponents can't have it both ways. they can't say that - our opponents can't have it both ways. they can't say that all - our opponents can't have it both ways. they can't say that all the | ways. they can't say that all the losses _ ways. they can't say that all the losses of — ways. they can't say that all the losses of council— ways. they can't say that all the losses of council seats - ways. they can't say that all the losses of council seats are - ways. they can't say that all the - losses of council seats are somehow the prime _ losses of council seats are somehow the prime minister's _ losses of council seats are somehow the prime minister's responsibility. the prime minister's responsibility and when — the prime minister's responsibility and when we _ the prime minister's responsibility and when we have _ the prime minister's responsibility and when we have really- the prime minister's responsibility and when we have really strong i and when we have really strong winds — and when we have really strong winds ben _ and when we have really strong winds. ben houchen _ and when we have really strong winds. ben houchen and - and when we have really strong winds. ben houchen and the i winds. ben houchen and the conservatives— winds. ben houchen and the conservatives won _ winds. ben houchen and the conservatives won every - winds. ben houchen and the . conservatives won every single borrower — conservatives won every single borrower across _ conservatives won every single borrower across tees - conservatives won every single borrower across tees valley. . conservatives won every single i borrower across tees valley. hora? borrower across tees valley. how much have _ borrower across tees valley. how much have they — borrower across tees valley. how much have they lost _ borrower across tees valley. how much have they lost in _ borrower across tees valley. iiu-a. much have they lost in terms borrower across tees valley. much have they lost in terms of their share of the vote? it is much have they lost in terms of their share of the vote?- much have they lost in terms of their share of the vote? it is a set of parliamentary _ their share of the vote? it is a set of parliamentary seats _ their share of the vote? it is a set of parliamentary seats that - their share of the vote? it is a set| of parliamentary seats that labour used to _ of parliamentary seats that labour used to take — of parliamentary seats that labour used to take for _ of parliamentary seats that labour used to take for granted _ of parliamentary seats that labour used to take for granted for - used to take for granted for decades _ used to take for granted for decades. they— used to take for granted for decades. they can't - used to take for granted for decades. they can't have i used to take for granted for decades. they can't have it| used to take for granted for - decades. they can't have it both ways _ decades. they can't have it both ways it —

decades. they can't have it both ways it was _ decades. they can't have it both ways. it was a _ decades. they can't have it both ways. it was a strong _ decades. they can't have it both ways. it was a strong win - decades. they can't have it both ways. it was a strong win for- decades. they can't have it bothi ways. it was a strong win for the conservative _ ways. it was a strong win for the conservative party. _ ways. it was a strong win for the conservative party. we - ways. it was a strong win for the conservative party.— ways. it was a strong win for the conservative party. we took a poll of hartlepool _ conservative party. we took a poll of hartlepool council, _ conservative party. we took a poll of hartlepool council, for - conservative party. we took a poll| of hartlepool council, for example. and ben _ of hartlepool council, for example. and ben won that burrow. he is a conservative _ and ben won that burrow. he is a conservative candidate. - and ben won that burrow. he is a conservative candidate. but- and ben won that burrow. he is a conservative candidate.— and ben won that burrow. he is a conservative candidate. but this is the oint. conservative candidate. but this is the point- ben _ conservative candidate. but this is the point. ben houchen _ conservative candidate. but this is the point. ben houchen ran - conservative candidate. but this is the point. ben houchen ran a - the point. ben houchen ran a campaign _ the point. ben houchen ran a campaign that distanced him from the conservatives. that campaign that distanced him from the conservatives— campaign that distanced him from the conservatives._ i - conservatives. that is not true. i have seen _ conservatives. that is not true. i have seen the _ conservatives. that is not true. i have seen the media _ conservatives. that is not true. i have seen the media posts - conservatives. that is not true. i have seen the media posts and l have seen the media posts and leaflets — have seen the media posts and leaflets. there has also been a swing — leaflets. there has also been a swing away from ben as well, and we need to— swing away from ben as well, and we need to trear— swing away from ben as well, and we need to bear that in mind. no, swing away from ben as well, and we need to bear that in mind.— need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sor , need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry. i'm — need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry. i'm sorry. — need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, ellie _ need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, elliejust- need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said - need to bear that in mind. no, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, elliejust said he| sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he distanced — sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he distanced himself— sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he distanced himself from _ sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he distanced himself from the - sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he distanced himself from the partyl sorry, i'm sorry, ellie just said he i distanced himself from the party and pretended _ distanced himself from the party and pretended he — distanced himself from the party and pretended he wasn't _ distanced himself from the party and pretended he wasn't conservative. . pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets — pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets are _ pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets are in _ pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets are in our— pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets are in our colours, - pretended he wasn't conservative. the leaflets are in our colours, he| the leaflets are in our colours, he says _ the leaflets are in our colours, he says he _ the leaflets are in our colours, he says he is — the leaflets are in our colours, he says he is a — the leaflets are in our colours, he says he is a conservative. - the leaflets are in our colours, he says he is a conservative. the - the leaflets are in our colours, he i says he is a conservative. the prime minister— says he is a conservative. the prime minister campaigned _ says he is a conservative. the prime minister campaigned with _ says he is a conservative. the prime minister campaigned with him. - says he is a conservative. the prime minister campaigned with him. it - says he is a conservative. the prime minister campaigned with him. it is| minister campaigned with him. it is not true _

minister campaigned with him. it is not true ilie— minister campaigned with him. it is not true. ~ ., minister campaigned with him. it is not true. ~ . not true. we have campaign literature — not true. we have campaign literature that _ not true. we have campaign literature that states - not true. we have campaign literature that states the - not true. we have campaign - literature that states the opposite. there is no mention of conservatism or rishi sunak. ben houchen has won, and he is a conservative. he can say that now he is in the comfortable position of having won. he that now he is in the comfortable position of having won.— position of having won. he said beforehand. _ position of having won. he said beforehand. i— position of having won. he said beforehand. iwill— position of having won. he said beforehand. i will not - position of having won. he said beforehand. i will not rehash i position of having won. he said l beforehand. i will not rehash the arguments. _ beforehand. i will not rehash the arguments, but _ beforehand. i will not rehash the arguments, but in _ beforehand. i will not rehash the arguments, but in general, - beforehand. i will not rehash the arguments, but in general, he i beforehand. i will not rehash the. arguments, but in general, he did not make a lot of the conservative party at a national level or rishi sunak. i want to return because there is a correction on what george galloway had said in terms of the number of candidates being put up in council elections in rochdale. he said it was five, but actually they will —— there were 13 and they have won two wards. what did you make of what he had to say on this important issue and the threat to the labour

party, rachel? i issue and the threat to the labour party. rachel?— party, rachel? ithink george galloway is — party, rachel? ithink george galloway is using _ party, rachel? ithink george galloway is using his - party, rachel? ithink georgei galloway is using his platform exactly the way you would expect him to, as an mp, and as an mp whose reason for being in parliament seems to be to cause as much difficulty for the labour party as possible. two things can be true. it can be true that labour's vote among the muslim community in areas where there is a high muslim population is down. we've seen that in rochdale and across other council seats. it is also the case that that isn't a significant issue when looking ahead to a general election. simply because of where those communities are based, urban areas where labour�*s vote share is very high. i think it is something here starmer and the labour party should be aware of and should be thinking about. in terms of a general election, seats they are trying to win, marginals, and where they have to worry about shedding boats, i don't think it is as much of a challenge for them is

george galloway would like to make out. �* , ., ~ george galloway would like to make out. �*, ., ,, ., out. let's talk about the east midlands mayoralty. - out. let's talk about the east midlands mayoralty. this - out. let's talk about the east | midlands mayoralty. this was out. let's talk about the east l midlands mayoralty. this was a out. let's talk about the east - midlands mayoralty. this was a new position. labourwere midlands mayoralty. this was a new position. labour were confident that they would take this. it sounds as if they have. this question of what we call bell weather seats — it does look as if labour is making strong progress in areas traditionally labour. the important things in terms of a general election majority is to make significant progress in areas like the west midlands and east midlands, and this would certainly go towards that. it would. labour sources _ certainly go towards that. it would. labour sources are _ certainly go towards that. it would. labour sources are very _ certainly go towards that. it would. labour sources are very keen - certainly go towards that. it would. labour sources are very keen to - labour sources are very keen to point out the levels they have to climb to. looking back at the last election underjeremy corbyn, how far behind ir. this is why they say, we don't want to be complacent, but they genuinely do really recognise how much they've got to do. people talk about the red wall and a blue wall. one labour source was saying,

we need any wall we can get our hands on and any wool we can get over. it has never been done before that you need a double digit gain in every region. although these results are looking very positive for labour, of course, they do have a long way to go. they are definitely still slightly concerned about the people who stayed at home, the undecided voters, because they know there is a huge amount of room for them to make up. i there is a huge amount of room for them to make up.— there is a huge amount of room for them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing. — them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing. is — them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing, is all— them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing, is all i _ them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing, is all i can _ them to make up. i hope you are good at climbing, is all i can say, _ at climbing, is all i can say, ellie, after that metaphor and analogy. i will remind everyone of the results of the tees valley know you're all tea. very important in terms of the sentiment and mood within the conservative party. we have had andrea leadsom and our cabinet minister talking about how important it is and how much ben houchen is conservative, which of

course he is. there he is winning with nearly 82,000 votes to labour's challenge from chris mcewan on just over 63,000. it is a third term for ben houchen. in a moment, we will hopefully talk to sirjohn curtice to talk about how important these mayoral contests are, because it is not easy to read across for labour of the conservatives in terms of how that might play out in a general election because these are not parliamentary seats, these are big personalities, big figures who have their own personal appeal. of course, ben houchen, great because he is a conservative. if labour win the east midlands, marvellous for the east midlands, marvellous for the labour party. in terms of a general election, how much can we take from it? b, general election, how much can we take from it?— take from it? a couple of things. first, i take from it? a couple of things. first. i hope _ take from it? a couple of things. first. i hope if— take from it? a couple of things. first, i hope if labour _ take from it? a couple of things. first, i hope if labour claim - take from it? a couple of things. first, i hope if labour claim a - take from it? a couple of things. first, i hope if labour claim a lot of credit— first, i hope if labour claim a lot of credit for— first, i hope if labour claim a lot of credit for the _ first, i hope if labour claim a lot of credit for the east _ first, i hope if labour claim a lot of credit for the east midlands i of credit for the east midlands result— of credit for the east midlands result if— of credit for the east midlands result if that _ of credit for the east midlands result if that goes _ of credit for the east midlands result if that goes the - of credit for the east midlands result if that goes the way - of credit for the east midlandsi result if that goes the way you said. — result if that goes the way you said. i— result if that goes the way you said. i hope _ result if that goes the way you

said. i hope you _ result if that goes the way you said, i hope you will— result if that goes the way you said, i hope you will remind . said, i hope you will remind everyone _ said, i hope you will remind everyone that _ said, i hope you will remind everyone that ben - said, i hope you will remind everyone that ben houchen| said, i hope you will remind - everyone that ben houchen won his said, i hope you will remind _ everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative — everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative in _ everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative. in terms _ everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative. in terms of _ everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative. in terms of the - everyone that ben houchen won his as a conservative. in terms of the read i a conservative. in terms of the read across. _ a conservative. in terms of the read across. first. — a conservative. in terms of the read across. first. ben— a conservative. in terms of the read across, first, ben won _ a conservative. in terms of the read across, first, ben won every - a conservative. in terms of the read | across, first, ben won every borough across _ across, first, ben won every borough across the _ across, first, ben won every borough across the region. _ across, first, ben won every borough across the region. that _ across, first, ben won every borough across the region. that was - across, first, ben won every borough across the region. that was an - across, first, ben won every borough across the region. that was an area i across the region. that was an area that was— across the region. that was an area that was labour— across the region. that was an area that was labour for— across the region. that was an area that was labour for decades. - across the region. that was an area that was labour for decades. i - across the region. that was an areal that was labour for decades. i would argue _ that was labour for decades. i would argue they— that was labour for decades. i would argue they took _ that was labour for decades. i would argue they took it _ that was labour for decades. i would argue they took it for— that was labour for decades. i would argue they took it for granted, - argue they took it for granted, which — argue they took it for granted, which is — argue they took it for granted, which is part— argue they took it for granted, which is part of— argue they took it for granted, which is part of wider- argue they took it for granted, which is part of wider deliveryl argue they took it for granted, - which is part of wider delivery that ben has— which is part of wider delivery that ben has been— which is part of wider delivery that ben has been delivering _ which is part of wider delivery that ben has been delivering has- which is part of wider delivery that ben has been delivering has got. ben has been delivering has got conservative _ ben has been delivering has got conservative results. _ ben has been delivering has got conservative results. if- ben has been delivering has got conservative results. if labouri ben has been delivering has got- conservative results. if labour were on course _ conservative results. if labour were on course to— conservative results. if labour were on course to do— conservative results. if labour were on course to do really— conservative results. if labour were on course to do really well, - conservative results. if labour were on course to do really well, they - on course to do really well, they would _ on course to do really well, they would have _ on course to do really well, they would have to _ on course to do really well, they would have to win _ on course to do really well, they would have to win places - on course to do really well, they would have to win places like . on course to do really well, they i would have to win places like that. if would have to win places like that. if they _ would have to win places like that. if they can't — would have to win places like that. if they can't win _ would have to win places like that. if they can't win that _ would have to win places like that. if they can't win that in _ would have to win places like that. if they can't win that in the - would have to win places like that. if they can't win that in the tees i if they can't win that in the tees valley. — if they can't win that in the tees valley. it — if they can't win that in the tees valley. it tells _ if they can't win that in the tees valley, it tells me _ if they can't win that in the tees valley, it tells me they - if they can't win that in the tees valley, it tells me they are - if they can't win that in the tees valley, it tells me they are not. valley, it tells me they are not doing — valley, it tells me they are not doing well— valley, it tells me they are not doing well enough. _ valley, it tells me they are not doing well enough. if- valley, it tells me they are not doing well enough. if you - valley, it tells me they are not doing well enough. if you will. doing well enough. if you will permit— doing well enough. if you will permit me _ doing well enough. if you will permit me just— doing well enough. if you will permit me just to _ doing well enough. if you will permit me just to answer - doing well enough. if you will i permit me just to answer ben... let's _ permit me just to answer ben... let's talk— permit me just to answer ben... let's talk to _ permit me just to answer ben... let's talk to sir— permit me just to answer ben... let's talk to sirjohn _ permit me just to answer ben... let's talk to sirjohn curtice - let's talk to sirjohn curtice because hopefully he just heard what you said there. if labour can't take the tees valley mayor's position, are they on course? they have taken hartlepool in terms of the council having lost a by—election in 2021.

what is your response to what mark harper has said?— harper has said? first, let's get it strai . ht. harper has said? first, let's get it straiuht. i harper has said? first, let's get it straight. i think _ harper has said? first, let's get it straight. i think ben _ harper has said? first, let's get it straight. i think ben houchen - straight. i think ben houchen deserves every congratulation for having succeeded in holding this seat, and not only holding it but actually still, yes, down from 2021, which was remarkable, but doing noticeably better than he did in 2017. however, let'sjust noticeably better than he did in 2017. however, let's just look noticeably better than he did in 2017. however, let'sjust look at three things, looking notjust that tees valley but also west midlands. number one, although ben houchen won hartlepool in the mayoral contest, the labour party still gained control of hartlepool council, which begins to raise questions about the read across. secondly, as i pointed out a while ago, one of the poles that was done about tees valley, which again said it was pretty close, also asked people how they would vote in a general election. the level of support for the

conservative party in the general election was 21 points lower than that poll credited ben houchen with in terms of the mayoral vote. if you look at the details of the tables, you can see clearly that there were lots of people in the tees valley who were not willing to vote conservative again, having done so in 2019, but who were still willing to vote for ben houchen. thirdly, and this takes us forward to tomorrow, the other story we can expect the conservatives to focus on, not surprisingly, is if andy street succeeds in defending the west midlands. in the west midlands, there are two election is going on on thursday, one for the mayoral tea and the other for the police and crime commissioner. in 2021, while andy street won them contest for mayor, the labour party won the contest for police and crime

commissioner, which raises doubts about the extent to which we can presume that the mayoral contest is a reliable guide to what is going on more broadly. again, in the west midlands, the current polling suggests that andy street is up. every congratulations to ben houchen. it is a remarkable improvement, one of the political successes on the levelling policy, but against a 1k point decline in conservative support since 2021 across local councils up and down the length and breadth of england. i will suggest it is a silver lining to the cloud but it doesn't disperse the cloud that was hanging over the conservatives at 6am.— the cloud that was hanging over the conservatives at 6am. mark, what do ou sa to conservatives at 6am. mark, what do you say to that? _ conservatives at 6am. mark, what do you say to that? is _ conservatives at 6am. mark, what do you say to that? is it _ conservatives at 6am. mark, what do you say to that? is it a _ conservatives at 6am. mark, what do you say to that? is it a fair— you say to that? is it a fair assessment?— you say to that? is it a fair assessment? . ., ,., assessment? on the comparison the 2021, i assessment? on the comparison the 2021. i cover— assessment? on the comparison the 2021, | cover that _ assessment? on the comparison the 2021, i cover that yesterday. - assessment? on the comparison the 2021, i cover that yesterday. it - assessment? on the comparison the 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was i 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was an election — 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was an election where _ 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was an election where we _ 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was an election where we had - 2021, i cover that yesterday. it was i an election where we had independent people. _

an election where we had independent people. not— an election where we had independent people. notjust— an election where we had independent people. notiust us. _ an election where we had independent people. notiust us. a _ an election where we had independent people, notjust us, a vaccine - people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. — people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. 0ur— people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. our best— people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. our best set - people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. our best set of- people, notjust us, a vaccine bounce. our best set of locall bounce. our best set of local results — bounce. our best set of local results since _ bounce. our best set of local results since 2008. - bounce. our best set of local results since 2008. actuallyl bounce. our best set of local. results since 2008. actually we bounce. our best set of local - results since 2008. actually we were almost _ results since 2008. actually we were almost certain — results since 2008. actually we were almost certain to _ results since 2008. actually we were almost certain to go _ results since 2008. actually we were almost certain to go back— results since 2008. actually we were almost certain to go back from - results since 2008. actually we were almost certain to go back from that i almost certain to go back from that performance. — almost certain to go back from that performance. as— almost certain to go back from that performance. asjohn _ almost certain to go back from that performance. asjohn said, - almost certain to go back from that performance. asjohn said, ben - performance. asjohn said, ben improved — performance. asjohn said, ben improved performance - performance. asjohn said, ben improved performance from - performance. asjohn said, ben i improved performance from 2017, performance. asjohn said, ben - improved performance from 2017, so i think that's _ improved performance from 2017, so i think that's good. _ improved performance from 2017, so i think that's good. they _ improved performance from 2017, so i think that's good. they are _ improved performance from 2017, so i think that's good. they are mixed - think that's good. they are mixed results _ think that's good. they are mixed results and — think that's good. they are mixed results and i_ think that's good. they are mixed results and i accept _ think that's good. they are mixed results and i accept that. - think that's good. they are mixed results and i accept that. if- think that's good. they are mixed results and i accept that. if you i think that's good. they are mixed | results and i accept that. if you do the read _ results and i accept that. if you do the read across, _ results and i accept that. if you do the read across, ben's _ results and i accept that. if you do the read across, ben's campaign i results and i accept that. if you do i the read across, ben's campaign was all about— the read across, ben's campaign was all about having _ the read across, ben's campaign was all about having the _ the read across, ben's campaign was all about having the record _ the read across, ben's campaign was all about having the record of- all about having the record of delivery — all about having the record of delivery and _ all about having the record of delivery and a _ all about having the record of delivery and a promise - all about having the record of delivery and a promise of- all about having the record of. delivery and a promise of more. all about having the record of- delivery and a promise of more. if i answer— delivery and a promise of more. if i answer his— delivery and a promise of more. if i answer his question _ delivery and a promise of more. if i answer his question that _ delivery and a promise of more. if i answer his question that he - delivery and a promise of more. if i answer his question that he posed, i answer his question that he posed, we have _ answer his question that he posed, we have to — answer his question that he posed, we have to be _ answer his question that he posed, we have to be clearer— answer his question that he posed, we have to be clearer and - answer his question that he posed, we have to be clearer and set - answer his question that he posed, we have to be clearer and set out i we have to be clearer and set out the things— we have to be clearer and set out the things we _ we have to be clearer and set out the things we have _ we have to be clearer and set out the things we have achieved, - we have to be clearer and set out the things we have achieved, and we have to be clearer and set out. the things we have achieved, and i think— the things we have achieved, and i think we _ the things we have achieved, and i think we have _ the things we have achieved, and i think we have a _ the things we have achieved, and i think we have a fantastic _ the things we have achieved, and i think we have a fantastic record i the things we have achieved, and i think we have a fantastic record on dealing _ think we have a fantastic record on dealing with — think we have a fantastic record on dealing with some _ think we have a fantastic record on dealing with some of— think we have a fantastic record on dealing with some of the _ think we have a fantastic record on dealing with some of the real- dealing with some of the real challenges _ dealing with some of the real challenges that— dealing with some of the real challenges that were - dealing with some of the real challenges that were thrown i dealing with some of the real. challenges that were thrown at dealing with some of the real- challenges that were thrown at us, like the _ challenges that were thrown at us, like the pandemic. _ challenges that were thrown at us, like the pandemic. one _ challenges that were thrown at us, like the pandemic. one of- challenges that were thrown at us, like the pandemic. one of the - challenges that were thrown at us, i like the pandemic. one of the things ithink— like the pandemic. one of the things i think i_ like the pandemic. one of the things i think i hope — like the pandemic. one of the things i think i hope my— like the pandemic. one of the things i think i hope my colleagues - like the pandemic. one of the things i think i hope my colleagues in - i think i hope my colleagues in parliament— i think i hope my colleagues in parliament will— i think i hope my colleagues in parliament will do— i think i hope my colleagues in parliament will do after- i think i hope my colleagues in parliament will do after this i i think i hope my colleagues in| parliament will do after this set i think i hope my colleagues in - parliament will do after this set of elections — parliament will do after this set of elections is — parliament will do after this set of elections is to _ parliament will do after this set of elections is to focus _ parliament will do after this set of elections is to focus on _ parliament will do after this set of elections is to focus on that - parliament will do after this set of| elections is to focus on that choice that faces — elections is to focus on that choice that faces the _ elections is to focus on that choice that faces the country _ elections is to focus on that choice that faces the country at _ elections is to focus on that choice that faces the country at the - that faces the country at the general— that faces the country at the general election— that faces the country at the general election between i that faces the country at the - general election between labour and the conservatives, _ general election between labour and the conservatives, get— general election between labour and the conservatives, get behind - general election between labour and the conservatives, get behind the i the conservatives, get behind the prime _ the conservatives, get behind the prime minister, _ the conservatives, get behind the prime minister, set _ the conservatives, get behind the prime minister, set out _

the conservatives, get behind the prime minister, set out our- the conservatives, get behind the| prime minister, set out our record and spend — prime minister, set out our record and spend all— prime minister, set out our record and spend all of— prime minister, set out our record and spend all of our— prime minister, set out our record and spend all of our time - prime minister, set out our record and spend all of our time talking i and spend all of our time talking about— and spend all of our time talking about that — and spend all of our time talking about that so _ and spend all of our time talking about that so that _ and spend all of our time talking about that so that is _ and spend all of our time talking about that so that is what - and spend all of our time talking about that so that is what we - and spend all of our time talking . about that so that is what we focus on. about that so that is what we focus on ben _ about that so that is what we focus on ben has — about that so that is what we focus on. ben has demonstrated - about that so that is what we focus on. ben has demonstrated that - about that so that is what we focus on. ben has demonstrated that if. about that so that is what we focus . on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that— on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that you _ on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that you can— on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that you can win. _ on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that you can win. we _ on. ben has demonstrated that if you do that you can win.— do that you can win. we will come back to back _ do that you can win. we will come back to back with _ do that you can win. we will come back to back with you _ do that you can win. we will come back to back with you and - do that you can win. we will come back to back with you and ellie - do that you can win. we will come back to back with you and ellie in | do that you can win. we will come | back to back with you and ellie in a moment. sirjohn curtice, we were talking to george galloway, the mp for the workers party of britain in rochdale. he was talking about landslides in certain wards in rochdale and in the area as a whole for his party, and there is no doubt that in areas with large muslim populations, the labour support has gone back. how significant is it? its a little more subtle than that. we have done more digging on labour in muslim held wards, and you discover it is really a problem for labour in labour wards where there was already a very large... sorry, in muslim wards with lots of muslim voters when labour were particularly strong, having other half the vote

backin strong, having other half the vote back in 2021. in those wards, the labour vote is down by 18 percentage points. that is clearly a problem. on the other hand, if you go to wards where labour were less strong, less than a0%, you don't see labour struggling in anything like the same way. a couple of things to draw out from that. one is we shouldn't necessarily assume the only people who vote labour who are upset about gaza and those who are muslim. there is plenty of evidence that other labour voters aren't this becomes clear in words where there is a strong labour vote in the ethos is most disturbed by what keir starmer stands for the second thing this right is perhaps the loss of muslim support is worth less likely to do labour damage and a general

election but can also come back to... your entirely right, the conservative party did well in 2021. it was about six points ahead in the opinion polls which is more or less where you would need to be in order to win a general election but no more than that. let's not exaggerate the position in 2021. the second thing to bear in mind is you and i will probably agree that the conservative party did not do terribly well last year and in all the evidence we have, you did not do any better this thursday than you did 12 months ago. therefore, the broad message of the opinion polls is corroborated by these local election results that there has been no significant change in the gap between conservative and labour and thatis between conservative and labour and that is a gap which you do need to try and narrow. mark?— that is a gap which you do need to try and narrow. mark? i would not disauree try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with _ try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with that _ try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with that at _ try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with that at all _ try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with that at all and - try and narrow. mark? i would not disagree with that at all and the l disagree with that at all and the prime _ disagree with that at all and the prime minister made it clear that these _ prime minister made it clear that these are — prime minister made it clear that these are disappointing results and

where _ these are disappointing results and where we _ these are disappointing results and where we have lost councillors is clearly _ where we have lost councillors is clearly disappointing and we are behind — clearly disappointing and we are behind the posts so i think nobody is pretending we don't have work to do, is pretending we don't have work to do. i_ is pretending we don't have work to do, i wouldn't disagree with that but the — do, i wouldn't disagree with that but the point i was making was where you have _ but the point i was making was where you have shown a good record and a good _ you have shown a good record and a good thing _ you have shown a good record and a good thing the future, we can win etectiohs — good thing the future, we can win elections and that's what we have to do. elections and that's what we have to do that _ elections and that's what we have to do. that means is a lot of work to dom _ do. that means is a lot of work to do... �* ., ., , ., do... but the government does not showin: do... but the government does not showing delivery — do... but the government does not showing delivery and _ do... but the government does not showing delivery and therefore - do... but the government does not showing delivery and therefore is i showing delivery and therefore is not showing progress. to extend what you're how worried are you, bearing in mind your constituency as well, that labour has gained councils right across the country? they have gained in hartlepool, in thurrock in essex, in rushmore and hampshire and in redditch in the midlands. this is notjust one part of the country, this is right across the country. that is difficult, isn't it? and this is right across the country. that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held _ that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held onto _ that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held onto a _ that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held onto a seat _ that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held onto a seat in - that is difficult, isn't it? and we have held onto a seat in tees i that is difficult, isn't it? and we - have held onto a seat in tees valley which _ have held onto a seat in tees valley which is _ have held onto a seat in tees valley which is an— have held onto a seat in tees valley which is an area that was

traditionally... mayoralty. the picture — traditionally... mayoralty. the picture is _ traditionally... mayoralty. the picture is complex. i'm not pretending there is not work for us and that— pretending there is not work for us and that would be a ridiculous position— and that would be a ridiculous position to hold, which i don't. there's— position to hold, which i don't. there's a — position to hold, which i don't. there's a lot of work for us to do but my— there's a lot of work for us to do but my point is we need to focus now on the _ but my point is we need to focus now on the election and the choice that faces— on the election and the choice that faces the _ on the election and the choice that faces the country and the fact that we have _ faces the country and the fact that we have a — faces the country and the fact that we have a plan and the plan is working — we have a plan and the plan is working and the fact that if you chose — working and the fact that if you chose a — working and the fact that if you chose a labour government, they don't _ chose a labour government, they don't plan — chose a labour government, they don't plan and you go back to square one and _ don't plan and you go back to square one and throw all the way the progress _ one and throw all the way the progress with the difficult challenges you had on the pandemic and dealing with the impact of the war irr— and dealing with the impact of the war in ukraine and that's what we have _ war in ukraine and that's what we have to _ war in ukraine and that's what we have to fix — war in ukraine and that's what we have to fix and focus on and to put your point — have to fix and focus on and to put your point about across the country. the loss _ your point about across the country. the loss of — your point about across the country. the loss of voters and if you look at those — the loss of voters and if you look at those polls that haven't made their— at those polls that haven't made their minds up and if you take my constituency which you refer to, i do meet — constituency which you refer to, i do meet people who are not super enthusiastic of the number what's important — enthusiastic of the number what's important is they haven't switched to the _ important is they haven't switched to the labour party. they want us to -ive to the labour party. they want us to give them _ to the labour party. they want us to give them a — to the labour party. they want us to give them a reason to give them the vote or— give them a reason to give them the vote or to— give them a reason to give them the vote or to give us their vote. | vote or to give us their vote. would vote or to give us their vote. i would guess response from you, ellie, but before we listen tojohn

curtis go, to pick up on that theme about labour winning councils in different parts of the country. a number of them were notably leave areas in the eu referendum during those brexit years. is that divide, leave and remain, all but gone? has diminished as salient factor or is it still there and what mark is saying is that people have stayed home, they haven't made up their minds yet? the home, they haven't made up their minds yet?— home, they haven't made up their minds et? w ., , ., ,., minds yet? the quick answer to you is as far as — minds yet? the quick answer to you is as far as the _ minds yet? the quick answer to you is as far as the geography _ minds yet? the quick answer to you is as far as the geography of - is as far as the geography of supporters concerned has been a partial reversal of the impact of brexit and the geography of party support and that is something that was evident in the local elections in 2022 and 23 but is not clear that has gone much further now but if you compare the results now with the result in 2015 and 16, and that's what we are able to do, you still see the labour party relative to

2015 and 16 doing better in remain voting areas and conservatives in leave voting areas. the second thing i would say is that if you look at the evidence of the opinion poll on his voting labour, 75% of those people who say they are going to vote labour are current supporters of rejoining and that figure is come down a great deal from over 80% of labour supporters who backed remain in 2019. the party who has had more change support in terms of composition is conservative because basically the party had so little support amongst remain voters in 2019 and those who voted remain in 2016 and were willing to vote for borisjohnson were very conservative voters and that hasn't gone down but the conservative party has lost about a half of the people who believe in brexit so ironically, the conservative vote is now much less of a pro brexit vote, is much

diminished as it is that it was four and have years ago.— diminished as it is that it was four and have years ago. thank you very much at sir — and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn _ and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn and _ and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn and we _ and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn and we will- and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn and we will talk. and have years ago. thank you very much at sirjohn and we will talk to | much at sirjohn and we will talk to you as more results come in but very interesting in terms of analysis and the motivations for people voting. let's bring you up—to—date with some latest results from councils across england because these are local elections as well as mayoral elections as well as mayoral election and police and crime commissioners but you can see, castle point held, has gained by the independence and they were in a strong position but they have gained castle point. burnley is hung and thatis castle point. burnley is hung and that is an area where to some extent labour are that is an area where to some extent labourare coming that is an area where to some extent labour are coming under pressure from councillors who have quit the party. hyndburn is an important game for labour in lancashire and they will be pleased with that and knowsley is unsurprising and that's a labour hold and west oxfordshire

remains hung as does welwyn hatfield and labour have held on to preston. just looking, vicky at these results, . .. just looking, vicky at these results,... i will give you more. basingstoke remains home, barnsley is a labour hold, and the liberal democrats have held on to watford. labour have held onto wakefield, blackburn, swindon and despite what we were hearing from george galloway and swindon and they have gained... thus an important win for labour in norwich. the greens would have been strong there but that's no overall control but labour have gained there. they have invaded? irate control but labour have gained there. they have invaded? we heard that labour had _ there. they have invaded? we heard that labour had taken _ there. they have invaded? we heard that labour had taken control - there. they have invaded? we heard that labour had taken control of - that labour had taken control of norwich but this will result of a data error and the count is to continue but i don't know if that is updated we are not sure. i can tell you about basildon and we talk about

basildon as a bellwether place but the basildon council is on course for being in no overall control and the senior tory source that the results are bad for the party so that would be going from a tory run to liberal overall control soap plenty of places where labour is doing well across the country and in areas where they are very much looking at the parliamentary seats and looking to a general election and looking to a general election and the place where they want to do well and there will be thinking that in many of those places that's exactly what they want. irate in many of those places that's exactly what they want. we don't know for certain _ exactly what they want. we don't know for certain and _ exactly what they want. we don't know for certain and in _ exactly what they want. we don't know for certain and in basildon. exactly what they want. we don't i know for certain and in basildon all the seats were actually up it wasn't a case of thirds. and that would be bad for the conservatives losing that to no overall control.- that to no overall control. every loss of the _ that to no overall control. every loss of the council— that to no overall control. every loss of the council for _ loss of the council for conservatives - loss of the council for conservatives is - loss of the council for conservatives is a - loss of the council for| conservatives is a bad loss of the council for- conservatives is a bad news. councils— conservatives is a bad news. councils work _ conservatives is a bad news. councils work incredibly - conservatives is a bad news. j councils work incredibly hard conservatives is a bad news. - councils work incredibly hard and the overall— councils work incredibly hard and the overall record _ councils work incredibly hard and the overall record of— councils work incredibly hard and | the overall record of conservative councils _ the overall record of conservative councils is — the overall record of conservative councils is excellent. _ the overall record of conservative councils is excellent. they- the overall record of conservative j councils is excellent. they deliver tletter— councils is excellent. they deliver better services _ councils is excellent. they deliver better services at _ councils is excellent. they deliver better services at lower _ councils is excellent. they deliver better services at lower gusts - councils is excellent. they deliver

better services at lower gusts of i better services at lower gusts of every _ better services at lower gusts of every council _ better services at lower gusts of every council means _ better services at lower gusts of every council means gets - better services at lower gusts of every council means gets worse | every council means gets worse council — every council means gets worse council tax _ every council means gets worse council tax and _ every council means gets worse council tax and services - every council means gets worse council tax and services with - council tax and services with labour _ council tax and services with labour. �* ., , , council tax and services with labour. ., , , ., labour. i'm not sure i recognise a statement — labour. i'm not sure i recognise a statement of _ labour. i'm not sure i recognise a statement of a _ labour. i'm not sure i recognise a statement of a council _ labour. i'm not sure i recognise a statement of a council tax - labour. i'm not sure i recognise a | statement of a council tax because lowest _ statement of a council tax because lowest council taxes are labour councils — lowest council taxes are labour councils |f— lowest council taxes are labour councils. , ., lowest council taxes are labour councils. , councils. if you compare the band d rates. we councils. if you compare the band d rates- we are _ councils. if you compare the band d rates. we are obviously _ councils. if you compare the band d rates. we are obviously getting - councils. if you compare the band d rates. we are obviously getting the| rates. we are obviously getting the results coming _ rates. we are obviously getting the results coming in _ rates. we are obviously getting the results coming in and _ rates. we are obviously getting the results coming in and you - rates. we are obviously getting the i results coming in and you mentioned the east _ results coming in and you mentioned the east midlands mayor has not been declared _ the east midlands mayor has not been declared but it will be a real test, i declared but it will be a real test, ithink. _ declared but it will be a real test, ithink. of— declared but it will be a real test, ithink. of a — declared but it will be a real test, i think, of a barometer if you like because — i think, of a barometer if you like because the number of battleground seats but _ because the number of battleground seats but also the new mayoralty and there isn't _ seats but also the new mayoralty and there isn't one of these big personality incumbents in that seat and by— personality incumbents in that seat and by the — personality incumbents in that seat and by the way, claire ward as our candidate — and by the way, claire ward as our candidate and her leaflets were very clearly _ candidate and her leaflets were very clearly labour leaflets and i think that would be a really interesting test, _ that would be a really interesting test, particularly given the battleground seats that come under that east _ battleground seats that come under that east midlands mayoral area. less partly leaflet gate for the moment but if that's the case when

it comes to the west midlands mayoralty are you saying that if andy street the conservative incumbent holes on there than it looks shaky for the surrounding constituency parliamentary seats for labour? �* . �* , constituency parliamentary seats for labour? . ~ , ,, constituency parliamentary seats for labour? . . ~ , ,, ., ., labour? again... andy street again, if ou look labour? again... andy street again, if you look at — labour? again... andy street again, if you look at a _ labour? again... andy street again, if you look at a lot _ labour? again... andy street again, if you look at a lot of _ labour? again... andy street again, if you look at a lot of his _ labour? again... andy street again, if you look at a lot of his campaign i if you look at a lot of his campaign literature — if you look at a lot of his campaign literature and social media, again, a complete — literature and social media, again, a complete lack of conservative branding~ — a complete lack of conservative branding. he refers himself as the un—political politician. he has a brand _ un—political politician. he has a brand distinct from the conservatives and we saw brand distinct from the conservatives and we sanohn curtis mention— conservatives and we sanohn curtis mention that the last time andy street— mention that the last time andy street was up for election he won but labour— street was up for election he won but labour won the police and crime commissioner on the exact same boundary— commissioner on the exact same boundary so he clearly has that personal— boundary so he clearly has that personal following and a personal brand _ personal following and a personal brand and — personal following and a personal brand and a few other people in the west midlands don't realise that andy— west midlands don't realise that andy street is a conservative. look, i thou~ht andy street is a conservative. look, i thought was _ andy street is a conservative. look, i thought was very _ andy street is a conservative. look, i thought was very clear _ andy street is a conservative. look, i thought was very clear and - andy street is a conservative. look, i thought was very clear and an - i thought was very clear and an attempt — i thought was very clear and an attempt to— i thought was very clear and an attempt to have _ i thought was very clear and an

attempt to have a _ i thought was very clear and an attempt to have a different - i thought was very clear and an - attempt to have a different position in one _ attempt to have a different position in one part — attempt to have a different position in one part of— attempt to have a different position in one part of the _ attempt to have a different position in one part of the country— attempt to have a different position in one part of the country as - attempt to have a different position in one part of the country as the - in one part of the country as the other~~~ — in one part of the country as the other... , ., . , ._ ., other... there is no incumbent mayor in the east — other... there is no incumbent mayor in the east midlands. _ other... there is no incumbent mayor in the east midlands. andy _ other... there is no incumbent mayor in the east midlands. andy street - other... there is no incumbent mayor in the east midlands. andy street is i in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative _ in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative and _ in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative and i _ in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative and i was _ in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative and i was with - in the east midlands. andy street is a conservative and i was with him . a conservative and i was with him a few weels— a conservative and i was with him a few weeks ago— a conservative and i was with him a few weeks ago campaigning - a conservative and i was with him a few weeks ago campaigning with i a conservative and i was with him a i few weeks ago campaigning with him as we _ few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set— few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out— few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out the _ few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out the first _ few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out the first stage - few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out the first stage of- few weeks ago campaigning with him as we set out the first stage of the l as we set out the first stage of the midlands _ as we set out the first stage of the midlands rail— as we set out the first stage of the midlands rail hub _ as we set out the first stage of the midlands rail hub and _ as we set out the first stage of the midlands rail hub and a _ as we set out the first stage of the midlands rail hub and a huge - midlands rail hub and a huge amount of investment — midlands rail hub and a huge amount of investment. he _ midlands rail hub and a huge amount of investment.— of investment. he wasn't very concerned _ of investment. he wasn't very concerned to _ of investment. he wasn't very concerned to h _ of investment. he wasn't very concerned to h s _ of investment. he wasn't very concerned to h s two. - of investment. he wasn't very concerned to h s two. but - of investment. he wasn't very concerned to h s two. but he| of investment. he wasn't very l concerned to h s two. but he is caettin concerned to h s two. but he is getting £1-7 _ concerned to h s two. but he is getting £1.7 billion _ concerned to h s two. but he is getting £1.7 billion to _ concerned to h s two. but he is getting £1.7 billion to connect i getting {1.7 billion to connect birmingham _ getting £1.7 billion to connect birmingham to— getting {1.7 billion to connect birmingham to 50 _ getting {1.7 billion to connect birmingham to 50 cities - getting {1.7 billion to connecti birmingham to 50 cities across getting {1.7 billion to connect - birmingham to 50 cities across the country— birmingham to 50 cities across the country and — birmingham to 50 cities across the country and he _ birmingham to 50 cities across the country and he was _ birmingham to 50 cities across the country and he was campaigning. birmingham to 50 cities across the . country and he was campaigning with me on— country and he was campaigning with me on that _ country and he was campaigning with me on that very— country and he was campaigning with me on that very important _ country and he was campaigning with me on that very important policy- country and he was campaigning with me on that very important policy so i me on that very important policy so he very— me on that very important policy so he very clearly _ me on that very important policy so he very clearly is _ me on that very important policy so he very clearly is a _ me on that very important policy so he very clearly is a conservative. i he very clearly is a conservative. if he very clearly is a conservative. if he _ he very clearly is a conservative. if he does — he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well— he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well that _ he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well that a _ he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well that a win - he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well that a win for- he very clearly is a conservative. if he does well that a win for the| if he does well that a win for the conservatives. _ if he does well that a win for the conservatives._ if he does well that a win for the conservatives. one of the things in his favour is _ conservatives. one of the things in his favour is painting _ conservatives. one of the things in his favour is painting himself i conservatives. one of the things in his favour is painting himself as i conservatives. one of the things in his favour is painting himself as a i his favour is painting himself as a conservative unlike the labour run birmingham local authority which is bankrupt. birmingham local authority which is bankru t. . birmingham local authority which is bankrut. ., ,�* bankrupt. local government isn't really difficult _ bankrupt. local government isn't really difficult situation _ bankrupt. local government isn't really difficult situation because l really difficult situation because of of _ really difficult situation because of of neglect by the conservatives. there _ of of neglect by the conservatives. there is— of of neglect by the conservatives. there is no— of of neglect by the conservatives. there is no long—term funding plans for local— there is no long—term funding plans for local government, they have to id for local government, they have to

go cap— for local government, they have to go cap in— for local government, they have to go cap in hand bidding for bits of funding — go cap in hand bidding for bits of funding here and there and spending millions— funding here and there and spending millions of— funding here and there and spending millions of pounds in the process and we _ millions of pounds in the process and we need a long—term funding for government and such as labour councils— government and such as labour councils that are in financial difficulty, there is a large number of conservative councils like northamptonshire and northumberland and slough that also difficulty. | and slough that also difficulty. i think and slough that also difficulty. think we and slough that also difficulty. i think we can show you, but it'sjust think we can show you, but it's just disappeared for me, the result from worthing and that's been held by labour. unsurprising the town of the south coast and the conservative mp is stepping down there but we can see 45% for labour to 37% for the conservatives but what's interesting is if we have a look at the vote share change it has gone up quite significantly for labour, again, if you are looking at areas where labour would like to take in parliamentary elections, it is up 13% and down 12% for the conservatives. we are waiting to hear if we are going to get a may

oral result in the north east and that's a new position there and labour is very much hoping they are going to take this. the independent candidate jane driscoll was labour's mayor in the old seat and has now changed and they have this one. we will bring that to you as soon as we have noticed that it is going to be announced but that would be an important win for labour and we can see that they are setting up ready to make that announcement but we will come back to it injust to make that announcement but we will come back to it in just a moment. in terms of the mood, for the party, rachel and in terms of labour having sealed the deal, it's a slightly hackneyed phrase with this idea that many voters clearly from these council elections as a barometer have lost and fallen out of love with the conservatives but have they sealed the deal in terms of enthusiasm for the labour party?

i need those low turnout in various areas particularly the blackpool south by—election. i think if you have low turnout and labour are managing to get their voters out in the conservatives and does not necessarily a win for the conservatives or something that should comfort them. i think east midlands mayoralty is going to be interesting and certain of conservative mps that i was speaking to in the run—up to elections because that would show the benefits and strength of conservative feeling that there isn't an incumbent and we're getting that now.— we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two _ we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two and _ we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two and i _ we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two and i would - we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two and i would be i we're getting that now. that's all on bbc two and i would be backl on bbc two and i would be back on bbc one and bbc news in a few moments with continuing election results coverage.

it is friday and 1:45pm and we live in westminster. a big victory for labour in the blackpool by—election. this was directly to rishi sunak, to say we're fed up with your decline, your chaos and your division, and we want to change.

conservatives also suffer big losses in the local elections. obviously, it's disappointing to lose good, hard—working conservative councillors, and i'm grateful to them for all their service in local government, keeping council tax low and delivering services for local people. but we've still got lots of results to come as well. but there's some comfort for the conservatives. tees valley mayor ben houchen is re—elected. professor sirjohn curtice is with us, analysing all the electoral trends. yellow i'll be hearing from yellow correspondents at counts up and down the country, politicians and commentators from across the political spectrum. nick eardley is at the screen with the latest. i nick eardley is at the screen with the latest. , . . ., the latest. i will be crunching all the latest. i will be crunching all the numbers _ the latest. i will be crunching all the numbers as _ the latest. i will be crunching all the numbers as they _ the latest. i will be crunching all the numbers as they come i the latest. i will be crunching all the numbers as they come in, l the latest. i will be crunching all. the numbers as they come in, still the latest. i will be crunching all- the numbers as they come in, still a lot of results today, mayors, councils and police commissioners.

with me are the bbc�*s deputy political editor, vicki young, and