Labour Sees More Local Election Success as Sadiq Khan Secures Third Term
The London Mayor called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to trigger a general election as Labour gains ground in local and mayoral elections.
Sadiq Khan, the London Mayor, secured a historic third term as Labour sees victories in local elections.
With 1,088,225 votes, Mr. Khan won with a lead of 275,828 votes over Conservative competitor Susan Hall, who received just under 813,000 votes.
Labour’s Andy Burnham also retained his position as mayor of Greater Manchester, and Richard Parker defeated Tory mayor Andy Street in the West Midlands.
At the conclusion of all 11 mayoral elections by Saturday evening, Labour candidates emerged victorious in 10 of them. The opposition party also made significant gains in local elections.
Mr. Khan, aged 53, claimed the title of the first Muslim mayor of London in 2016. His victory came despite some public discontent over issues like knife crime and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Following his third-term win, Mr. Khan emphasized his commitment to addressing cost of living, crime, homelessness, and affordable housing.
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He intensified pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, insisting that it is time to call for a general election.
“London has been opposing the Tory government for the past eight years, and now, with the Labour Party ready to govern under Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak must give the public a choice,” he stated.
“A general election will not only set a new course for our country but will also enable the bold actions that Londoners desire to become a reality.”
Although Ms. Hall campaigned against ULEZ, she extended her congratulations to Mr. Khan on his reelection.
She expressed hope that improving policing and tackling crime would be Mr. Khan’s top priorities, and urged him to refrain from condescension.
Labour candidates Claire Ward, Kim McGuinness, and David Skaith secured the first metro mayor positions in England’s East Midlands, North East, and York and North Yorkshire regions.
Tory incumbent Ben Houchen in Tees Valley and six other incumbent Labour mayors retained their positions, including in Liverpool, Salford, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.
In council elections, Labour secured 1,140 seats, gaining 185, while the Liberal Democrats came in second with 521 seats, acquiring 104 new seats.
The Conservative Party, after losing 473 seats, found themselves in third place with 513 seats.
Reform UK gained two councillors, while Workers Party of Britain, led by George Galloway, secured four seats.
Furthermore, Independents received 288 seats, Greens 181, and the Residents’ Association 48.
The Conservative Party lost control of ten councils, maintaining control over six councils.
Labour and the Lib Dems gained eight and two councils, owning 50 and 12 councils respectively.
Labour candidates emerged victorious in 14 Police and crime commissioners elections, taking 10 seats from the Conservatives, who now hold 17 seats.
Counting and result announcements are expected to continue over the weekend.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated that the prime minister should not be ousted, amidst rumors of Tory rebels planning to replace the leader in the event of substantial losses in local elections.
Ms. Braverman, writing in The Telegraph, urged Mr. Sunak to initiate the necessary changes to pull the Conservatives out of their current position.
She emphasized the need for strong leadership on issues like tax, migration, small boats, and law and order to regain voter confidence.
PA Media and Reuters contributed to this report.
