How will success and failure unfold for Labour and Conservatives in the local elections?

The final set of local elections before the looming general election offers parties a final litmus test of their electoral prospects before the nation decides who they want hanging the curtains in No.10.

But interpreting local election results requires nuance. Historically, challenger and fringe parties often outperform expectations, driven by localised issues and lower turnout.

Still, locals can provide insight into broader political trends. These results serve as a barometer of the national mood and potential shifts.

This set of locals may set hares running. Rishi Sunak is holding together a divided majority, with murmurs of a leadership challenge looming if losses prove substantial. Speculation is swirling about the possibility of an early general election.

’s commanding poll lead suggests inevitable Conservative losses, but the