Sunak acknowledges ‘disappointing’ local election results amid swing to Labour

Rishi Sunak has acknowledged a “disappointing” series of local election results after the Conservatives suffered defeats across the country.

But the Prime Minister insisted he was “focused completely on the job at hand” and that Labour had still not done enough to be on track to win the general election.

Experts have warned the Conservatives could be on course to lose 500 seats in what could be their worst showing in 40 years.

But the party retained the Tees Valley mayoralty, with Lord Ben Houchen being re-elected.

Lord Houchen’s victory provided a much-needed boost for Mr Sunak, although Labour said he ran as a “pseudo-independent”, distancing himself from the Prime Minister, and pointed to the large swing in its favour.

The results come as Sir hailed a “seismic win” for