in all four nations of the united kingdom the polling stations have been busy and soon we'll have the voters�* verdict. it's the biggest test of public opinion before the next general election, so stay with us for the results. borisjohnson, voting in westminster today with the family dog dylan, has had a testing time with partygate, the war in ukraine, and the covid crisis, so does he still have the voters�* trust? does he still have the winning touch? sir keir starmer, voting in north london today, became labour leader by promising to rebuild the party after the corbyn years. but last year's council elections were disappointing for labour. he needs a stronger showing this year.

the first minister of scotland was voting in glasgow. the votes will be counted tomorrow in local elections in scotland and wales. the results should be a valuable guide to the current state of the parties. tomorrow too will bring the verdict of voters in northern ireland, where sinn fein are hoping to top the poll for the first time in history, giving them the power to nominate a first minister at stormont. all that's tomorrow, but tonight we have thousands of council seats being fought in england in dozens of local authorities and the counting is already under way. we have reporters at all the key contests. and we'll be looking in more detail at the results with my colleague reeta chakrabati. and i'm here at the touch screen bringing you all the numbers and results that matter and what they mean. election night would not be complete without our knight with the numbers, professor sirjohn curtice, who'll be ready with his analysis of the results as they come in. here in the studio is the bbc�*s laura kuenssberg to help us understand what the results mean for the party leaders and their teams. we'll also have the company

of guests from the political parties, here in the studio and at counting centres throughout the uk. we�*re all standing by for the voters�* verdict. stay with us for election night 2022 on the bbc. yes, good evening from the bbc�*s election studio here at new broadcasting house in london. this will be our base overnight and for much of tomorrow as we keep tabs on all the results coming in from counting centres in england, wales, scotland and northern ireland. tonight�*s results are all from england. we�*ll be asking what�*s been on voters�* minds. maybe the cost of living crisis on a day when the bank of england raised interest rates again and warned of a possible recession.

or maybe it�*s the pa rtygate controversy? and to what extent has sir keir starmer turned around labour�*s fortunes? the stakes are high for all the party leaders. let�*s turn to laura kuenssberg. what�*s at stake? a huge amount and different things in different parts of the country and different challenges for a different party leaders and an election night like this is a real patchwork because there are local elections, not a big general election so we have to be careful about drawing massive conclusions but there are two central tout in the big tussle between the big parties, first the governing party, the conservatives, it�*s the first time voters have a chance to have a real say, notjust focus groups or polling but a real say on their faith in the prime minister after months of allegations about what happened in downing street during the pandemic, whether

tonight you are watching and you think that is trivial or not work whether you think it serious, tonight is important because it represents the first real test of that but in a much bigger sense whether or not people in the country show faith in the government to cope with something more serious, that cost of living crisis, inflation moving to 10%, warnings of a recession from the bank of england, this big troubling backdrop that will be in our politics for a long time. turning to keir starmer, labour has been a head in the polls fairly consistently but does that theoretical lead translate into a big leap forward for him, notjust piling up votes in urban parts of the country but in parts of england where labour has to look like they are making big strides forward to be competitive at a general election?

some of sir keir starmer�*s critics inside the labour party and plenty outside would say in his time in charge he has shown progress and done a lot to repair the labour party sincejeremy done a lot to repair the labour party since jeremy corbyn done a lot to repair the labour party sincejeremy corbyn in that election defeat of 2019 but has he shown that he can be a transformative leader with the capability to overturn a tory majority that is so huge? he has to climb a mountain and tonight will be a bit of a verdict about whether he has the secret sauce to make that transformation but remember people watching tonight are voting on all sorts of things, bins, quality of care for the elderly, notjust sorts of things, bins, quality of care for the elderly, not just the big picture at westminster. we care for the elderly, notjust the big picture at westminster. we will brin: our big picture at westminster. we will bring our guest _ big picture at westminster. we will bring our guest in _ big picture at westminster. we will bring our guest in in _ big picture at westminster. we will bring our guest in in a _ big picture at westminster. we will bring our guest in in a second. - it useful for all of us watching to remember what is at stake in terms of councils and seat so let�*s join

reeta. of councils and seat so let's 'oin reeta. , , ., ., , reeta. this is how the main parties are starting — reeta. this is how the main parties are starting the _ reeta. this is how the main parties are starting the night _ reeta. this is how the main parties are starting the night and _ reeta. this is how the main parties are starting the night and a - reeta. this is how the main parties are starting the night and a quick . are starting the night and a quick look at this shows you that labour is defending half as many seats more than the conservatives and that�*s because these elections are being fought in very labour areas. a lot of the seats tonight are in london where they are having all—out elections, all 32 boroughs are having elections but there are also elections in leeds, manchester, birmingham, the big cities where labour is drawn so that is why you are seeing a higherfigure labour is drawn so that is why you are seeing a higher figure for them than the conservatives. the liberal democrats defending over 600 seats, the scottish national party and plaid cymru several hundred seats between them and there were elections in scotland and wales and the green party defending 72 seats. 0ne the green party defending 72 seats. one other screen is useful, the

projected national share so that is what we have projected it would have happened in each of these election years if the whole country had been voting so you can see last year in 2021 labour came seven points behind the conservatives, they had a pretty poor night but we are more interested for the sake of england interested for the sake of england in 2018 because that�*s when the seats that are up tonight were last voted on and there you can see that labour and the conservatives were neck and neck. in scotland and wales the seats were last voted on in 2017 and a much bigger gap there. this means that labour has to have a much stronger performance in england in order to show its going forward than it does in scotland or wales. irate it does in scotland or wales. we will be back for more detail with reeta in a moment. we will be

talking about lots of key contacts and one of them is in sunderland, where there is an interesting challenge for labour in terms of challenges from the conservatives and the lib dems and richard moss is our correspondent in sunderland. i know there are some words in already but what can you tell us about the state of play?— state of play? you can hear a big chair down _ state of play? you can hear a big chair down here _ state of play? you can hear a big chair down here as _ state of play? you can hear a big chair down here as the _ state of play? you can hear a big chair down here as the liberal i chair down here as the liberal democrats have just gained a seat from labour and that was the first time seats have changed, we have eight seats in with a ninth and labour have held five, the conservatives have held two but the lib dems have just conservatives have held two but the lib dems havejust taken conservatives have held two but the lib dems have just taken from labour. if labour lose six seats they lose control of a council they had control of since 1974 and they were hoping they would stop haemorrhaging seats and perhaps begin to close some back. results have been 0k

begin to close some back. results have been ok for them but that lost is worrying and they failed to take back a seat from the conservatives. the conservative group leader here won his seat on labour might have hoped to take it so it�*s a mixed picture, the key seats may be washington south where the labour leader of the council, even boris johnson came to campaign in that word on bank holiday monday, that is one of the conservatives have thrown everything at and even if labour don�*t retain complete control they will hope they can at least take the lead. labour have struggled in the north—east in the last few elections, the contagion has spread up elections, the contagion has spread up from teesside through county durham and into sunderland and they hope to stop that tonight. at the moment they have done 0k hope to stop that tonight. at the moment they have done ok but that loss will worry them. in moment they have done ok but that loss will worry them.— loss will worry them. in terms of what they _ loss will worry them. in terms of what they are — loss will worry them. in terms of what they are saying _ loss will worry them. in terms of what they are saying tonight, - what they are saying tonight, richard, what have you picked up from the parties in terms of their own instincts? i

from the parties in terms of their own instincts?— own instincts? i don't think that i now, -- own instincts? i don't think that i now. -- they _ own instincts? i don't think that i now. -- they now. _ own instincts? i don't think that i now, -- they now, especially - own instincts? i don't think that i - now, -- they now, especially around now, —— they now, especially around washington south were out are being counted for graham miller, the conservatives have pushed hard there, they maybe don�*t think they have a chance of gaining seats but that would be a high profile one to get rid of the labour council leader sue the conservative vote hasn�*t collapsed here which was the fear the conservative group had a few weeks ago, the conservative group leader who held his seat called for boris johnson�*s leader who held his seat called for borisjohnson�*s resignation and that was part of concern that what happened to westminster would spread into somewhere like sunderland and conservative voters would stay away or switch, that doesn�*t seem to have happened in huge numbers and that will worry labour because there are seats where they could lose to the conservatives ought lib dems and that majority could be under threat

but they will hope they will do enough tonight to hold control of this council. there is one ward that will not be counted this evening because it has been postponed because it has been postponed because the eucalypt candidate died after nominations had closed. that will be counted at a later date and they may have to rely on that to hold control.— hold control. good to have that early intelligence _ hold control. good to have that early intelligence from - hold control. good to have that - early intelligence from sunderland, richard moss at the count. with its low council tax, wandsworth has been a flagship tory borough since 1978. in 1990, the conservative party chairman, kenneth baker, famously dismissed a poor local election performance by singling out what happened in wandsworth. he used ones worth as a count of symbol for success where there hadn�*t been a lot of success elsewhere. i remember it well. i was there!

can ijust confirm before i say anything else that the final result here is through. it�*s 48—13 to the conservatives. a trouncing for labour, very, very disappointing night for them. 30—31 was the old council, it�*s not 48—13, a majority it�*s now 48—13, a majority of 35 to the conservatives. the conservatives have gained 17 seats, labour have lost the 17. what you are also seeing are some quite spectacular conservative gains. there�*s been a conservative landslide in wandsworth and in london we are picking up seats in brent. i gather that out of all the ones that have been announced so far, we won them, and in other parts of london, where the message very clearly has got home that conservatives councils cost you less and labour councils cost you more, we are doing well. kenneth baker, later lord baker who was party chairman at that time, who ijy was party chairman at that time, who by the way, and this is a sobering thought for people if they are getting excited about that clip, he used that as proof that the poll tax

was not as unpopular as people said it was and we know how that turned out. wandsworth is a very important result in symbolic terms, whatever it is, because the conservatives have made a big issue of lower council tax while, they say, maintaining services so they say that has been the winning formula. charlotte rose is our correspondent in wandsworth, which hasn�*t changed at all, the hall there, so what�*s the latest state of play there? thea;r the latest state of play there? they miaht have the latest state of play there? they might have given _ the latest state of play there? they might have given it _ the latest state of play there? tie: might have given it a little lick the latest state of play there? tierg might have given it a little lick of paint since 1990 but maybe not much more. counting is under way already and it�*s a busy and noisy council hall and if you look into the corner, that is nine elms ward, the newest and smallest of all the words here because it was a development of

20,000 new homes spearheaded by the council, we expect it to declare in around one hour but what of the rest of the council because this is a top labour target in london and that�*s for both pragmatic and symbolic reasons, the pragmatic reasons are that when this election was last fought in 2018 the conservatives had a majority of six seats but since then there has been a boundary change which is taken that down to a majority of only three so labour think they can do well. i also won the popular vote in 2018 and hold all three of the parliamentary seats in this borough, but what of their performance in this campaign? we were being told earlier by both sides that they don�*t turner was low and it could be on a knife edge but the bbc has heard from a senior conservative source in wandsworth

saying they believe they have lost control of the council, they think their voters have not come out to these polls and that labour are�*s have. they say there is a lot of unhappiness about to do with partygate and the national picture, they say it is a general sense of they say it is a general sense of the mid—term blues so we are hearing that in the last few minutes but it�*s early in the night and too close to call anything but interesting to look at what has happened during this campaign because both sides have been sending their big hitters, nadhim zahawi the education secretary was here this morning, angela rayner has also been here today. interesting to look at some of the literature going through letter boxes. the conservatives have been branding themselves as the local conservatives and using green leaflets rather than the traditional blue ones, perhaps to distance themselves from that baggage of the

national party despite the fact we are only five miles from westminster so it�*s difficult to create that much distance. we also know from labour a�*s perspective they had concerns about how the vote was going today, they put a call to activists around london saying if you are free please come and help in wandsworth and croydon because you could help tip the balance, so at the moment both sides are playing down expectations but a senior conservative source concerned they have lost control of the council. charlotte, thank you and we will be back to you if there is another set of results. i will bring in my studio gets in a second, you have both been patient but i want to bring in brandon lewis, secretary of state for northern ireland who was waiting for us in belfast, former

party chairman for the conservatives. thanks forjoining us tonight. first of all, what would it mean for you if wandsworth is lost to the conservatives?— to the conservatives? losing any councillors. _ to the conservatives? losing any councillors, i've _ to the conservatives? losing any councillors, i've been _ to the conservatives? losing any councillors, i've been chairman l to the conservatives? losing any| councillors, i've been chairman of councillors, i�*ve been chairman of the party and been a council leader, losing any councillor from a family who has worked hard from the community is something we all feel and i�*m sure opposition parties would say the same as was outlined in the piece you were just running, wandsworth is quite at tight majority in terms of seats, there is less than 200 votes in who controls wandsworth and its mps are labour so it is a tough area especially for this set of elections, bearing in mind labour had been ahead in the polls and expected huge gains across london. mr

polls and expected huge gains across london. ~ , ~._ london. mr lewis, theresa may manared london. mr lewis, theresa may managed to _ london. mr lewis, theresa may managed to hold _ london. mr lewis, theresa may managed to hold wandsworth i london. mr lewis, theresa may| managed to hold wandsworth at london. mr lewis, theresa may - managed to hold wandsworth at her lowest ebb in 2018, there were suggestions tonight from conservative sources that you are also on course to lose or not, there are even doubts about westminster council, i have been told there are heavy losses in kensington and chelsea. how concerned are you about losing a lot in london and the south—east —— on course to lose barnett. i south-east -- on course to lose barnett. ., , south-east -- on course to lose barnett. . , . ., ., south-east -- on course to lose barnett. . , . . ., ::'j~ south-east -- on course to lose barnett. . ., ., ::'j~ barnett. i was chairman in 2018 so i would contest _ barnett. i was chairman in 2018 so i would contest whether _ barnett. i was chairman in 2018 so i would contest whether that - barnett. i was chairman in 2018 so i would contest whether that was - barnett. i was chairman in 2018 so i would contest whether that was the j would contest whether that was the lowest ebb, i think we were in a reasonable place in polling, different to where we are with labour having a consistent lead in the polls and we also have to be clear, pollsters had been predicted labour winning 800 plus seats, ed miliband won over 800 seats before

the 2015 general election so london will be a difficult set of elections, we have councils like barnet which we have held in the past which we took back from labour after a brief change over from labour but in wandsworth there are less than 200 votes between us in labour last time so tight margins in these seats and a difficult set of elections for us.— these seats and a difficult set of elections for us. when you saw the leaflet which _ elections for us. when you saw the leaflet which was _ elections for us. when you saw the leaflet which was in _ elections for us. when you saw the leaflet which was in wandsworth, l leaflet which was in wandsworth, most of it in green saying local conservatives, a clear attempt to distance the party from the westminster setup, distance the party from the westminstersetup, is distance the party from the westminster setup, is that for you a comment on the leadership, do you take that to be a bad sign from experienced local campaigners who know exactly what will damage them locally so for that reason don�*t want borisjohnson near that leaflet?

want boris johnson near that leaflet? , , ., , leaflet? firstly i cannot see the leaflet, i cannot _ leaflet? firstly i cannot see the leaflet, i cannot see _ leaflet? firstly i cannot see the leaflet, i cannot see you - leaflet? firstly i cannot see the leaflet, i cannot see you in - leaflet? firstly i cannot see the leaflet, i cannot see you in the | leaflet, i cannot see you in the studio so i would go on what you described but wandsworth council, it�*s a conservative council we are proud of because it has delivered good conservatives services for people, prominent conservative ministers and activists have been in wandsworth campaigning so i don�*t think anyone will be under any misapprehensions that has been a conservative council, we are proud of it and the councillors who work there. i have been around the country campaigning in a range of areas right the way through the midlands, east anglia, northwest, people have been focused on local issues and i�*ve seen positive reactions on the doorsteps, i think we will see differentials in terms of the results and we may see some new councils and lose some good colleagues we will all miss.

to spell out the obvious, partygate will not be playing well for lots of your campaigners, they have told us that in the last few weeks. do you expect that to be a telling factor or not? i expect that to be a telling factor or not? . ., expect that to be a telling factor or not? .. ., , ., expect that to be a telling factor or not? ., , ., ., ., ., or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the — or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the doorstep _ or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the doorstep and _ or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the doorstep and i - or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the doorstep and i have - or not? i can only go on what i have seen on the doorstep and i have to | seen on the doorstep and i have to say that has not been an issue. just last week i will say, i was in the north—east and people were getting really frustrated with what they were seeing around keir starmer�*s position in failing to be able to answer what was going on in durham. but most people will vote on their local issues, and particularly as i was at that point looking to have conservatives replace labour councillors. we often see in mid—term elections some differentials across the country. but we are in the middle of a

parliament in a difficult period where labour have not had a lead in the polls and this will be a difficult time for us. if you look at the councils that are up, they are ones where labour tends to be better anyway. fin are ones where labour tends to be better anyway-— better anyway. on a day when the bank of england _ better anyway. on a day when the bank of england is _ better anyway. on a day when the bank of england is raising - better anyway. on a day when the bank of england is raising interest rates, a possible recession around the corner, you must have come across people who are extremely concerned about the direction of the economy as well? {line concerned about the direction of the economy as well?— concerned about the direction of the economy as well? one of the messages that we have — economy as well? one of the messages that we have heard _ economy as well? one of the messages that we have heard is _ economy as well? one of the messages that we have heard is the _ economy as well? one of the messages that we have heard is the package - economy as well? one of the messages that we have heard is the package of. that we have heard is the package of work that we will put in, the package of support the chancellor has put in place for people because of the decisions we were able to make, to allow us to have that £22 billion package in place and we recognise there are challenges and we want to help people and we can deal with these challenges in the future. we are in a good place comparatively economically compared to other countries in the world. but we have to explain that to people on the doorstep and that is something

that you are quite right about. they want to know they have got a good government that can take them through this period in a positive way and that is what we have got with the conservative government and borisjohnson. fine with the conservative government and itorisjohnson-— boris johnson. one more question, which is to — boris johnson. one more question, which is to do _ boris johnson. one more question, which is to do with _ boris johnson. one more question, which is to do with your— boris johnson. one more question, which is to do with your own - boris johnson. one more question, which is to do with your own duty i boris johnson. one more question, l which is to do with your own duty as a secretary of state. the votes will be counted in northern ireland tomorrow, it is clearly a very important election, not least in terms of the future stewardship of the assembly the and the administration. what is at stake? brute administration. what is at stake? we will administration. what is at stake? e will probably have the results on saturday afternoon because of the voting system. counting starts tomorrow and it will take some time and it will go through to saturday at the very least. the reality is whoever is in a position to be first deputy and first minister, i look forward to working with them. all parties in that position should be nominated and we would encourage them to do so and i will be talking to party leaders this week and over the next few days. we want to see

the next few days. we want to see the assembly fully up and running. if people can take their places because of the changes agreed with the parties a couple of years ago, but we want to get the first deputy and first minister elected. people of northern ireland will vote in a democracy and we respect their decision and i look forward to working with them to deliver four people in northern ireland. maybe we will talk again — people in northern ireland. maybe we will talk again tomorrow _ people in northern ireland. maybe we will talk again tomorrow when - people in northern ireland. maybe we will talk again tomorrow when the - will talk again tomorrow when the picture is a bit clearer. thank you very much indeed, the secretary of state for northern ireland. the universities minister for the conservatives is here. the test for labour tonight is what? we conservatives is here. the test for labour tonight is what?— conservatives is here. the test for labour tonight is what? we have got to do better — labour tonight is what? we have got to do better than _ labour tonight is what? we have got to do better than we _ labour tonight is what? we have got to do better than we did _ labour tonight is what? we have got to do better than we did in _ labour tonight is what? we have got to do better than we did in 2019 - to do better than we did in 2019 when we had a disastrous election. not really since the war have we seen labour. low. the tories have a massive majority. we will be looking

by this time, by tomorrow afternoon to see what our share of the vote is compared to 2019. it is important to recognise in 2018 theresa may was at her lowest point after losing the general election and at a very low ebb in brexit negotiations. jeremy corbyn was at his highest point at that point in the cycle and we did very well. we got 50% of the seats up very well. we got 50% of the seats up today. so any progress for us is making gains tonight. i expect we will make gains tonight. i have been knocking on doors today right across london. the feeling was good, i have got to say. there were a lot of undecided voters that seemed to be coming over to us. i think the picture is good in london but we will be looking right across the country. seats in the south and in the north to get the overall picture. the north to get the overall icture. ., ,., .,

the north to get the overall icture. ., ., ., ., picture. labour will have to do better than — picture. labour will have to do better than just _ picture. labour will have to do better than just a _ picture. labour will have to do better than just a few - picture. labour will have to do better than just a few gains. l picture. labour will have to do better than just a few gains. i | picture. labour will have to do - better than just a few gains. i know that is— better than just a few gains. i know that is not— better than just a few gains. i know that is not quite what you said, but you will— that is not quite what you said, but you will have to be gaining staggering amounts, potentially 800. that is— staggering amounts, potentially 800. that is even to be credible for keir starmer's — that is even to be credible for keir starmer's leadership. ed miliband won 800 — starmer's leadership. ed miliband won 800 and margret thatcher in between — won 800 and margret thatcher in between landslide elections lost over a _ between landslide elections lost over a thousand. tony blair lost over_ over a thousand. tony blair lost over 1000 — over a thousand. tony blair lost over 1000 in between landslide elections. so if this is labour's comeback— elections. so if this is labour's comeback they should be winning those _ comeback they should be winning those kinds of amounts. to downplay it like _ those kinds of amounts. to downplay it like david _ those kinds of amounts. to downplay it like david is doing... if those kinds of amounts. to downplay it like david is doing. . ._ it like david is doing... if you end u . it like david is doing... if you end u- usin: it like david is doing... if you end up using a _ it like david is doing. .. if you end up using a cancer— it like david is doing... if you end up using a cancer like _ it like david is doing... if you end | up using a cancer like wandsworth it like david is doing... if you end - up using a cancer like wandsworth or barnet or westminster, what will that say about your position? i think losing any council will be very— think losing any council will be very worrying. we have some excellent _ very worrying. we have some excellent councillors, including in those _ excellent councillors, including in those councils. we know wandsworth delivers _ those councils. we know wandsworth delivers more for less. of course we

want _ delivers more for less. of course we want to— delivers more for less. of course we want to get— delivers more for less. of course we want to get that and i am hopeful we will keep— want to get that and i am hopeful we will keep that, we will see what happens — will keep that, we will see what happens as the night progresses, but i happens as the night progresses, but i don't _ happens as the night progresses, but idon't think— happens as the night progresses, but i don't think we can overplay the i don't think we can overplay importance of individual councils and everyone counts. if importance of individual councils and everyone counts.— importance of individual councils and everyone counts. if we make rains of and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 _ and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 it — and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 it will _ and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 it will be _ and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 it will be the - and everyone counts. if we make gains of 200 it will be the best . gains of 200 it will be the best result for labour of over a decade. i don�*t know where your figures come from, it is total hogwash. no one expects games like that, not where we have got 50% of the seats already. we have got 5096 of the seats alread . ., ., , ., , already. that would be a very surprising _ already. that would be a very surprising result. _ already. that would be a very surprising result. that- already. that would be a very surprising result. that was i already. that would be a very | surprising result. that was the outside — surprising result. that was the outside of— surprising result. that was the outside of polling _ surprising result. that was thej outside of polling expectation, surprising result. that was the i outside of polling expectation, but it is important— outside of polling expectation, but it is important for— outside of polling expectation, but it is important for our— outside of polling expectation, but it is important for our viewers i outside of polling expectation, but it is important for our viewers to l it is important for our viewers to understand _ it is important for our viewers to understand the _ it is important for our viewers to understand the last _ it is important for our viewers to understand the last time - it is important for our viewers to understand the last time the i it is important for our viewers to . understand the last time the seats were contested _ understand the last time the seats were contested in— understand the last time the seats were contested in 2018 _ understand the last time the seats were contested in 2018 that - understand the last time the seats were contested in 2018 that is i understand the last time the seats were contested in 2018 that is the| were contested in 2018 that is the benchmark— were contested in 2018 that is the benchmark we _ were contested in 2018 that is the benchmark we are _ were contested in 2018 that is the benchmark we are looking - were contested in 2018 that is the benchmark we are looking at. i. were contested in 2018 that is the i benchmark we are looking at. i think we will— benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear— benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear this _ benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear this a _ benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear this a lot _ benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear this a lot from - benchmark we are looking at. i think we will hear this a lot from labour i we will hear this a lot from labour politicians — we will hear this a lot from labour politicians over— we will hear this a lot from labour politicians over the _ we will hear this a lot from labour politicians over the next _ we will hear this a lot from labour politicians over the next 24 - we will hear this a lot from labourj politicians over the next 24 hours, that you _ politicians over the next 24 hours, that you want _ politicians over the next 24 hours, that you want to _ politicians over the next 24 hours, that you want to make _ politicians over the next 24 hours, that you want to make the - politicians over the next 24 hours, i that you want to make the comparison between _ that you want to make the comparison between the _ that you want to make the comparison between the share _ that you want to make the comparison between the share in _ that you want to make the comparison between the share in 2019 _ that you want to make the comparison between the share in 2019 which - that you want to make the comparison between the share in 2019 which was i between the share in 2019 which was an electoral — between the share in 2019 which was an electoral disaster— between the share in 2019 which was

an electoral disaster for— between the share in 2019 which was an electoral disaster for the - between the share in 2019 which was an electoral disaster for the labour. an electoral disaster for the labour party _ an electoral disaster for the labour party don't — an electoral disaster for the labour party. don't you _ an electoral disaster for the labour party. don't you have _ an electoral disaster for the labour party. don't you have to _ an electoral disaster for the labour party. don't you have to be - an electoral disaster for the labourl party. don't you have to be showing more _ party. don't you have to be showing more progress — party. don't you have to be showing more progress than _ party. don't you have to be showing more progress than that? _ party. don't you have to be showing more progress than that? if - party. don't you have to be showing more progress than that? if that i party. don't you have to be showing more progress than that? if that is. more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, _ more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, it _ more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, it is _ more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, it is a _ more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, it is a very- more progress than that? if that is your aspiration, it is a very low- your aspiration, it is a very low bar, _ your aspiration, it is a very low bar. isn't— your aspiration, it is a very low bar. isn't it? _ your aspiration, it is a very low bar. isn't it?— bar, isn't it? keir starmer has turned around _ bar, isn't it? keir starmer has turned around our _ bar, isn't it? keir starmer has turned around our party. i i bar, isn't it? keir starmer has| turned around our party. i was knocking on doors in barnet today and there werejewish voters coming back to labour and that is a demonstration of the leadership we have seen from keir starmer. 0f have seen from keir starmer. of course the 2018 barometer is hugely important, but so is what happened after 2018, which is when we fell through the floor. today is the turnaround moment for the labour party. it is the moment where people can look and see demonstrable progress. that is where we will be, i predict, by the afternoon. i said on the 800 figure, any gain tonight will be progress. if we had 200 seats, that would be the best we have had for ten years. in midterm reneral have had for ten years. in midterm general elections... _

have had for ten years. in midterm general elections... you _ have had for ten years. in midterm general elections... you are i have had for ten years. in midterm general elections... you are set i have had for ten years. in midterm| general elections... you are set for a very bad — general elections... you are set for a very bad night — general elections... you are set for a very bad night and _ general elections... you are set for a very bad night and you _ general elections. .. you are set for a very bad night and you know- general elections... you are set for a very bad night and you know the. a very bad night and you know the cost of living and party cake were coming up on the doorstep time after time. ., ., , coming up on the doorstep time after time. . ., ., coming up on the doorstep time after time. . .,, ., , , . time. that was not my experience. but we time. that was not my experience. itut we are — time. that was not my experience. itut we are in _ time. that was not my experience. but we are in government - time. that was not my experience. but we are in government and i time. that was not my experience. but we are in government and we | time. that was not my experience. i but we are in government and we are in between _ but we are in government and we are in between two general elections, mid-term — in between two general elections, mid—term and incumbent governments typically— mid—term and incumbent governments typically do _ mid—term and incumbent governments typically do not do that well. you are saying — typically do not do that well. you are saying that just to typically do not do that well. you are saying thatjust to make some gains _ are saying thatjust to make some gains would be a good thing. the expectation is very low for the labour— expectation is very low for the labour party. expectation is very low for the labour party-— expectation is very low for the labour party. expectation is very low for the labour pa . . , ., labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of _ labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of the _ labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of the seats _ labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of the seats and - labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of the seats and we i labour party. clearly given that we have 5096 of the seats and we did i labour party. clearly given that we l have 5096 of the seats and we did so have 50% of the seats and we did so well in 2018, any gains for us is progress and i think that by tomorrow afternoon we will see a picture across the country and certainly here in london where labour are back and that is the turnaround election. it is us being backin turnaround election. it is us being back in the game, the country having forgiven us for a very sorry performance in 2019. interestingly

when we talk _ performance in 2019. interestingly when we talk about _ performance in 2019. interestingly when we talk about labour's i when we talk about labour�*s performance, labour�*s performance in london has been traditionally very strong and the challenge seems to be outside london. would it not be more fairfor us to be outside london. would it not be more fair for us to be saying to viewers tonight we need to be focusing probably on labour�*s performance outside in those areas where you lost traditional areas to the conservatives, certainly at the last general election? those are the real test areas for you, not the big london councils were londoners seem to see it as a labour city anyway. the lion�*s share of the seats tonight are up in london but of course we have to look at the picture across the country and that is notjust in the traditional, so—called red wall areas, it is also in the south and the south—east, and i will be looking to see what those results look like in places like worthing. and the north. well, that is the red wall. this worthing. and the north. well, that is the red wall.— is the red wall. this will be one of the interesting _ is the red wall. this will be one of the interesting dynamics. - is the red wall. this will be one of the interesting dynamics. both i is the red wall. this will be one of

the interesting dynamics. both of| the interesting dynamics. both of these _ the interesting dynamics. both of these big — the interesting dynamics. both of these big parties— the interesting dynamics. both of these big parties are _ the interesting dynamics. both of these big parties are fighting i the interesting dynamics. both of these big parties are fighting in. these big parties are fighting in two directions. _ these big parties are fighting in two directions. the _ these big parties are fighting in two directions. the tories i these big parties are fighting in two directions. the tories want these big parties are fighting in. two directions. the tories want to keep— two directions. the tories want to keep their— two directions. the tories want to keep their blue _ two directions. the tories want to keep their blue wall, _ two directions. the tories want to keep their blue wall, the - two directions. the tories want to keep their blue wall, the more i keep their blue wall, the more affluent— keep their blue wall, the more affluent voters— keep their blue wall, the more affluent voters in _ keep their blue wall, the more affluent voters in the - keep their blue wall, the more . affluent voters in the south—east and the — affluent voters in the south—east and the south—west _ affluent voters in the south—east and the south—west and - affluent voters in the south—east and the south—west and there i affluent voters in the south—east i and the south—west and there might be a challenge — and the south—west and there might be a challenge for— and the south—west and there might be a challenge for the _ and the south—west and there might be a challenge for the lib _ and the south—west and there might be a challenge for the lib dems- be a challenge for the lib dems there — be a challenge for the lib dems there some _ be a challenge for the lib dems there. some conservative - be a challenge for the lib dems there. some conservative mpsi be a challenge for the lib dems. there. some conservative mps are very nervous — there. some conservative mps are very nervous about _ there. some conservative mps are very nervous about that. _ there. some conservative mps are very nervous about that. but - there. some conservative mps are very nervous about that. but their| very nervous about that. but their vote might — very nervous about that. but their vote might be _ very nervous about that. but their vote might be stickier_ very nervous about that. but their vote might be stickier in - very nervous about that. but their vote might be stickier in parts i very nervous about that. but their vote might be stickier in parts of. vote might be stickier in parts of the north— vote might be stickier in parts of the north of— vote might be stickier in parts of the north of england _ vote might be stickier in parts of the north of england and - vote might be stickier in parts of the north of england and they. vote might be stickier in parts of- the north of england and they almost have the _ the north of england and they almost have the opposite _ the north of england and they almost have the opposite problem. - the north of england and they almost have the opposite problem. little- the north of england and they almost have the opposite problem.— have the opposite problem. we will brin: in have the opposite problem. we will bring in the — have the opposite problem. we will bring in the liberal _ have the opposite problem. we will bring in the liberal democrats i have the opposite problem. we will bring in the liberal democrats and l have the opposite problem. we will| bring in the liberal democrats and a second because we want their perspective at this early stage of the night as well. we talked to a colleague in sunderland festival earlier tonight. we were talking there about the ability of labour to withstand the challenge in an area where they have been traditionally strong, certainly since the 70s. more results have come in, so let�*s join reeta. more results have come in, so let's join reeta-— join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland- _ join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland. the _ join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland. the winning _ join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland. the winning post i join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland. the winning post is i join reeta. they are nearly there in sunderland. the winning post is 38 | sunderland. the winning post is 38 seats and they have counted 17 out of 24. labour is on 36, so it is two

says of retaining sunderland. it has been a council that has been in labour hands since the 1970s, but its support there has been whittled away in the last few years. in 2016 its majority was 59. last year that was cut to 11. so still quite some tension there. this is how things stand at the moment. ijust want tension there. this is how things stand at the moment. i just want to take you to another screen which shows you the share change since 2018. that is since the last time the seats were fought. labour has slipped back a little bit. the independents have slipped back in sunderland as well and the party benefiting have been mainly the liberal democrats, but also the greens and the conservatives a bit. reeta, many thanks. what you make of labour�*s performance there? let�*s labour's performance there? let's wait to see _ labour's performance there? let's wait to see where _ labour's performance there? let's

wait to see where we _ labour's performance there? let's wait to see where we end - labour's performance there? let�*s wait to see where we end up. on those figures we could hold sunderland. no doubt about it, the conservatives through a lot at it. johnson was in the council leader�*s seat campaigning pretty hard. let�*s seat campaigning pretty hard. let's see where we _ seat campaigning pretty hard. let's see where we end _ seat campaigning pretty hard. let's see where we end up. _ seat campaigning pretty hard. let's see where we end up. i _ seat campaigning pretty hard. let's see where we end up. i suppose there will be viewers watching thinking, gosh, david lammy is a very experienced labour campaign are saying it looks as if we are going to hold onto sunderland, which for lots of people would be a remarkable thing to be saying, given that sunderland is really in the vanguard of the labour tradition and has been for 50 plus years. you could expect may be a much more robust performance there, am i being unfair? ~ ., ., ., ., unfair? we have got to acknowledge there was a — unfair? we have got to acknowledge there was a massive _ unfair? we have got to acknowledge there was a massive redrawing i unfair? we have got to acknowledge there was a massive redrawing of i unfair? we have got to acknowledge| there was a massive redrawing of the map just two years ago in the general election at the end of 2019

and clearly we did lose tracks in the north—east, parts of the midlands and parts of the northwest. that is the so—called red wall. we have got a fightback on our hands, we recognise that. we are two years in and of course we are fighting for every single council seat in every single ward. let�*s see where we end “p single ward. let�*s see where we end up in in sunderland on those figures. it looks like we mightjust hold sunderland and i am pleased about that. but we have got to look at the overall picture across the country. it at the overall picture across the count . ., , , at the overall picture across the count . . , , ., , country. it was interesting to see the lib dems _ country. it was interesting to see the lib dems were _ country. it was interesting to see the lib dems were gaining i country. it was interesting to see i the lib dems were gaining modestly, about 2% in sunderland. there is talk a little more about the lib dem performance and a lib dem mp is waiting patiently to talk to us. thank you for waiting. can i ask you, what are your realistic expectations tonight? irate

you, what are your realistic expectations tonight? we are cautiously — expectations tonight? we are cautiously optimistic - expectations tonight? we are cautiously optimistic about i expectations tonight? we are i cautiously optimistic about making steady progress, especially in some of our blue wall seats. we had a good campaign, working hard across the country. the blue wall seats and seats like mine in richmond and kingston but fantastic to hear about that result from sunderland which shows we are making gains across the country so we felt cautiously optimistic about a reasonably good night. for optimistic about a reasonably good ni . ht. ., , optimistic about a reasonably good niuht. ., , ., ., �* night. for viewers who don't understand _ night. for viewers who don't understand what _ night. for viewers who don't understand what you - night. for viewers who don't understand what you mean l night. for viewers who don't i understand what you mean by night. for viewers who don't - understand what you mean by blue wall seats, how would you describe that? we wall seats, how would you describe that? ~ ., wall seats, how would you describe that? ~ . , h, wall seats, how would you describe that? ~ . , ., that? we are interested in some of these seats — that? we are interested in some of these seats across _ that? we are interested in some of these seats across the _ that? we are interested in some of these seats across the south - that? we are interested in some of these seats across the south and i these seats across the south and south—west were tories have traditionally been strong but we have seen places like chesham and amersham which we won in an unexpected by—election victory last year, we sought traditional tory voters are disillusioned with boris johnson. it's notjust partygate

which have happened since chesham and amersham, it goes back quite a long way, many things people are upset with the government about. a lot of these people voted remain in 2016 but they don't like partygate, they didn't like the owen paterson affair, so many other things they feel can some uncomfortable with, this is not the conservative party date recognise and they want a party that listens to their concerns, a party of local champions who want to stand up for local residents. fire stand up for local residents. are ou stand up for local residents. are you looking _ stand up for local residents. are you looking to — stand up for local residents. are you looking to boost your performance in areas where you have traditionally done well or are you looking to gain actual control of more councils? because that is clearly of the game. we more councils? because that is clearly of the game.— more councils? because that is clearly of the game. we are looking to do both- — clearly of the game. we are looking to do both. i've _ clearly of the game. we are looking to do both. i've been _ clearly of the game. we are looking to do both. i've been out _ clearly of the game. we are looking to do both. i've been out in - to do both. i've been out in kingston and richmond, my seat covers both of those local authorities and it feels good there.

we won control of both of those in 2018. we feel reasonably comfortable we have maintained control of kingston and were looking at quite a good night in richmond, too early to say but it feels good on the doorsteps but we are working hard across the country, we will be looking closely at what happens in somerset and hull and in westmorland and furnace, a new unitary authority and furnace, a new unitary authority and we are looking to make progress in those places. and we are looking to make progress in those places-— in those places. sarah, it's laura here. in those places. sarah, it's laura here- like _ in those places. sarah, it's laura here. like david lammy- in those places. sarah, it's laura here. like david lammy and - in those places. sarah, it's laura - here. like david lammy and michelle donlon in the studio, you are geographically trying to face two ways. you mentioned hull where you feel slightly optimistic but you said you felt you were making great danes in sunderland but the lib dems have only taken one seat so far. do you have herbs or making inroads in the north of england or is the south—west and the south—east your

hope? to south-west and the south-east your ho e? ., , ., , . south-west and the south-east your hoe? ., , ., , . hope? to be realistic when i said treat hope? to be realistic when i said great danes _ hope? to be realistic when i said great danes i _ hope? to be realistic when i said great danes i meant _ hope? to be realistic when i said great danes i meant that - hope? to be realistic when i said great danes i meant that was - hope? to be realistic when i said great danes i meant that was a l hope? to be realistic when i said - great danes i meant that was a great game but we are not looking to necessarily make huge strides but the point is we are making gains across the country in all types of seats in urban and rural seats, seats in urban and rural seats, seats in urban and rural seats, seats in the north—east and south—west so we have lots of different places that we are looking to make progress in. but different places that we are looking to make progress in.— to make progress in. but more realistically — to make progress in. but more realistically and _ to make progress in. but more realistically and is _ to make progress in. but more realistically and is a _ to make progress in. but more realistically and is a smaller. realistically and is a smaller party, your resources are limited, you have to think about having a laser target, you have to think about having a lasertarget, if you have to think about having a laser target, if you are being candid are you looking for the next chesham and amersham, those parts of the world where the tories are your rivals rather than labour?— rivals rather than labour? that's fair, a rivals rather than labour? that's fair. a lot _ rivals rather than labour? that's fair. a lot of— rivals rather than labour? that's fair, a lot of our— rivals rather than labour? that's fair, a lot of our targets - rivals rather than labour? that's fair, a lot of our targets at - rivals rather than labour? that's fair, a lot of our targets at the l fair, a lot of our targets at the next general election are tory seats and we are picking up on massive disillusionment with the government and people are looking at the

liberal democrats and see a party committed to standing up for local people and that some think that is drawing up their interest so we think those parts of the country are definitely parts that we are interested in.— definitely parts that we are interested in. ., ., , interested in. sarah, thanks very much and _ interested in. sarah, thanks very much and we _ interested in. sarah, thanks very much and we will _ interested in. sarah, thanks very much and we will see _ interested in. sarah, thanks very much and we will see how - interested in. sarah, thanks very much and we will see how things} interested in. sarah, thanks very - much and we will see how things pan out in the next few hours but sarah only there for the lib dems. in a moment we will go to derby and talk to georgina roberts but we will go to georgina roberts but we will go to bolton first and kevin fitzpatrick is there for us. give us an update on how things look in bolton. �* , an update on how things look in bolton. 3 ., , , bolton. it's really interesting council election, _ bolton. it's really interesting council election, bilton - bolton. it's really interesting council election, bilton is- bolton. it's really interesting| council election, bilton is the bolton. it's really interesting - council election, bilton is the only conservative led borrower in greater manchester. ten borrowers in this area, all the rest are led by labour and we have andy burnham as a labour mayor overseeing this area. bolton

have led this as a minority administration since 2018, relying on a coalition of every party accept labour to get things done. the tories currently have a lead of three over labour, they are the largest party by the rate that labour had been nipping at their heels for the last couple of years so if the conservatives can hold onto that lead and they are talking up onto that lead and they are talking up their chances of making gains, that would be seen as a success for them. for labour this is one they really want to get back, even if they cannot win a majority. the other interesting thing is the influence of smaller parties and independents, they make up more than a third of councillors in bolton so whoever ends up as the largest party could be the kingmaker. some interesting seats which is a three way battle between labour, the tories and one of these smaller, more recently set up independent

parties and how those seats pan out may determine where we end up tonight. we expect to know where things done after 2am but because no—one will have an outright majority or that is unlikely, there will be some politicking over the next few days to establish who will be in charge and how they will come together to try to make up an administration that can get things done. {lin administration that can get things done. . ,., . ~ done. on cue, kevin fitzpatrick with the latest in — done. on cue, kevin fitzpatrick with the latest in bolton _ done. on cue, kevin fitzpatrick with the latest in bolton and _ done. on cue, kevin fitzpatrick with the latest in bolton and that's - done. on cue, kevin fitzpatrick with the latest in bolton and that's an i the latest in bolton and that's an interesting battle. a quick update on sunderland. that'sjoint interesting battle. a quick update on sunderland. that's joint reeta to tell us what's gone on there. i think we have passed the winning post. think we have passed the winning ost. , ., . think we have passed the winning ost. ., ., think we have passed the winning ost. ,, ., ., .,, post. here you have it, labour has held on sunderland. _ post. here you have it, labour has held on sunderland. it _ post. here you have it, labour has held on sunderland. it has - post. here you have it, labour has held on sunderland. it has passed | held on sunderland. it has passed the 38 seats it needed to hang on to sunderland. they are still counting, there are three seats still to be counted so the majority is still

unclear. let's look and see what has changed. so labour has lost a seat, the conservatives have lost a seat. the lib dems have named another one, sarah will be pleased. this is the share of the vote so far, labour on 43, and the lib dems on 18 and this is the change in the share of the vote. although labour has hung on to sunderland, its share of the vote has gone down by 3% since the last time. i want to show you one more screen here. this is the share change since 2018 in two different areas within sunderland local

authority and you can see that in sunderland central, labour and the conservatives have gone backwards at the lib dems have gained by 6% whereas in some along the west there is a different complexion with labour and the lib dems going backwards but the conservatives surging ahead with 6% so different political activity in these two areas. ., ~' political activity in these two areas. ., ~ , ., political activity in these two areas. . ~ political activity in these two areas. ., ~' areas. thank you. david, you were doinu areas. thank you. david, you were doin: the areas. thank you. david, you were doing the victory — areas. thank you. david, you were doing the victory sign _ areas. thank you. david, you were doing the victory sign because - areas. thank you. david, you were doing the victory sign because you | doing the victory sign because you have held onto the council there. i am bound to say if you look at the comparison with the baseline we were discussing earlier, you were down 3% in terms of your performance despite the fact you held on to the council. why would that be something to celebrate at this point in a

parliament against the prime minister who has been widely criticised for plenty of things including dishonesty and the rest of it, you have a cost of living crisis and you have had the partygate scandal rolling on. you shouldn't be losing anything like 3% in a place like that surely. losing anything like 396 in a place like that surely.— losing anything like 396 in a place like that surely. what's wrong with that? huw, — like that surely. what's wrong with that? huw. we _ like that surely. what's wrong with that? huw, we have _ like that surely. what's wrong with that? huw, we have won _ like that surely. what's wrong with i that? huw, we have won sunderland. there were suggestions we might lose it. we got a 43% share of devout. if we get a 43% share across the country you are talking to the next foreign secretary, i will be a happy man. it looks like when you get down to granular details of course these are local elections, there will be local factors. are local elections, there will be localfactors. there are local elections, there will be local factors. there was a big difference between those shares in those words we were looking at but prime minister generally go to

places they think they are going to win. he went the council leader's ward, they thought they would take that word but they lost it. of course we have to win in the north and the south and london. it's a long night and a long morning, let's see where we end up to start with winning sunderland on a 43% share of the vote, i'm happy, when 2018 was a high water mark this is good. i think we are a long way off and being _ think we are a long way off and being good. we are between two general— being good. we are between two general elections. ed miliband did take 800 council seats in 2011 and 2012. _ take 800 council seats in 2011 and 2012, thatcher between two landslide elections _ 2012, thatcher between two landslide elections lost over a thousand countil— elections lost over a thousand council seats so we have to take this into — council seats so we have to take this into context and look at what happens — this into context and look at what happens to incumbent governments between _ happens to incumbent governments between general elections and remember a

between general elections and remembera lot of between general elections and remember a lot of people are voting on local issues, it's less than 40% of the _ on local issues, it's less than 40% of the actual— on local issues, it's less than 40% of the actual political in says so there _ of the actual political in says so there is— of the actual political in says so there is a — of the actual political in says so there is a lot to consider. when you talk about those _ there is a lot to consider. when you talk about those historic _ talk about those historic comparisons, governments sometimes lose hundreds of seats, but you should know that the actual seats that are coming up for election that were available for you to fight over made it very unlikely we would see those enormous totals moving from one party to another, so we don't want to give people the impression that this was a night where there might have been thousands of seats changing hands because that's not this count of election. i changing hands because that's not this count of election.— this count of election. i dispute that. this count of election. i dispute that- some _ this count of election. i dispute that. some of— this count of election. i dispute that. some of the _ this count of election. i dispute that. some of the seats - this count of election. i dispute that. some of the seats are - this count of election. i dispute that. some of the seats are in. that. some of the seats are in labour— that. some of the seats are in labour areas where they could be taking _ labour areas where they could be taking many seats from us. we will see what _ taking many seats from us. we will see what happens tonight, there are many— see what happens tonight, there are many more — see what happens tonight, there are many more hours to progress with this but— many more hours to progress with this but keir starmer doesn't have a plan, _ this but keir starmer doesn't have a plan, like _ this but keir starmer doesn't have a plan, like ed miliband didn't have a

plan, _ plan, like ed miliband didn't have a plan, that's— plan, like ed miliband didn't have a plan, that's what i've been hearing on the _ plan, that's what i've been hearing on the doorstep. this is at the end of the _ on the doorstep. this is at the end of the day— on the doorstep. this is at the end of the day a — on the doorstep. this is at the end of the day a local election, potholes and pavements and council tax. .,, ., potholes and pavements and council tax. w ., the potholes and pavements and council tax-_ the rising - tax. cost of living. the rising inflation we _ tax. cost of living. the rising inflation we are _ tax. cost of living. the rising inflation we are seeing - tax. cost of living. the rising i inflation we are seeing globally tax. cost of living. the rising - inflation we are seeing globally and the pressure on people's budgets, of course _ the pressure on people's budgets, of course that— the pressure on people's budgets, of course that came up.— the pressure on people's budgets, of course that came up. people's energy bills? this is — course that came up. people's energy bills? this is a — course that came up. people's energy bills? this is a local— course that came up. people's energy bills? this is a local election, - bills? this is a local election, this is about _ bills? this is a local election, this is about bin _ bills? this is a local election, this is about bin collections, l this is about bin collections, countil— this is about bin collections, council tax, this is about bin collections, counciltax, how this is about bin collections, council tax, how your council is run _ council tax, how your council is run some _ council tax, how your council is run. some national issues came up but predominantly local. lying came u - , but predominantly local. lying came up. cheating — but predominantly local. lying came up. cheating came _ but predominantly local. lying came up, cheating came up, _ but predominantly local. lying came up, cheating came up, taxes - but predominantly local. lying came up, cheating came up, taxes came l up, cheating came up, taxes came up... up, cheating came up, taxes came u... , 15 up, cheating came up, taxes came up- - -_ 15 taxes - up, cheating came up, taxes came up. . ._ 15 taxes in - up, cheating came up, taxes came up. . ._ 15 taxes in the i up... hypocrisy? 15 taxes in the last ten years. _ up... hypocrisy? 15 taxes in the last ten years, a _ up... hypocrisy? 15 taxes in the - last ten years, a national insurance height. you are expressing concern about the conservatives, laying down about the conservatives, laying down a sense on the ground that things aren't great and let's face it, the

art. what you said before, labour is fighting in areas it has gained, that didn't make sense. i think you were nine now this was a cost of living election, an election against which the rules were seen to have been gamed by your prime minister and on that basis you are not doing well tonight. hate and on that basis you are not doing well tonight-— well tonight. we have only had one council declare _ well tonight. we have only had one council declare so _ well tonight. we have only had one council declare so it's _ well tonight. we have only had one council declare so it's early, - well tonight. we have only had one council declare so it's early, let's . council declare so it's early, let's not get _ council declare so it's early, let's not get carried away but something i would _ not get carried away but something i would say _ not get carried away but something i would say that came up on the doorstep — would say that came up on the doorstep was about keir starmer and hypocrisy _ doorstep was about keir starmer and hypocrisy. your leader has relentlessly brought up partygate over the — relentlessly brought up partygate over the last few months, injanuary every— over the last few months, injanuary every prime — over the last few months, injanuary every prime minister's questions, the met _ every prime minister's questions, the met police brought up partygate, every newspaper brought it up. now he is failing to answer questions about— he is failing to answer questions about his — he is failing to answer questions about his own for about so hypocrisy

came _ about his own for about so hypocrisy came up _ about his own for about so hypocrisy came u -. , .., about his own for about so hypocrisy came u . _ , . ., , about his own for about so hypocrisy cameu. came up. this came up on the doorstep- _ came up. this came up on the doorstep- so _ came up. this came up on the doorstep. so not— came up. this came up on the doorstep. so notjust - came up. this came up on the doorstep. so notjust local- came up. this came up on the - doorstep. so notjust local issues. i did say mainly local issues. let’s i did say mainly local issues. let's look at derby _ i did say mainly local issues. let's look at derby because _ i did say mainly local issues. let's look at derby because it's - i did say mainly local issues. let's look at derby because it's an - look at derby because it's an interesting contest notjust because we have labour and the tories are fighting out in some parts but reform uk are also building a full slate of candidates south georgia roberts is there for us. bring us up to date, what do things look like? here in derby i'm at derby arena and derby isjust one here in derby i'm at derby arena and derby is just one of two councils up for election in the east midlands and its all up for grabs here, there are only a third of seats in derby so we are a bit limited in big trends but it's still a useful indicator and to remind viewers what we are looking at, this is a

minority led council led by the conservatives, labour or the second biggest party but we also have the added reform uk having the biggest presence of any council in england, six councillors for them, they were you kept last time they were contested here in 2018, two seats up for grabs at this time in traditional labour areas and labour will hope to make serious gains tonight. the conservatives are hoping for a pretty steady ship, perhaps not monumental gains, but there are tight races going on as well. derby here, there was one vote in it last time. dali, rather, it is a key marginal here, held by a conservative mp, amanda solway. it is currently a conservative ward,

one vote on it last time and speaking to labour sources on the ground they say they are feeling relaxed about taking that. that is one test that labour can pass here. butjust one test that labour can pass here. but just to one test that labour can pass here. butjust to add that one test that labour can pass here. but just to add that when one test that labour can pass here. butjust to add that when it comes to this talk about 2018 when the seats were last contested in their being high water of results for labour, that was not the case here in derby. in 2018 labour lost control of derby city council. they are in a position where since then they have made consistent erosions in their support here. tonight there is a lot of traditional red votes up for grabs where reform have been strong up until now. they will be hoping to retake some of their traditional areas. labour hoping to retake some of their traditionalareas. labourare hoping to retake some of their traditional areas. labour are really hoping that this tonight will set them on a good trajectory, clawing back some support that they had last

year, and they lost here because of a myriad of local issues and a controversial labour leader who led derby city council. but they want to see a comeback tonight. it really is going to be a key test because we are talking about the very marginally divided derby. des margaret beckett, a veteran labour mp in derby, and amanda solway in derby north, rachel reeves the shadow chancellor was here last week and she told labour members there is no route to number ten without labour winning no route to number ten without labourwinning in no route to number ten without labour winning in places like derby and beginning to make a good showing again. can they do it? we will see what happens. it is going to be a very nervous night for labour but the conservatives, as i say, they lead to the city council at the moment, they are the minority

leaders on the council and for them they are feeling pretty relaxed. on they are feeling pretty relaxed. on the doorstep the conservative vote seems to be holding up pretty well and they are feeling quite good as well and there is one other counsel in the east midlands that is up for election tonight. in amber valley we have the added factor of the conservative mp michael mills, one of the first conservative mps to call for the prime minister to resign after those fixed penalty notices. conservatives on the ground feel that may have helped him in terms of getting a pretty tricky reception on the doorstep and how that might affect their position. a relaxed night for the conservatives where they control the council. they have overall control. labour would have overall control. labour would have to win every word in amber valley as well as standing still in

their current position to gain complete control there. all to play for their innocence and derby as well. , ., ., ., for their innocence and derby as well. , ., . . . well. georgia with a look at the situation in _ well. georgia with a look at the situation in derby _ well. georgia with a look at the situation in derby and - well. georgia with a look at the situation in derby and other. well. georgia with a look at the l situation in derby and other parts of the east midlands, mentioning amber valley. of the east midlands, mentioning ambervalley. laura, the of the east midlands, mentioning amber valley. laura, the whole concept of labour it was my route back to power, any route, having to go through derby is clear. and yet georgie was saying labour are quite nervous. he georgie was saying labour are quite nervous. ., , ., georgie was saying labour are quite nervous. . , ., , ., ., ., nervous. he has, and you have to look at marginal— nervous. he has, and you have to look at marginal seats _ nervous. he has, and you have to look at marginal seats like - nervous. he has, and you have to look at marginal seats like that, i look at marginal seats like that, the kind — look at marginal seats like that, the kind of— look at marginal seats like that, the kind of seats _ look at marginal seats like that, the kind of seats where - look at marginal seats like that, the kind of seats where people. the kind of seats where people change — the kind of seats where people change their— the kind of seats where people change their minds— the kind of seats where people change their minds and - the kind of seats where people change their minds and those. the kind of seats where people . change their minds and those who change _ change their minds and those who change their— change their minds and those who change their hearts, _ change their minds and those who change their hearts, and - change their minds and those who change their hearts, and the - change their minds and those who change their hearts, and the keysl change their minds and those who . change their hearts, and the keys to number— change their hearts, and the keys to number ten~ — change their hearts, and the keys to numberten it— change their hearts, and the keys to number ten. it is— change their hearts, and the keys to number ten. it is fascinating - change their hearts, and the keys to number ten. it is fascinating going l number ten. it is fascinating going into those — number ten. it is fascinating going into those seats _ number ten. it is fascinating going into those seats and _ number ten. it is fascinating going into those seats and even - number ten. it is fascinating going into those seats and even those i into those seats and even those wards _ into those seats and even those wards like — into those seats and even those wards like that, _ into those seats and even those wards like that, rather- into those seats and even those wards like that, rather than - into those seats and even those wards like that, rather than be i into those seats and even those | wards like that, rather than be a risky— wards like that, rather than be a risky game — wards like that, rather than be a risky game and _ wards like that, rather than be a risky game and talk— wards like that, rather than be a risky game and talk about - wards like that, rather than be a risky game and talk about the i wards like that, rather than be a i risky game and talk about the north and the _ risky game and talk about the north and the south — risky game and talk about the north and the south and _ risky game and talk about the north and the south and the _ risky game and talk about the north and the south and the south - risky game and talk about the north and the south and the south west l risky game and talk about the north i and the south and the south west and

people _ and the south and the south west and people get— and the south and the south west and peopte get into — and the south and the south west and people get into that _ and the south and the south west and people get into that political— people get into that political general— people get into that political general debate, _ people get into that political general debate, but - people get into that political general debate, but what i people get into that politicall general debate, but what the people get into that political- general debate, but what the parties will be _ general debate, but what the parties will be looking — general debate, but what the parties will be looking at _ general debate, but what the parties will be looking at are _ general debate, but what the parties will be looking at are these - general debate, but what the parties will be looking at are these micro, i will be looking at are these micro, micro _ will be looking at are these micro, micro areas. — will be looking at are these micro, micro areas, street _ will be looking at are these micro, micro areas, street by— will be looking at are these micro, micro areas, street by street. i will be looking at are these micro, | micro areas, street by street. that ward _ micro areas, street by street. that ward that— micro areas, street by street. that ward that georgie _ micro areas, street by street. that ward that georgie talked _ micro areas, street by street. that ward that georgie talked about, i ward that georgie talked about, dali and derby— ward that georgie talked about, dali and derby makes _ ward that georgie talked about, dali and derby makes up _ ward that georgie talked about, dali and derby makes up an— ward that georgie talked about, dali and derby makes up an important. and derby makes up an important marginal— and derby makes up an important marginaland— and derby makes up an important marginal and these _ and derby makes up an important marginal and these are _ and derby makes up an important marginal and these are the - and derby makes up an important marginal and these are the kind l and derby makes up an importantl marginal and these are the kind of clues— marginal and these are the kind of clues that — marginal and these are the kind of clues that we _ marginal and these are the kind of clues that we will _ marginal and these are the kind of clues that we will be _ marginal and these are the kind of clues that we will be looking i marginal and these are the kind of clues that we will be looking for. i clues that we will be looking for. one other— clues that we will be looking for. one other point _ clues that we will be looking for. one other point to _ clues that we will be looking for. one other point to make. - clues that we will be looking for. one other point to make. we i clues that we will be looking for. l one other point to make. we were talking _ one other point to make. we were talking about — one other point to make. we were talking about sunderland, - one other point to make. we were talking about sunderland, yes, i one other point to make. we werei talking about sunderland, yes, that is not _ talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the _ talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the kind _ talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the kind of— talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the kind of thing _ talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the kind of thing where - talking about sunderland, yes, that is not the kind of thing where you l is not the kind of thing where you look at _ is not the kind of thing where you look at it— is not the kind of thing where you look at it and _ is not the kind of thing where you look at it and think _ is not the kind of thing where you look at it and think persuasively. look at it and think persuasively that means _ look at it and think persuasively that means you _ look at it and think persuasively that means you are _ look at it and think persuasively that means you are going - look at it and think persuasively that means you are going to i look at it and think persuasively that means you are going to be| that means you are going to be foreign— that means you are going to be foreign secretary— that means you are going to be foreign secretary this - that means you are going to be foreign secretary this early i that means you are going to be foreign secretary this early on. that— foreign secretary this early on. that would _ foreign secretary this early on. that would be _ foreign secretary this early on. that would be ridiculous - foreign secretary this early on. that would be ridiculous to i foreign secretary this early on. that would be ridiculous to say| that would be ridiculous to say anyway, — that would be ridiculous to say anyway. but _ that would be ridiculous to say anyway. but a _ that would be ridiculous to say anyway, but a bit _ that would be ridiculous to say anyway, but a bit of _ that would be ridiculous to say anyway, but a bit of context. l that would be ridiculous to say anyway, but a bit of context. if that would be ridiculous to say. anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, — anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, yes, _ anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, yes, a _ anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, yes, a small— anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, yes, a small swing i anyway, but a bit of context. if we look back, yes, a small swing to. look back, yes, a small swing to labour— look back, yes, a small swing to labour from _ look back, yes, a small swing to labour from the _ look back, yes, a small swing to labour from the tories - look back, yes, a small swing to labour from the tories in - labour from the tories in sunderland, _ labour from the tories in sunderland, but- labour from the tories in sunderland, but if- labour from the tories in sunderland, but if you i labour from the tories in - sunderland, but if you compare it labour from the tories in _ sunderland, but if you compare it to before _ sunderland, but if you compare it to before the _ sunderland, but if you compare it to before the referendum, _ sunderland, but if you compare it to before the referendum, the - sunderland, but if you compare it to before the referendum, the tories l before the referendum, the tories are still— before the referendum, the tories are still looking _ before the referendum, the tories are still looking at _ before the referendum, the tories are still looking at being _ before the referendum, the tories are still looking at being 8% - are still looking at being 8% stronger— are still looking at being 8% stronger than— are still looking at being 8% stronger than they- are still looking at being 8% stronger than they were i are still looking at being 8% i stronger than they were before brexit— stronger than they were before brexit and _ stronger than they were before brexit and we _ stronger than they were before brexit and we are _ stronger than they were before brexit and we are in _ stronger than they were before brexit and we are in that - stronger than they were before brexit and we are in that era i stronger than they were before i brexit and we are in that era where things— brexit and we are in that era where things have — brexit and we are in that era where things have changed _ brexit and we are in that era where things have changed so— brexit and we are in that era where things have changed so much. i brexit and we are in that era where things have changed so much. wel brexit and we are in that era where i things have changed so much. we have been talking _ things have changed so much. we have been talking about _ things have changed so much. we have been talking about historic— things have changed so much. we have been talking about historic swings i been talking about historic swings backwards — been talking about historic swings backwards and _ been talking about historic swings backwards and forwards _ been talking about historic swings backwards and forwards and this i been talking about historic swingsi backwards and forwards and this is still the _ backwards and forwards and this is still the sort — backwards and forwards and this is still the sort of _ backwards and forwards and this is

still the sort of filling _ backwards and forwards and this is still the sort of filling out - backwards and forwards and this is still the sort of filling out of- backwards and forwards and this is still the sort of filling out of uk i still the sort of filling out of uk politics — still the sort of filling out of uk politics post—brexit. _ still the sort of filling out of uk politics post—brexit. we - still the sort of filling out of uk politics post—brexit. we are i still the sort of filling out of uk politics post—brexit. we are ini still the sort of filling out of ukl politics post—brexit. we are in a new— politics post—brexit. we are in a new landscape _ politics post—brexit. we are in a new landscape and _ politics post—brexit. we are in a new landscape and sunderland i politics post—brexit. we are in a i new landscape and sunderland was so iconic during _ new landscape and sunderland was so iconic during the — new landscape and sunderland was so iconic during the brexit _ new landscape and sunderland was so iconic during the brexit referendum i iconic during the brexit referendum results _ iconic during the brexit referendum results night, — iconic during the brexit referendum results night, it is— iconic during the brexit referendum results night, it is something - iconic during the brexit referendum results night, it is something worth bearing _ results night, it is something worth bearing in— results night, it is something worth bearing in mind _ results night, it is something worth bearing in mind. inte— results night, it is something worth bearing in mind.— bearing in mind. we will see it aaain bearing in mind. we will see it again when — bearing in mind. we will see it again when we _ bearing in mind. we will see it again when we get _ bearing in mind. we will see it again when we get the - bearing in mind. we will see it again when we get the results| bearing in mind. we will see it i again when we get the results in from the remain areas. we will be going to the news. david is staying with us. michelle, you are living, many thanks for your company. we willjoin tim for the news. here is a summary of the bbc news. counting is under way in some areas after polls closed in elections across the uk. northern ireland has been choosing a new stormont assembly, while people in england, wales and scotland have been casting ballots to decide thousands of local authority seats. seven mayoral elections have taken place in england. our political correspondent reports.

all the political parties can do now is watch and wait as the votes are counted. for borisjohnson and the conservatives these elections appear to have been the opposite of a walk in the park. the tories are bracing themselves for a potentially bad night, especially in london and the south of england. all eyes in particular are on the london borough of wandsworth. the tories have held it for 44 years, though it has been tipped to go labour this time round. outside the capital southampton, although the tories are hoping their vote is held up in other parts of england. for keir starmer there is pressure to show that he is finding the way back in for labour. a bit of early cheer as the party held at sunderland. laboursays early cheer as the party held at sunderland. labour says it is not expecting big gains because it already holds the majority of the seats, but it does expect the results across the country to show progress from what it calls the disastrous 2019 general election. for the liberal democrats, all

smiles. ed davey says he is optimistic about their chances and they are hoping to pick up seats from the tories in the south. the greens will be hoping to make gains, is co—leader adam ramsey casting his vote earlier. not all councils are counted overnight tonight, the rest will start tomorrow. these elections are about local issues and as a result, and they will also paint national picture. there will be no counting until later this morning in scotland, wales or northern ireland. in scotland and wales and voters in northern ireland will elect members of the assembly. it comes a few months after the democratic unionist party resigned from the first minister's role, causing the executive to collapse. apologies for the sound problem. if you want to find the results in your area, head

to the bbc news website or the bbc news app and enter your postcode and you will find lots of election analysis and the latest reports from our teams around the country as well. in other news, interest rates are now at their highest level for more than a decade as the bank of england tries to curb inflation. rates have risen four times since december and are now up from 0.75% to 1%, and the rate at which prices increase is expected to hit more than 10% by the end of the year. the inflation figure is at its highest level since the early 1980s. rising fuel, energy and fuel cost, partly as a result of the war in ukraine, are to blame. there are warnings of are to blame. there are warnings of a real risk of recession because the economy, which was predicted to grow next year by 0.1%, is now expected to shrink by 0.25%. the convenience store chain mccall's has warned it is on the brink of collapse. the

company runs more than 1000 shops in britain and employs about 16,000 people. it has struggled during the pandemic because of supply chain issues, inflation and debt. it says it is seeking a loan to shore up the business. the energy giant shell has announced record profits of more than £7 billion in the first quarter of this year. that is nearly three times the figure from the same period in 2021 is the cost of energy has skyrocketed. its rival bp it has led to calls for a one—off windfall tax. vladimir putin has called on ukrainian troops holed up up in upina up in a still work in the southern port city of mariupol to surrender. it's the last stronghold of ukrainian resistance in the beseiged port city and around 200 civilians are thought to be sheltering in its underground

tunnels and bunkers. the commander leading ukrainian troops inside the steel works says "difficult, bloody battles" are being fought. translation: yet another time the russians have not kept i the promise of ceasefire and have not given an opportunity to the civilians who seek shelter from the basements of the plant to evacuate. i appeal to the world community to evacuate the civilians and i appealed to the supreme commander to evacuate the soldiers who suffered terrible pain dying from their wounds without the necessary treatment. the actress amber heard says she was attacked by her former husband jonny depp because of her professional relationship with the actorjames franco. taking the stand for a second day as part of a multi—million—dollar defamation trial in the united states, amber heard castjonny depp as deeply troubled byjealousy and drugs. he is suing her over an article in which she said she was a victim of abuse — she is countersuing. the mother of the toddler

baby p could be released from prison within weeks, after the parole board rejected an appeal by the government for her to remain in prison. tracey connolly was jailed in 2009, after admitting causing or allowing the death of her 17—month—old son peter in 2007, following months of abuse. nhs england is asking senior doctors to postpone their retirement in efforts to tackle long waiting lists. it is also asking those who have recently left the profession to return to work and urging hospitals to offer staff more overtime to help reduce waits. more than six million people are on waiting lists for treatment such as knee and hip surgery. royal garden party season is about to get under way for the first time since the pandemic, but the queen won't be attending any events. buckingham palace has confirmed other members of the royal family will stand in at the events, which sees more than 30,000 guests invited, to holyrood palace in edinburgh, and buckingham palace.

the annoucement comes as she prepares to celebrate her platinum jubilee next month. now back to election 2022 with huw. yes indeed, welcome back to our bbc live election coverage of these local elections in england, scotland and wales and the assembly elections in northern ireland. we are focusing overnight on the results from dozens of english local authorities. david lammy for labour is still with us in the studio and we have been joined by the conservative mp claire. laura is still with me. what i would like to do now, because we know the

results from nine english councils already, that is to say they have not completely declared some of them, but we can basically pronounce them, but we can basically pronounce the result on the basis of the declarations that we have two hand already and reeta is going to take us through those. i already and reeta is going to take us through those.— us through those. i have got eight of them up _ us through those. i have got eight of them up here, _ us through those. i have got eight of them up here, four _ us through those. i have got eight of them up here, four apiece i us through those. i have got eight of them up here, four apiece for i us through those. i have got eight l of them up here, four apiece for the conservatives and labour. they are all holes. sunderland we talked about earlier. south tyneside is a labour hold, as is wigan in greater manchester and houlton in cheshire. the conservatives have held onto redditch, harlow, broxbourne and brentwood. i want to show you what happened in brentwood. it is interesting to see how the lib dems have performed here. it is a conservative hold. the winning post is 19 seats and they have got 19, although they are still counting.

these figures could change. the lib dems on ten, labour on two. this is a conservative council and has been for quite a while, but it was run by the liberal you can see the lib dems are two percentage points ahead of the conservatives in terms of vote share and if i show you the change since 2018, the last time these seats work for it, you can see the lib dems up by ten percentage points, independence and conservatives write down so they are the main beneficiaries. that hasn't yet resulted in a game and a seat for them. will it? we will find out. in a moment we will have a look at tomorrow morning or this morning's front pages because we want to talk

a bit about the economic news of the past two or four hours which was significant. before that you had a snippet from worcester, we have been talking about the local contacts on the ground. talking about the local contacts on the ground-— the ground. you might remember chatam wister— the ground. you might remember chatam wister in _ the ground. you might remember chatam wister in the _ the ground. you might remember chatam wister in the days - the ground. you might remember chatam wister in the days of i the ground. you might rememberj chatam wister in the days of tony blair, an important marginal seats that change hands and dictate who gets to number 10. our team underground told us that change hands and dictate who gets to number 10. ourteam hands and dictate who gets to number 10. our team underground told us the tory leader has effectively thrown in the towel and gone home, he told our team he expects his party to have lost several seats. he says people have given their verdict on the map and partygate was the main national issue. he said the parliamentary party needs to decide who would want to lead them into the next general election. claire coutinho, maybe you will do this but

michelle donlon who was sitting in the state tried not to confess it had been an issue on the doorstep but a senior local conservative identify that as a problem and he has gone home expecting to lose. does that make sense to you? i have council elections _ does that make sense to you? i have council elections in _ does that make sense to you? i have council elections in my _ does that make sense to you? i have council elections in my area - does that make sense to you? i have council elections in my area so i have _ council elections in my area so i have spoken to people about it a couple _ have spoken to people about it a couple of — have spoken to people about it a couple of times but i've had as many people _ couple of times but i've had as many people talking about keir starmer and being irritated as to how hard he has _ and being irritated as to how hard he has gone on the government when he was _ he has gone on the government when he was chugging beer himself and people _ he was chugging beer himself and people want us to stop talking about westminster, they understand the country— westminster, they understand the country is — westminster, they understand the country is facing serious challenges and they— country is facing serious challenges and they want all politicians to focus — and they want all politicians to focus on — and they want all politicians to focus on those challenges and making their lives— focus on those challenges and making their lives better.— their lives better. do you think voters in your— their lives better. do you think voters in your part _ their lives better. do you think voters in your part of - their lives better. do you think voters in your part of surrey i their lives better. do you think. voters in your part of surrey don't care the prime minister was fine for taking the law? i care the prime minister was fine for

taking the law?— care the prime minister was fine for taking the law? i think some of that has filtered through _ taking the law? i think some of that has filtered through but _ taking the law? i think some of that has filtered through but they - taking the law? i think some of that has filtered through but they care . has filtered through but they care about— has filtered through but they care about the — has filtered through but they care about the cost of living and the nhs, _ about the cost of living and the nhs, public services working in their— nhs, public services working in their benefit and i don't pretend no-one — their benefit and i don't pretend no—one was angry, lots of people were _ no—one was angry, lots of people were angry— no—one was angry, lots of people were angry but a lot of people have moved _ were angry but a lot of people have moved on — were angry but a lot of people have moved on. ., ., _,, ., moved on. you mentioned the cost of livina moved on. you mentioned the cost of living because — moved on. you mentioned the cost of living because clearly _ moved on. you mentioned the cost of living because clearly that's _ living because clearly that's something they will be exercised about, because we had the bank of england in the past 2a hours talking about the prospects which are not great, inflation heading for 10% and possible recession around the corner. let's have a look at the front pages because these will be something for us to discuss. they have the time is talking about people asking the chancellor to slash taxes to stave off a recession so that's the first message, clearly the implication being that the government needs to do more to help people —— the times. soaring

inflation, says the independent, set to push the uk into a recession, that possibility being discussed earlier today based on the forecast. the mirror's tight is why won't they help? that plays into the earlier message from some conservative mps saying they want the chancellor to provide more help especially for people with rising energy bills. bank warns of recession and highest inflation in a0 years, that's the headline in the daily telegraph and if we go on to the i, families face a £1200 hit but no help before the next budget. the express with its own tight, hold onto your hats, recession looms, and then if you look at the mail, there are take his

family is set for record squeeze, bank of england bombshell, uk facing recession, inflation to soar to 8a0 year high in the biggest pay drop since 1990, so to come back to you, claire coutinho, before i bring in faisal islam, or economic subeditor, people on the doorsteps i assume will have been reflecting some of that, which is will the government do more to help us than it has done and the pressure on the chancellor to deliver on that basis? the country. _ to deliver on that basis? the country. it's _ to deliver on that basis? the country, it's difficult, - to deliver on that basis? the country, it's difficult, we are facing — country, it's difficult, we are facing global energy prices which have gone through the roof, we are also facing — have gone through the roof, we are also facing headwinds from the pandemic which means global supply chains _ pandemic which means global supply chains are _ pandemic which means global supply chains are disrupted and the price of goods— chains are disrupted and the price of goods are going up. 10% inflation is serious _

of goods are going up. 10% inflation is serious for the country, people are feeling — is serious for the country, people are feeling it and we started taking action— are feeling it and we started taking action back in autumn, the chancellor was talking about inflation in march last year and we have put— inflation in march last year and we have put together £22 billion of support, — have put together £22 billion of support, some of that is getting out to people _ support, some of that is getting out to people and it's important that people _ to people and it's important that people contact their council and that we — people contact their council and that we get the council tax rebate out but _ that we get the council tax rebate out but we — that we get the council tax rebate out but we have to keep everything under— out but we have to keep everything under review. the theme seems to be that wont— under review. the theme seems to be that won't be — under review. the theme seems to be that won't be enough. there is uncertainty but people are up at night _ uncertainty but people are up at night looking at this.— night looking at this. would you exect night looking at this. would you expect the _ night looking at this. would you expect the chancellor _ night looking at this. would you expect the chancellor to - night looking at this. would you i expect the chancellor to offer more help? if people are asking you, we need more help, as your message to them that they are likely to get it for wait and see?— them that they are likely to get it for wait and see? at the moment lots of --eole for wait and see? at the moment lots of people in — for wait and see? at the moment lots of people in government _ for wait and see? at the moment lots of people in government are - for wait and see? at the moment lots of people in government are looking i of people in government are looking at this— of people in government are looking at this issue, we know it is coming up at this issue, we know it is coming up on _ at this issue, we know it is coming up on the doorstep. do at this issue, we know it is coming up on the doorstep.— up on the doorstep. do you think --eole up on the doorstep. do you think people need _ up on the doorstep. do you think people need more _ up on the doorstep. do you think

people need more help? - up on the doorstep. do you think| people need more help? we have up on the doorstep. do you think- people need more help? we have to be honest that we — people need more help? we have to be honest that we cannot _ people need more help? we have to be honest that we cannot shield _ honest that we cannot shield everyone from the effects of 10% inflation — everyone from the effects of 10% inflation and if you look at the people — inflation and if you look at the people facing a squeeze, there are a few people _ people facing a squeeze, there are a few people at the top you will absorb — few people at the top you will absorb it _ few people at the top you will absorb it and not notice it so that's— absorb it and not notice it so that's a _ absorb it and not notice it so that's a huge amount of people and we have _ that's a huge amount of people and we have two balance not feeding into inflation _ we have two balance not feeding into inflation while trying to help people _ inflation while trying to help --eole. �* , , inflation while trying to help --eole. �*, , ., people. let's bring in faisal islam. our people. let's bring in faisal islam. 0ur economic— people. let's bring in faisal islam. our economic subeditor. _ people. let's bring in faisal islam. our economic subeditor. talk i people. let's bring in faisal islam. our economic subeditor. talk us i our economic subeditor. talk us through the picture you have been putting together for viewers today andindeed putting together for viewers today and indeed what that means for policy—making in the next few years? the economics and politics are linked from a bit like the joke about the chicken and the egg, it seems economic as is coming first in terms of determining the tramlines for politics in the next 12 months. all of this was in the ominous report from the bank of england, a

forecast of inflation hitting double digits for the first time since midyear two by the end of this year because of that squeeze on the cost of living, that crisis rebounding on the macro economy because people cannot afford to spend so much and leading to fears of a recession, certainly a smaller contracting economy at some points over the next year forecast by the bank of england and yet at the same time the bank is saying rates still have to go go up more than the 1% they reached today, so those three things put together, pretty ominous but also the reflection of what people are seeing at home. we have talked about 54% rises in energy prices but that's nothing as the moment right now that is happening in millions of households, perhaps 15 million households, perhaps 15 million households where they are receiving direct debits which may have been

around £100 a month and are now over £250 a month. these are huge sums affecting millions and millions of households like i have never seen before and then there was a prepayment metres who would put in £50 and at last two or three weeks, it nowjust lasts a week so this is being felt strongly in all these households and ijust being felt strongly in all these households and i just wonder, being felt strongly in all these households and ijust wonder, given some of the political promises we have seen at that referendum on the 2019 election, where some of the rhetoric from the prime minister seems to suggest a more assertive state, perhaps a bigger state and we saw during the pandemic the government stepped up and paid the wages of over 10 million workers and i wonder whether that set an expectation amongst the public and voters that they expect more help than they would have done, that is not what the treasury would like to

think, it's not what the chancellor would say that the cost of living crisis is different from an emergency pandemic but when i go around the country reporting and businesses and consumers i'd get the sense that without being asked they volunteered the suggestion that the government although it has saved a couple of hundred pounds on bills here and there, when you face such huge sums, i regularly get volunteered at the suggestion even from conservative voters that the government should do more, given the scale of the problem and the fact it's growing. scale of the problem and the fact it's growing-— it's growing. nor, that's a crucial idea, it's growing. nor, that's a crucial idea. peeple's — it's growing. nor, that's a crucial idea, people's expectations - it's growing. nor, that's a crucialj idea, people's expectations after furlough, they look at these energy bills and cannot believe the figures they seek and a monthly direct debits have gone up in the response from lots of people seems to be surely there will be help available. for two reasons, one because of that precedent _ for two reasons, one because of that precedent and expansion of the state

that came _ precedent and expansion of the state that came about because of a nationat— that came about because of a national emergency, coronavirus was a nationat— national emergency, coronavirus was a national emergency and the state .rew a national emergency and the state grew at— a national emergency and the state grew at a _ a national emergency and the state grew at a quick right. what the treasury— grew at a quick right. what the treasury now wants is to go the other— treasury now wants is to go the other way, _ treasury now wants is to go the otherway, borrowing treasury now wants is to go the other way, borrowing costs are high, there _ other way, borrowing costs are high, there are _ other way, borrowing costs are high, there are all — other way, borrowing costs are high, there are all sorts of risks, rishi sunak— there are all sorts of risks, rishi sunak wants to have money for another— sunak wants to have money for another rainy day. it was interesting listening to pfizer, lots of — interesting listening to pfizer, lots of people feel we are in another— lots of people feel we are in another serious rainy day, this is another— another serious rainy day, this is another real personal financial storm — another real personal financial storm for _ another real personal financial storm for many people and i wonder, claire, you _ storm for many people and i wonder, claire, you are notjust an mp, you work— claire, you are notjust an mp, you work in— claire, you are notjust an mp, you work in rishi — claire, you are notjust an mp, you work in rishi sunak's team, he has made _ work in rishi sunak's team, he has made it— work in rishi sunak's team, he has made it clear he doesn't want to do anything _ made it clear he doesn't want to do anything else until the autumn. do you expect — anything else until the autumn. do you expect ordinary families up and down _ you expect ordinary families up and down the _ you expect ordinary families up and down the country to wait another six months _ down the country to wait another six months before any more help comes because _ months before any more help comes because when boris johnson was interviewed this week he admitted not enough was being done in the immediate term so can you wait six

months? _ immediate term so can you wait six months? one thing we did when we did the ener: months? one thing we did when we did the energy price _ months? one thing we did when we did the energy price package in _ months? one thing we did when we did the energy price package in february i the energy price package in february was we _ the energy price package in february was we looked — the energy price package in february was we looked at _ the energy price package in february was we looked at the _ the energy price package in february was we looked at the energy- the energy price package in february was we looked at the energy price i was we looked at the energy price cap which— was we looked at the energy price cap which keeps— was we looked at the energy price cap which keeps a _ was we looked at the energy price cap which keeps a lid _ was we looked at the energy price cap which keeps a lid on _ cap which keeps a lid on energy bills untit— cap which keeps a lid on energy bills until the _ cap which keeps a lid on energy bills until the autumn _ cap which keeps a lid on energy bills until the autumn and - cap which keeps a lid on energy. bills until the autumn and because there _ bills until the autumn and because there was— bills until the autumn and because there was so— bills until the autumn and because there was so much— bills until the autumn and because there was so much volatility - bills until the autumn and because there was so much volatility we i bills until the autumn and because i there was so much volatility we said we need _ there was so much volatility we said we need to— there was so much volatility we said we need to see what _ there was so much volatility we said we need to see what will _ there was so much volatility we said we need to see what will happen - we need to see what will happen because — we need to see what will happen because until— we need to see what will happen because until you _ we need to see what will happen because until you know- we need to see what will happen because until you know what - we need to see what will happen - because until you know what happens in the _ because until you know what happens in the autumn— because until you know what happens in the autumn it's _ because until you know what happens in the autumn it's hard to— because until you know what happens in the autumn it's hard tojudge. - in the autumn it's hard to 'udge. we are in the autumn it's hard tojudge. are seeing it happen already, in the autumn it's hard tojudge.“ are seeing it happen already, it may hit 10%~ _ are seeing it happen already, it may hit 10%. “ are seeing it happen already, it may hit 10%. ~ ., ., ., hit 10%. i think about half of the inflation is _ hit 1096. i think about half of the inflation is coming _ hit 1096. i think about half of the inflation is coming from - hit 1096. i think about half of the inflation is coming from energy| inflation is coming from energy prices — inflation is coming from energy prices so — inflation is coming from energy prices so it's _ inflation is coming from energy prices so it's worth _ inflation is coming from energy prices so it's worth looking - inflation is coming from energy prices so it's worth looking to i inflation is coming from energy. prices so it's worth looking to see what happens _ prices so it's worth looking to see what happens with _ prices so it's worth looking to see what happens with energy - prices so it's worth looking to see what happens with energy prices. j what happens with energy prices. let's _ what happens with energy prices. let's get — what happens with energy prices. let's get a — what happens with energy prices. let's get a quick— what happens with energy prices. let's get a quick update - what happens with energy prices. let's get a quick update from - let's get a quick update from worcester because that was a council we discussed earlier with some useful lessons. then sidwell is there. bring us up to date. quite extraordinary _ there. bring us up to date. quite extraordinary scenes _ there. bring us up to date. quite extraordinary scenes in - there. bring us up to date. qt its: extraordinary scenes in wester, the counting has not begun, verification has finished and they are about to

start counting but before counting started the leader of the council, the conservative leader, marc bayliss, has left the building, he has seen enough and has seen where the votes are going, he believes conservatives here will lose several seats and because of that they will most likely lose control here. worcester is under no overall control, for seven of the last ten years that has been the case but until february it did have a majority of one, then one of the councillors resigned. they have the most seats here but it's felt they could lose four of those tonight to labour, possibly at the liberal democrats and almost certainly one to the green party and its not the only criticism of the conservatives. lewis griffiths, who was voted in in 2018, she was voted in as a green candidate but 12 months later she

defected to the conservatives. she is not standing at this time and in her leaving speech to the council a month ago she said that move to conservatives was probably the biggest mistake of her life, she said they had become a benevolent dictatorship here. it seems that about 30 miles up the road in birmingham there are concerns about conservatives because on the ballot papers there 80 of 101 conservatives have had on their ballot paper not conservatives but local conservatives, they are that concerned about what's going on in westminster that they feel it could affect their chances. there is not the evidence here that the conservatives on the doorstep are distancing themselves from central government, certainly mark bayliss says the verdict from the people of worcester is the verdict on the government and he believes that is

the case why they are losing seats now. 13 of the 35 seats will be done today, we will find out what will happen. the chances are that worcester will remain under no overall control but if the seats go the way people believe they could, it might mean labour —type power as part take coalition power, they may then lead was different here. the latest on the the whole thing about how they sell the message and whether they sell the message and whether they are selling the message on the basis of, you know, we are local conservatives are nothing to do with what is going on back in westminster, it is interesting that that is coming up as a theme in more than one area. it that is coming up as a theme in more than one area-— than one area. it definitely happened _ than one area. it definitely happened in _ than one area. it definitely

happened in a _ than one area. it definitely happened in a few - than one area. it definitely| happened in a few pockets, than one area. it definitely - happened in a few pockets, no question about it and not surprisingly you've seen in a lot of the headlines, local candidates distancing themselves from the westminster leadership of boris johnson and that's not the first time that local counsellors or indeed some mps in some general elections have done their own things and tried to create that distance but it is interesting perhaps in comparison to the 2019 general election and we should not be making any comparisons to a general election campaign but that campaign for the conservatives was all about borisjohnston. this electoral test for some conservative candidates, they are trying to make it about other difficulty ceos or they want to stop talking about the downing street shenanigans, the alternative story to talk about is the very real thing that is happening to people at home and family finances. that is a very challenging issue for the government as well. neither of the political conversations are ones

that are easy for the conservatives right now. that are easy for the conservatives riaht now. , , ., right now. david, i will bring you in riaht right now. david, i will bring you in right now _ right now. david, i will bring you in right now because _ right now. david, i will bring you in right now because you - right now. david, i will bring you in right now because you have i right now. david, i will bring you i in right now because you have been very patient in the last 20 minutes. two different perspectives, harry, and of the sun newspaper and also caroline wheeler from the sunday times. harry, thank you for waiting, is this a big test for borisjohnson or is it as our conservative guest tells us, it is mostly about local issues? ~ ~ , issues? well, the prime minister would like it— issues? well, the prime minister would like it to _ issues? well, the prime minister would like it to be _ issues? well, the prime minister would like it to be about - issues? well, the prime minister would like it to be about local - would like it to be about local issues — would like it to be about local issues but back in westminster, this has been _ issues but back in westminster, this has been the first moment since the cost of— has been the first moment since the cost of living crisis and it has been — cost of living crisis and it has been a — cost of living crisis and it has been a pretty torrid year. a rough ride since — been a pretty torrid year. a rough ride since january and there was a template — ride since january and there was a template that fizzled out to get the letters _ template that fizzled out to get the letters of no—confidence confidence and trigger a vote of no confidence of boris _ and trigger a vote of no confidence of borisjohnson's premiership of boris johnson's premiership earlier— of boris johnson's premiership earlier in— of borisjohnson's premiership earlier in the year. they didn't get

there _ earlier in the year. they didn't get there a_ earlier in the year. they didn't get there a lot — earlier in the year. they didn't get there. a lot of tory rebels telling us wait _ there. a lot of tory rebels telling us wait until the dust settles and whether— us wait until the dust settles and whether some would be a better time to have _ whether some would be a better time to have a _ whether some would be a better time to have a inward navelgazing session that the _ to have a inward navelgazing session that the tory party is pretty good at. ~ . , that the tory party is pretty good at. . ., , , ., that the tory party is pretty good at. ., ,, that the tory party is pretty good at. ., , ,., at. what is your sense of things so far? it is early _ at. what is your sense of things so far? it is early but _ at. what is your sense of things so far? it is early but what _ at. what is your sense of things so far? it is early but what have - at. what is your sense of things so far? it is early but what have you l far? it is early but what have you been told? it far? it is early but what have you been told?— been told? it is early in cutting throu~h been told? it is early in cutting through all— been told? it is early in cutting through all the _ been told? it is early in cutting through all the expectation - been told? it is early in cutting | through all the expectation and management and spin, there is a what that group— management and spin, there is a what that group for tory mps and i have 'ust that group for tory mps and i have just been— that group for tory mps and i have just been shown a screenshot and —— whatsapp. _ just been shown a screenshot and —— whatsapp, borisjohnson had a message — whatsapp, borisjohnson had a message to hours ago saying thank you for— message to hours ago saying thank you for all— message to hours ago saying thank you for all your hard work and onwards— you for all your hard work and onwards and upwards everyone. there has been _ onwards and upwards everyone. there has been absolute silence from the tory mps — has been absolute silence from the tory mps. not even most of these loyal— tory mps. not even most of these loyal supporters are weighing in and that could _ loyal supporters are weighing in and that could be a sense of foreboding for downing street and the fact that tory mps _ for downing street and the fact that tory mps are sitting on their hands at the _ tory mps are sitting on their hands at the moment and seeing how this knight _ at the moment and seeing how this knight pans out. at the moment and seeing how this knight pans out-— knight pans out. caroline, what is our knight pans out. caroline, what is yourtake? _

knight pans out. caroline, what is your take? similar— knight pans out. caroline, what is your take? similar to _ knight pans out. caroline, what is your take? similar to what - knight pans out. caroline, what is your take? similar to what harry l knight pans out. caroline, what is| your take? similar to what harry is sa inc. it your take? similar to what harry is saying- it is _ your take? similar to what harry is saying. it is actually _ your take? similar to what harry is saying. it is actually quite - your take? similar to what harry is saying. it is actually quite quiet. saying. it is actually quite quiet at the moment. the odd message coming in from advisers and those in the campaign headquarters. certainly from those within the campus, they are having a gloomy evening, the conservative campus, looking ahead at the losses they are thinking they may see coming up. in particular, they are worried about barnett and they are worried about barnett and the impact in london and labour, haven't had much there. we very much in the early days. as harry was saying, it is all about expectation downplaying potential losses for the conservatives and also for labour, who have been keen to stress those election results back in 2018 were high water mark for them. to clarify from both of— high water mark for them. to clarify from both of you, _ high water mark for them. to clarify from both of you, caroline - high water mark for them. to clarify from both of you, caroline first - high water mark for them. to clarify from both of you, caroline first if. from both of you, caroline first if i may, on the whole issue of making a judgement on the party's performance, the conservative party, and then trying to measure the prime

minister's role in that, the factor of the prime minister in terms of the way people are voting, along with that take? 0r weeks? harry? the with that take? or weeks? harry? the queen's with that take? 0r weeks? harry? the queen's speech is an opportunity to reset— queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and _ queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and there _ queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and there is _ queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and there is a _ queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and there is a looming - queen's speech is an opportunity to reset and there is a looming threatl reset and there is a looming threat of a reshuffle _ reset and there is a looming threat of a reshuffle.— reset and there is a looming threat of a reshuffle. downing street using all their traditional _ of a reshuffle. downing street using all their traditional levers _ of a reshuffle. downing street using all their traditional levers to - all their traditional levers to restore _ all their traditional levers to restore discipline. if there is a spanking _ restore discipline. if there is a spanking tonight for the conservative party, it will be a rough — conservative party, it will be a rough summer. if the police and others _ rough summer. if the police and others fines in downing street, if the prime — others fines in downing street, if the prime minister received a phone, it will— the prime minister received a phone, it will be _ the prime minister received a phone, it will be a _ the prime minister received a phone, it will be a rough couple of weeks. it is one _ it will be a rough couple of weeks. it is one part of the machine for boris _ it is one part of the machine for borisjohnson and it is one part of the machine for boris johnson and hopefully for him he will— boris johnson and hopefully for him he will be _ boris johnson and hopefully for him he will be saying most of the seats being _ he will be saying most of the seats being contested are in london, labour— being contested are in london, labour are _ being contested are in london, labour are ahead being contested are in london, labourare ahead in being contested are in london, labour are ahead in london, it is a labour— labour are ahead in london, it is a labour city. — labour are ahead in london, it is a labour city, and he will be hit clinging — labour city, and he will be hit clinging onto some slivers of good news _ clinging onto some slivers of good news in _ clinging onto some slivers of good news in the shires and north, but it remains _ news in the shires and north, but it remains to— news in the shires and north, but it remains to be seen. even if he does

-et remains to be seen. even if he does get through— remains to be seen. even if he does get through unscathed tonight, many hurdles— get through unscathed tonight, many hurdles coming up.— hurdles coming up. caroline, that sort of yardstick _ hurdles coming up. caroline, that sort of yardstick in _ hurdles coming up. caroline, that sort of yardstick in terms - hurdles coming up. caroline, that sort of yardstick in terms of - sort of yardstick in terms of judging the prime minister's future, how will that play out? ham; judging the prime minister's future, how will that play out?— how will that play out? harry is settin: it how will that play out? harry is setting it up — how will that play out? harry is setting it up quite _ how will that play out? harry is setting it up quite clearly - how will that play out? harry is setting it up quite clearly therej setting it up quite clearly there are a number of hurdles that the prime minister will face and if you speak to some of the rebel mps expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership they have made it clear there could be there could be a coming together of many things that could precipitate a challenge and among those would be the cutting back of the ck report and potentially more fines. we should not underestimate the impact of the local elections, particularly those lube all the areas, which are indicative —— sue cray and certainly the conservative mps in those areas are feeling under pressure. —— those blue areas. those who hold the future of the prime minister in their hands can only have any impact

if they are re—elected at the next general election so they themselves will be thinking about their own futures when they think about whether or not they would throw their weight behind the prime minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler, minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler. harry _ minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler, harry cole, _ minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler, harry cole, thank - minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler, harry cole, thank you - minister, moving forward. caroline wheeler, harry cole, thank you for joining with us on the bbc election results programme. it is now one o'clock in the morning and we are getting more results coming in and a note from sirjohn curtis, our resident guru and he will appear shortly and has passed a note on making interesting reading. with noting that so far the conservatives and labourare noting that so far the conservatives and labour are both down. the lib dems and the greens are up as we speak at this early stage and the greens, says speak at this early stage and the greens, sastohn asked so far being a 2—point increase compared to 2018 while the vote is also up by one point in 2021—— greens. while the vote is also up by one point in 2021 —— greens. although the greens are looking as though they are not doing as well as they did in 2019, this could be one of

the better local election performances for them. that is an important reminderfor performances for them. that is an important reminder for us, performances for them. that is an important reminderfor us, as we really get stuck into the talk of boris johnson's future or whether keir starmer has turn things around. the story tonight may well be the relative success of the greens and lib dems? �* . relative success of the greens and lib dems? . ., ., relative success of the greens and lib dems?— relative success of the greens and lib dems? . ., ., , ., , lib dems? and a relative steady as ou to lib dems? and a relative steady as ou no for lib dems? and a relative steady as you go for that _ lib dems? and a relative steady as you go for that you _ lib dems? and a relative steady as you go for that you big _ lib dems? and a relative steady as you go for that you big parties, - lib dems? and a relative steady asj you go for that you big parties, and in the last few days, people have heard from voters the sense of a plague on both the houses. we don't like what has been going on in westminster and the argy—bargy, people are worried about finances and they are fed up. but not necessarily furious enough for the government to switch over with enormous enthusiasm to labour because they are not feeling that passionately excited about them either! a cabinet minister said to me earlier saying the tories will do badly but it will not be armageddon. labour will do better but will not blow their socks off and the implication is voters turning up will go to other parties. in a local

election, this is sometimes seen as a less risky option because you do not have the same national moment of jeopardy that you see in general election. ~ ., ., , ., jeopardy that you see in general election. . ., ., , k, jeopardy that you see in general. election._ when jeopardy that you see in general - election._ when i election. what do you think? when i was knocking — election. what do you think? when i was knocking on _ election. what do you think? when i was knocking on doors _ election. what do you think? when i was knocking on doors what - election. what do you think? when i was knocking on doors what i - election. what do you think? when i was knocking on doors what i saw. election. what do you think? when i l was knocking on doors what i saw was that there _ was knocking on doors what i saw was that there are undecided voters out there _ that there are undecided voters out there who — that there are undecided voters out there who are switching to labour but there — there who are switching to labour but there are also what i would describe — but there are also what i would describe as soft conservatives, who have never— describe as soft conservatives, who have never voted labour, who are looking _ have never voted labour, who are looking at— have never voted labour, who are looking at other parties like the lib dems — looking at other parties like the lib dems and greens and that will be reflected _ lib dems and greens and that will be reflected across the evening. in the end, reflected across the evening. in the end. in— reflected across the evening. in the end. in our— reflected across the evening. in the end, in ourfirst reflected across the evening. in the end, in our first past the post system, _ end, in our first past the post system, most voters are making calculations about the two main parties — calculations about the two main parties and as i said, it's important for us that by the afternoon tomorrow, our share of the vote across _ afternoon tomorrow, our share of the vote across the country has gone up. earlier— vote across the country has gone up. earlier we _ vote across the country has gone up. earlier we talk to claire and our

reporter is about the cost of living crisis and the factors that are bothering people including inflation and energy bills etc. again, do you think labour is producing a clear and assertive enough message on this? it is the kind of thing that you would imagine an assertive opposition would be really trying to capitalise on, not to capitalise on peoples problems but to capitalise on the fact that the economy is being managed or mismanaged and they said that people need help which they are not getting. the question being, is labour being effective enoughin being, is labour being effective enough in that area? we being, is labour being effective enough in that area?— being, is labour being effective enough in that area? we had a laser focus on cost _ enough in that area? we had a laser focus on cost of _ enough in that area? we had a laser focus on cost of living. _ enough in that area? we had a laser focus on cost of living. we _ enough in that area? we had a laser focus on cost of living. we said - focus on cost of living. we said there _ focus on cost of living. we said there should be an emergency budget. we said _ there should be an emergency budget. we said there should be a windfall tax to— we said there should be a windfall tax to help people with their fuel

bills and — tax to help people with their fuel bills and loan scheme and we said we would _ bills and loan scheme and we said we would get _ bills and loan scheme and we said we would get rid of non— dom status and deal with— would get rid of non— dom status and deal with fraud in the system and -et deal with fraud in the system and get 118— deal with fraud in the system and get 11.8 billion out into the economy and we also set, by the way, because _ economy and we also set, by the way, because you _ economy and we also set, by the way, because you talk about people with higher— because you talk about people with higher energy who are ordinary constituents and residents but also small— constituents and residents but also small businesses, suffering hugely. i small businesses, suffering hugely. l was _ small businesses, suffering hugely. l was with— small businesses, suffering hugely. i was with a fish and chip shop today. — i was with a fish and chip shop today, they have seen their bills double — today, they have seen their bills double. hugely over this last while and we _ double. hugely over this last while and we want to support them with a business _ and we want to support them with a business rep discount. that was a pretty— business rep discount. that was a pretty comprehensive package they were getting our my colleague rachel reeves. _ were getting our my colleague rachel reeves, people were saying she is doing _ reeves, people were saying she is doing very— reeves, people were saying she is doing very well indeed against keir starmer _ doing very well indeed against keir starmer i— doing very well indeed against keir starmer. i do think we went into this election cycle with a very comprehensive package on the economy and that— comprehensive package on the economy and that is— comprehensive package on the economy and that is the issue that people are talking about, alongside

partygate. if are talking about, alongside partygate-— are talking about, alongside pa ate. ., , ., ,, partygate. if labour is talking about more — partygate. if labour is talking about more help, _ partygate. if labour is talking about more help, targeted, l partygate. if labour is talking - about more help, targeted, specific help, that will increase the pressure on the chancellor to deliver something, as laura said, not waiting for the autumn or the winter, but to deal with problems that people are having right now, with the bills they are actually seeing coming through the door? i seeing coming through the door? 1 think in terms of the pressure seeing coming through the door? i think in terms of the pressure that will come from the public and what they are facing, not from labour's plan because i will say that labour's plan is not that good. if you think about the amount of help they are giving to people, that is people right at the bottom but as i said the inflation challenge is for many more people than that. you can get up to the 70th percentile of income, about £35,000, up to 30— 70%, the middle chunk of people who are very squeezed and not getting anything other than a 5% reduction in energy bills under labour's plan and a question whether that is

really more. and a question whether that is really more-— and a question whether that is really more.- talking i and a question whether that is i really more.- talking about really more. laura? talking about the small parties _ really more. laura? talking about the small parties benefiting - really more. laura? talking about the small parties benefiting and l really more. laura? talking about the small parties benefiting and i | the small parties benefiting and i been _ the small parties benefiting and i been told — the small parties benefiting and i been told that _ the small parties benefiting and i been told that there _ the small parties benefiting and i been told that there is _ the small parties benefiting and i been told that there is 99% - the small parties benefiting and i been told that there is 99% thatl the small parties benefiting and i. been told that there is 99% that the tories _ been told that there is 99% that the tories will— been told that there is 99% that the tories will lose _ been told that there is 99% that the tories will lose control _ been told that there is 99% that the tories will lose control of _ been told that there is 99% that the tories will lose control of west - tories will lose control of west oxfordshire. _ tories will lose control of west oxfordshire, david _ tories will lose control of west oxfordshire, david cameron. oxfordshire, david cameron territory. _ oxfordshire, david cameron territory, and _ oxfordshire, david cameron territory, and in _ oxfordshire, david cameron territory, and in culture - oxfordshire, david cameron- territory, and in culture search, lib dems — territory, and in culture search, lib dems have _ territory, and in culture search, lib dems have taken— territory, and in culture search, lib dems have taken the - territory, and in culture search, lib dems have taken the tory. territory, and in culture search, - lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat, _ lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat. some _ lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat, some shred _ lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat, some shred of— lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat, some shred of evidence - lib dems have taken the tory leaders seat, some shred of evidence that. seat, some shred of evidence that may go— seat, some shred of evidence that may go towards _ seat, some shred of evidence that may go towards the _ seat, some shred of evidence that may go towards the picture - seat, some shred of evidence that may go towards the picture of- may go towards the picture of actually — may go towards the picture of actually the _ may go towards the picture of actually the big _ may go towards the picture of actually the big parties, - actually the big parties, essentially, _ actually the big parties, essentially, both - actually the big parties, - essentially, both disappointing in different— essentially, both disappointing in different ways, _ essentially, both disappointing in different ways, labour— essentially, both disappointing in different ways, labour making i different ways, labour making smaller — different ways, labour making smaller gains _ different ways, labour making smaller gains in— different ways, labour making smaller gains in the _ different ways, labour making smaller gains in the tories - different ways, labour making i smaller gains in the tories taking different ways, labour making - smaller gains in the tories taking a bit of— smaller gains in the tories taking a bit of a _ smaller gains in the tories taking a bit of a kicking. _ smaller gains in the tories taking a bit of a kicking, even _ smaller gains in the tories taking a bit of a kicking, even though - bit of a kicking, even though something _ bit of a kicking, even though something completely- bit of a kicking, even though - something completely catastrophic maybe _ something completely catastrophic maybe the — something completely catastrophic maybe the dividends _ something completely catastrophic maybe the dividends are _ something completely catastrophic maybe the dividends are going - something completely catastrophic maybe the dividends are going to i maybe the dividends are going to smaller— maybe the dividends are going to smaller parties. _ maybe the dividends are going to smaller parties.— smaller parties. staying with the thou . ht of smaller parties. staying with the thought of smaller _ smaller parties. staying with the thought of smaller parties, - smaller parties. staying with the i thought of smaller parties, although they are growing, would argue the greens. greens certainly we mention are making gains and let'sjoin rita to talk us through those and after that hopefully i can talk to carla danielle from the greens. this is

the state of _ danielle from the greens. this is the state of the _ danielle from the greens. this is the state of the parties - danielle from the greens. this is the state of the parties so - danielle from the greens. this is the state of the parties so far, i danielle from the greens. this is l the state of the parties so far, the night is young but this is the scoreboard with 13 out of 146 councils declared and as you said, the two bigger parties, the labour and conservative parties, have made net losses and the lib dems are picked up council seats on plus five and the greens on plus four. taking you back to the screen with the latest results and i want to show you south tyneside, here it comes. this is a labour hold, 41 seats. lead was different here. the latest on the we mention that carla denyer, the coleader of the greens is joining us. it'sjust about

coleader of the greens is joining us. it's just about 1:15am. coleader of the greens is joining us. it'sjustabout1:15am. good morning, isuppose. we us. it'sjustabout1:15am. good morning, i suppose. we are in a position at least to talk about some results. why don't you give us the results. why don't you give us the results that you've notched up so far? , ., , , , far? the news from south tyneside is really positive — far? the news from south tyneside is really positive but _ far? the news from south tyneside is really positive but not _ far? the news from south tyneside is really positive but not a _ far? the news from south tyneside is really positive but not a great - really positive but not a great surprise. we only got our first counsellor elected there a few years ago butjust like in places all over england, we've done really well in the last few years. we've travelled down number of counsellors in the last few years. in south tyneside. we keep keeping an eye on geographical spread, we keep keeping an eye on geographicalspread, geographic geographical spread, geographic towns and geographicalspread, geographic towns and cities. so we are expecting to make gains in burnley and lancashire. probably keeping a close eye on hastings, on the south coast, and reading and probably a

whole swathe of other councils when we think there might be a chance to get ourfoot in we think there might be a chance to get our foot in the door and breakthrough into a number of new councils in the south—east, london, wales, north—east and so on. what councils in the south-east, london, wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic — wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic of _ wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic of the _ wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic of the campaign - wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic of the campaign as - wales, north-east and so on. what is the dynamic of the campaign as far i the dynamic of the campaign as far as you are concerned? people looking for a vote that they think will be valid in terms of the environment and local transport and all the rest of it, the campaign issues that we are familiar with. or is it a kind of haven for those who simply want to register their opposition to what they see going on elsewhere? 50! they see going on elsewhere? so i think issues _ they see going on elsewhere? ’ir i think issues around partygate they see going on elsewhere? 6r i think issues around partygate and how the conservative party is conducting themselves generally is on the doorstep but that is far from the whole story. as i said we've been making big gains year—on—year now so we are really seeing this as part of the broader pattern whereas

people learn about the greens, they find out they agree with us, they see that we are very hard—working and connected in our communities. ultimately it's about trust and integrity. they understand the greens do politics differently. that's why people have been telling us over the last few weeks and months, they are giving the votes of the greens, often for the first time. , , . , the greens, often for the first time. i, ., , , time. they see politics differently. it's one of those _ time. they see politics differently. it's one of those phrases. - time. they see politics differently. it's one of those phrases. what i time. they see politics differently. l it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? — it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? i — it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? i think _ it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? i think what _ it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? i think what we - it's one of those phrases. what does that mean? i think what we hear i it's one of those phrases. what does| that mean? i think what we hear sent back to us on the doorstep from voters is that we are really well—connected in our communities and when we go out doorknocking, we're notjust talking, we are listening. we are listening to what people's concerns and issues are and working hard to tackle them and through that, the greens are proving there is no such thing as a safe seat for labour and the conservatives anymore. we gained 100

new seats thereabouts last year and that was it will numbers between labour and the conservatives. what labour and the conservatives. what would be a credible _ labour and the conservatives. what would be a credible good result for you at the end of this period of counting? we're talking about tomorrow evening when we have everything and by then. what would your party he everything and by then. what would your party be happy with. i’m everything and by then. what would your party be happy with.— your party be happy with. i'm not auoin to your party be happy with. i'm not going to put _ your party be happy with. i'm not going to put an — your party be happy with. i'm not going to put an exact _ your party be happy with. i'm not going to put an exact number i your party be happy with. i'm not going to put an exact number on | your party be happy with. i'm not i going to put an exact number on it. it's hard to say that we are expecting to make substantial gains and as i mentioned in a number of different areas of the country and different areas of the country and different types of cities, towns and rural areas as well.— rural areas as well. substantial rains rural areas as well. substantial gains would — rural areas as well. substantial gains would suggest _ rural areas as well. substantial gains would suggest well i rural areas as well. substantial gains would suggest well into i rural areas as well. substantial- gains would suggest well into double figures, yes? certainly. hopefully we will talk tomorrow again. you very much forjoining us. carla denyer there. we were mentioning earlier around the table about some of these very symbolic london councils. we're not suggesting they

are more important than any other i just underlined that they have accrued, if you like, a kind of symbolism, the past 20 or 30 years, during that that she is certainly. barnett is another one of these councils in north london which by the way includes the old constituency of finchley as it then was in those boundaries which is mrs thatcher's old seat. barnett is a labour target and it would be a pretty big development if labour did get hold of it from the conservatives. 0ur reporter there is sheuey conservatives. 0ur reporter there is shelley phelps. they held the council for over 20 years. our an

historic win. in terms of the mood on the ground, the labour group leader told me fairly confident winning by some margin. he could still be crying _ winning by some margin. he could still be crying into _ winning by some margin. he could still be crying into his _ winning by some margin. he could still be crying into his cereal i winning by some margin. he could still be crying into his cereal in i still be crying into his cereal in the morning. in terms of what a victory could mean for labour here. it shows the parties turn the corner on anti—semitism. under the leadership ofjeremy corbyn, the party was dogged by accusations of anti—semitism. it has one of the largestjewish populations in the country. he says that's what a win here would mean. the mood is more muted. some have been fairly quiet. the candidates that i have spoken to, they have fought this campaign on hyper local terms. they did say

to me that nobody here wanted conservative campaign headquarters anywhere near the campaign here. when you look at the kind of campaign that's been fought there, what have been important signals for you from the way this campaign has been going. you from the way this campaign has been anoin. ., , you from the way this campaign has been going-— been going. parties are saying cost of livin: is been going. parties are saying cost of living is one _ been going. parties are saying cost of living is one of _ been going. parties are saying cost of living is one of the _ been going. parties are saying cost of living is one of the big _ been going. parties are saying cost of living is one of the big issues i of living is one of the big issues that are coming up. a number of the conservative candidates i've spoken to, they did say the campaign had a national appeal. there is some concern around that from local conservative party candidates who say that passing some of that back onto mps. concerns about high—rises and buildings stop as i'm sure is

the case, a mix of national local. that's interesting. we'll be back when there are more it's 22 minutes past one. in when there are more it's 22 minutes ast one. ., ., ., ., , past one. in front of me, and i hope to share it — past one. in front of me, and i hope to share it with _ past one. in front of me, and i hope to share it with viewers, _ past one. in front of me, and i hope to share it with viewers, we - past one. in front of me, and i hope to share it with viewers, we have i to share it with viewers, we have some keyboard analysis. a group of key wards, that you and the team have been analysing. it shows that so far, it's just 92 of 738 of these key wards declared. labour is down 1%. the greens up 2%. putting all that into message.

196. the greens up 296. putting all that into message.— 196. the greens up 296. putting all that into message. virtually these results that _ that into message. virtually these results that we _ that into message. virtually these results that we have _ that into message. virtually these results that we have got _ that into message. virtually these results that we have got so - that into message. virtually these results that we have got so far i that into message. virtually these j results that we have got so far are from outside london. it makes calculating the changes more difficult. . , calculating the changes more difficult. ., , ., difficult. that said, there is a broad message _ difficult. that said, there is a broad message you, - difficult. that said, there is a l broad message you, according difficult. that said, there is a i broad message you, according to difficult. that said, there is a - broad message you, according to the opinion polls, we might be expecting the labour party to be making gains. including some net gains outside london. these have not transpired, as you can see. the load labour is down. as is the conservative vote. the party that is making most progress, albeit from a lower base, is that liberal democrats. vote up

by six percentage points and it's particularly noticeably going up in those wards where they are challenging the conservatives for first place. challenging the conservatives for first lace. , . first place. there is evidence in these early _ first place. there is evidence in these early results _ first place. there is evidence in these early results that - first place. there is evidence in these early results that they i first place. there is evidence in | these early results that they are doing quite well and some of those so—called blue wall areas, conservative held areas. at the other end of the spread from, the kind of discussion sunderland an hour ago, there is very little evidence of the labour party making particularly significant advances in the so—called redwall, pro leave parts of the country. i will go very firmly on this. there is just the smell about the early results.

labour is going to find perhaps more joy labour is going to find perhaps more joy in london, perhaps morejoy in the south of england outside of london vanities and the more pro leave midlands and the north. if that does prove to be the case, and i will emphasise the" f" in that statement, it is going to temper whatever success labour claims by tomorrow afternoon because of course the thing above all the labour party has been saying it wants to do is to recover leave voting britain. what about the conservative vote? it is down a bit. we should emphasise by the way, the conservative performances down much more. we're looking a 5% swing to labour. if we compare the results this year with last year, and when it comes to the question of what extent have the conservatives suffered from partygate and the cost of living

crisis and other things, not so good for labour, these election results are still confirming that the conservatives are in a weaker position than they were 12 months ago. and that they are there. it's not necessarily that they are profiting from that.- not necessarily that they are profiting from that. good to talk to ou. a profiting from that. good to talk to you- a quick _ profiting from that. good to talk to you. a quick update _ profiting from that. good to talk to you. a quick update from - profiting from that. good to talk to you. a quick update from rita. i profiting from that. good to talk to j you. a quick update from rita. you caught me playing with the tux touchscreen. i want to bring you a couple of councils that are in and

labour was saying it needed building support. 72% voted to leave the eu. you can see a very comfortable majority. this is a counsellor gained last year. it was a hung parliament since before then. gained by the conservatives. very interesting to see what has happened behind those figures. this is a seed that if famously one last year. we

failed to win the council. the conservatives have taken two seats of the independence. yes, you may well have to face it. you have to look at the whole picture by tomorrow afternoon. that is seats in areas like sheffield, southampton. sunderland was very important. we have to look at the whole picture

across the country to see where we are at the end of the evening. i am are at the end of the evening. i am optimistic- — are at the end of the evening. i am optimistic- l— are at the end of the evening. i am optimistic. i would _ are at the end of the evening. i am optimistic. i would have _ are at the end of the evening. i am optimistic. iwould have made progress _ optimistic. iwould have made progress. i've knocked on doors in hartlepool — progress. i've knocked on doors in hartlepool. i did that in the by—election. it was a tough part of the country— by—election. it was a tough part of the country for us, no doubt about it. the country for us, no doubt about it we _ the country for us, no doubt about it we were — the country for us, no doubt about it. we were telling you that. voters were _ it. we were telling you that. voters were raising — it. we were telling you that. voters were raising actually the local authority, lots of services. in that area, _ authority, lots of services. in that area, in— authority, lots of services. in that area, in the — authority, lots of services. in that area, in the by—election. there is a lotto _ area, in the by—election. there is a lotto do _ area, in the by—election. there is a lotto do it— area, in the by—election. there is a lot to do. it will be a mixed picture _ lot to do. it will be a mixed picture. especially across some of those _ picture. especially across some of those leave areas. a four year cycle to gain _ those leave areas. a four year cycle to gain back— those leave areas. a four year cycle to gain back the trust.— to gain back the trust. what does that tell you _ to gain back the trust. what does that tell you about _ to gain back the trust. what does that tell you about the _ to gain back the trust. what does that tell you about the ability i to gain back the trust. what does that tell you about the ability of l that tell you about the ability of the conservatives to hang onto those

which they took famously to 2019. in terms of the fragility possibly of the majority that is there. the ma'ority that is there. i mean we the majority that is there. i mean we should always _ the majority that is there. i mean we should always be _ the majority that is there. i mean we should always be nervous i the majority that is there. i mean we should always be nervous but| the majority that is there. i mean i we should always be nervous but all of our voters are making sure we are selling our case. what i would say is if you look up the run—up to the selection, labourwas is if you look up the run—up to the selection, labour was talking about 800 seats were going to win. everything about incumbency and the fact that we should be losing seats. 2000 council seats. i think really it is a test of the leadership of keir starmer. this 800 for guard... we never said 800. i this 800 for guard... we never said 800- i think — this 800 for guard... we never said 800. ithinkthat_ this 800 for guard... we never said 800. i think that included _ this 800 for guard... we never said 800. i think that included wales i this 800 for guard... we never said | 800. i think that included wales and scotland. 800. i think that included wales and scotland- we — 800. i think that included wales and scotland. we talked _ 800. i think that included wales and scotland. we talked about _ 800. i think that included wales and scotland. we talked about this i 800. i think that included wales and scotland. we talked about this are i scotland. we talked about this are ready before _ scotland. we talked about this are ready before you _ scotland. we talked about this are ready before you arrived. - scotland. we talked about this are ready before you arrived. there i scotland. we talked about this are l ready before you arrived. there was one set _ ready before you arrived. there was one set of— ready before you arrived. there was one set of projections _ ready before you arrived. there was one set of projections by— ready before you arrived. there was one set of projections by one - ready before you arrived. there was one set of projections by one group| one set of projections by one group that came — one set of projections by one group that came up — one set of projections by one group that came up with _ one set of projections by one group that came up with a _ one set of projections by one group that came up with a hundred - one set of projections by one group that came up with a hundred but. one set of projections by one group| that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, — that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that _

that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that is— that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that is way— that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that is way out - that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that is way out of- that came up with a hundred but for the viewers, that is way out of the i the viewers, that is way out of the expectation — the viewers, that is way out of the expectation it— the viewers, that is way out of the expectation. it is— the viewers, that is way out of the expectation. it is not— the viewers, that is way out of the expectation. it is not defending i expectation. it is not defending what _ expectation. it is not defending what is — expectation. it is not defending what is going _ expectation. it is not defending what is going on— expectation. it is not defending what is going on with _ expectation. it is not defending what is going on with the - expectation. it is not defendingl what is going on with the labour party— what is going on with the labour party in— what is going on with the labour party in any shape _ what is going on with the labour party in any shape or— what is going on with the labour party in any shape or form - what is going on with the labour party in any shape or form but i what is going on with the labour. party in any shape or form but the 800 was _ party in any shape or form but the 800 was an— party in any shape or form but the 800 was an extreme _ party in any shape or form but the 800 was an extreme projection. l party in any shape or form but the 800 was an extreme projection. i | 800 was an extreme projection. would take that on board but i definitely think they were talking about making serious gains and no—one will dispute that and the fact that they are a are not at this point in the electoral cycle, is something to question. in london, they have thrown everything at that and if they are going to win the general election they have to look outside of london. irate general election they have to look outside of london.— general election they have to look outside of london. we will be making rains on outside of london. we will be making gains on london _ outside of london. we will be making gains on london by _ outside of london. we will be making gains on london by tomorrow - gains on london by tomorrow afternoon. i absolutely have no doubt _ afternoon. i absolutely have no doubt about that. we will be making progress _ doubt about that. we will be making progress with our performance in 2018 _ progress with our performance in 2018 and — progress with our performance in 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are ou 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident _ 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident they _ 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident they will _ 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident they will be - 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident they will be they i 2018 and certainly on 2019. but are you confident they will be they will| you confident they will be they will be on areas for people who voted leave? ! be on areas for people who voted leave? ., , . ., , be on areas for people who voted leave? ., , , leave? i am because genuine the cost of livin: is leave? i am because genuine the cost of living is what _ leave? i am because genuine the cost of living is what is _ leave? i am because genuine the cost of living is what is coming _ leave? i am because genuine the cost of living is what is coming up - leave? i am because genuine the cost

of living is what is coming up and i of living is what is coming up and partygate — of living is what is coming up and partygate and that would translate. and it— partygate and that would translate. and if you _ partygate and that would translate. and if you don't accept the 800 what will you accept, you said 200? dint; will you accept, you said 200? any rouress will you accept, you said 200? any progress on _ will you accept, you said 200? any progress on a _ will you accept, you said 200? any progress on a good year is progress for hours _ progress on a good year is progress for hours and 2018 was a good year. it was _ for hours and 2018 was a good year. it was not _ for hours and 2018 was a good year. it was not a — for hours and 2018 was a good year. it was not a great year. you were even with theresa may is. she it was not a great year. you were even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and — even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and call— even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and call byrne _ even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and call byrne was _ even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and call byrne was at - even with theresa may is. she was on the floor and call byrne was at his i the floor and call byrne was at his highest _ the floor and call byrne was at his highest point. that is what i said and i_ highest point. that is what i said and i think— highest point. that is what i said and i think that with —— jeremy corbyn — and i think that with —— jeremy corbyn. and that was 20 hugely disappointing. and 2019 was the comparison we need to use. thank you for your— comparison we need to use. thank you for your company, comparison we need to use. thank you foryour company, both comparison we need to use. thank you for your company, both of you, claire _ for your company, both of you, claire and _ for your company, both of you, claire and david and you are now going _ claire and david and you are now going to — claire and david and you are now going to bed at 130! compared to those _ going to bed at 130! compared to those following after you, that is a pretty— those following after you, that is a pretty good deal! thank you both very much.

pretty good deal! thank you both very much-— pretty good deal! thank you both ve much. ., ., very much. taking a break now and we were now joined _ very much. taking a break now and we were nowjoined team. _ very much. taking a break now and we were nowjoined team. a _ very much. taking a break now and we were nowjoined team. a summary i very much. taking a break now and we were nowjoined team. a summary of| were nowjoined team. a summary of the news, counting is under way as some polls closed across the uk. northern ireland has been choosing a new assembly were people in wales and scotland have been casting ballots to decide thousands of seats. seven mayoral elections have been taken place in england. but across the country went to the polls to elect thousands of local counsellors who will run their services and vet taxes. all the political parties can do now is watch and wait as the votes are counted. for borisjohnson and the conservatives, these elections appear to be the opposite of a walk in the park. the tories are bracing themselves for a potentially bad night, especially in london and parts of south—west england. all eyes are on the london borough of

wandsworth, the tories of held it for a0 years but it is tipped to go labour this time around. westminster and barnetta being closely watched and barnetta being closely watched and outside the capital southampton although tories are hoping thereby has held up in other parts of england. the tories have held several councils, including high—low but in will start the conservative council leader left the building before a single even been counted. for keir starmer, pressure to show he is finding his way back in for labour. the party has held the key council of sunderland but with a smaller majority. expectations of big games are being downplayed but labour says it does expect results to show progress from what it calls the disastrous 2019 general election. forthe the disastrous 2019 general election. for the lib dems, all smiles, they say they are optimistic about their chances and hoping to pick up sets from the tories in the

south. they had one big scalp already, ousting the conservative leader from colchester council from his seat. the greens are making early gains as well, adrian ramsey casting his vote earlier. not all councils are counting overnight, the rest will start tomorrow. these elections are about local issues and as a result come in they will also paint a national picture. helen cat, bbc news. there will be no counting until later this morning in scotland and wales, where people can vote from the age of 16. seats on all councils are being contested and voters in northern ireland will elect members, a few members after the unionist party resigned from the first minister role, causing the executive to collapse there. if you want to find a result, head to the bbc news website or news app and put in your postcode. lots of election analysis.

in other news, interest rates are now at their highest level for more than a decade as the bank of england tries to curb inflation. rates have risen four times since december and now are up from 0.75%, to 1%, the rate at which prices increase are expected to hit more than 10% by the end of year, inflation is at its highest level since the early 1980s, rising fuel and energy costs partly due to the war in ukraine are partly to blame. warnings of a real risk of reception because of the economy expected to grow by more than 1% next year is expected to shrink by more than a quarter of 1% —— recession. the energy giant shell have announced profits for the first quarter of this year, three times

the figure for the same period of 2021 is a cost of energy has skyrocketed. like its rival bp, shell is benefiting from the surge in oil and gas prices because of the war in ukraine leading to calls for a 1—off windfall tax on all companies. vladimir putin has called on trips holed up in the steelworks of mariupol to surrender, it is the last stronghold of ukrainian resistance in the city and around 200 civilians are thought to be sheltering in its underground tunnels and bunkers. the commander leading ukrainian trips inside the steelworks says atypical, bloodied battle is being fought. actress amber heard says she was attacked by former husband johnny depp because of her professional relationship with james franco. taking the stand for a second day as part of a multi—million dollar defamation trial, amber heard cast

johnny depp as deeply troubled by jealousy and drugs. piercing her over an article in which she said she was the victim of abuse. she is counter selling him. back to election 22. —— countersuing him. welcome back to the bbc election studio. two new gas, jonathan ashe and shanna davison for the conservatives. —— two new guests. just a friendly hello and welcome before we pitch in. it's good have you to join us. before we pitch in. it's good have you tojoin us. if before we pitch in. it's good have you to join us. if you before we pitch in. it's good have you tojoin us. if you are before we pitch in. it's good have you to join us. if you are just joining us at home, watching, maybe it is best for us to get right up to date as to where we are because there are 20 councils declared so far out of 1a6, so we are still early days although some of those

forecasts are one is very useful for us, giving us useful pointers. joining us rita for the latest on the scoreboard. here are the results of the first 20 councils and how they translate, labour and the conservatives are neck and neck on ten net losses of counsellors each but look at that for the lib dems, gaining ten and they are 39 and the greens have gained seven counsellors and they are now on ten so we have heard john curtis talking earlier about how the lib dems and the greens seem to be having a good night so farand greens seem to be having a good night so far and there it is in bold figures. let me bring you some huge results and rate spread is a conservative hole, lincoln, labour hole, epping forest, conservative hold. hartlepool, were talking about earlier, that is hung and greater

manchester and newcastle upon tyne are labour hold. we're trying to focus obviously on the contest which us most about the relative strengths or weaknesses of the parties because in so many of these contests they follow a pattern and we concentrate on micro— changes but in some of the contests it is a biggerfight on micro— changes but in some of the contests it is a bigger fight and they are more significant i suppose in terms of the trend of the night. south hampton and portsmouth certainly fit into the latter category and emily hudson is a corresponded there. emily, tell us what is going on where you are? it is certainly going to be a long time before southampton is added to the results board because they have only just started counting. it is taken three hours to verify all of the votes. in terms of southampton it is

close, the conservatives won control of the council at last his election, taking seven seats last year. actually, they only have a majority of one and if labour can take two seats they will be back in control. that gives you an idea of how close southampton is. it is interesting because there has never been a greens candidate here, sorry, greens counsellor, ten years since a lib dem and they have done a deal in certain wards where basically they have stood aside to support the other candidate. there is a possibility in certain wards particularly whether university is, that we may see our first greens counsellor for southampton. it is a key battleground before the labour and conservatives, proven by the fact that sir keir starmer was here and tuesday, borisjohnson was in the on wednesday and one high on their list. portsmouth, just down

their list. portsmouth, just down the road, a few results from there and it is not good news for the conservatives so far. they have lost a seat to labour. another one to the portsmouth independence party, one conservative there saying he feared a bloodbath. that conservative there saying he feared a bloodbath— a bloodbath. that is very useful for that undate- _ a bloodbath. that is very useful for that update. we _ a bloodbath. that is very useful for that update. we will _ a bloodbath. that is very useful for that update. we will be _ a bloodbath. that is very useful for that update. we will be back- a bloodbath. that is very useful for that update. we will be back with l that update. we will be back with you later on. interesting, laura. we have you later on. interesting, laura. , have been talking about the geography and patchwork that that part of the country, southampton, a classic southern marginable and labour has to show they are making progress in places like that if they have to look as if they have confidence and have a proper crack at the general election. no doubt about it though the and southern seats where labour has felt some discomfort for quite a long time and showing advances there is critical and portsmouth as well. what showing advances there is critical and portsmouth as well. what other arties and portsmouth as well. what other parties telling _ and portsmouth as well. what other parties telling you _ and portsmouth as well. what other parties telling you at _ and portsmouth as well. what other parties telling you at the _ and portsmouth as well. what other parties telling you at the moment? | parties telling you at the moment? bits and pieces. torres, downcast

about london, we have talked about that a lot, we will get a lot of results in the first tranche of the programme —— the tories. the overall sentiment is from all the parties really is that we have been talking about a little bit of forward progress from the labour party, evidence of the tories going backwards a bit but no sense of a massive all—out panic, big disaster. the lib dems, absolutely copperheads at the moment! especially the last few moments that have been told they have taken the whole council —— cocker hoop. the campaign director is also a counsellor there and may be he can start looking at his he a5 but the lib dems is shaping up for a decent night. former advisor to borisjohnson, joe tanner, and a

former adviser to ed miliband. thank you both us at this hour. joe. former adviser to ed miliband. thank you both us at this hour.— you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, you both us at this hour. joe, first of all. your— you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, your take _ you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, your take on _ you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, your take on where - you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, your take on where we - you both us at this hour. joe, first of all, your take on where we are | of all, your take on where we are right now and where you think the conservatives stand at this time of the night? i guess the answer is we don't really know as laura said. classic part of the night. it's hard to see a clear picture. what's interesting is the discussion about the lib dems. many in westminster can remember the conversation starting. hang on a minute. what happened to the southern seats. and the lib dems have been traditionally very good.

they've often been good at mobilising themselves. the interesting stories we're seeing labour in the conservatives and we don't know what the picture is. is the implication that the conservatives have had the wrong focus? whatever we're calling it these days, that big focus on the north. it was almost a sense that is a disproportionate focus. don't forget about those other seats. quietly behind the scenes, the lib dems would be doing their thing. we

have got form pretty good, not necessarily on the national stage. you don't even necessarily hear much from them on policy but on the local level, they're very good at mobilising themselves and there is potential that they will actually, because the argument has been, the public is very much better about partygate, beergate, fed up with the arguments in the lib dems are almost quietly coming up with unsuspecting really for the two major parties in terms of the gains that they could be making. i5 terms of the gains that they could be makinu. , . terms of the gains that they could be making-— terms of the gains that they could be makinu. , ., ., ,, , be making. is that how you see the lib dems factor _ be making. is that how you see the lib dems factor as _ be making. is that how you see the lib dems factor as well? _ be making. is that how you see the lib dems factor as well? how - be making. is that how you see the lib dems factor as well? how do i be making. is that how you see the i lib dems factor as well? how do you see the factor in the selection?

they've been interesting for quite awhile _ they've been interesting for quite awhile. many strongholds with the liberal_ awhile. many strongholds with the liberal democrats got a good result. i think_ liberal democrats got a good result. i think there is this new blue wall that we _ i think there is this new blue wall that we haven't really been focusing on because — that we haven't really been focusing on because we've just been collectively assessed. it's important to keep your eye across the whole — important to keep your eye across the whole country. the seats in the south-west — the whole country. the seats in the south—west. sometimes in these local elections _ south—west. sometimes in these local elections. the part of the country that is_ elections. the part of the country that is incredibly important, particularly for the labour party, is scotland. we're talking about the redwatt _ is scotland. we're talking about the redwall. there a redwall there, 2015

general— redwall. there a redwall there, 2015 general election, i remember it welt _ general election, i remember it well. labour is going to be looking across— well. labour is going to be looking across the — well. labour is going to be looking across the whole country i'm hearing that labour— across the whole country i'm hearing that labour is cautiously optimistic that labour is cautiously optimistic that it's _ that labour is cautiously optimistic that it's going to take wandsworth, bamet— that it's going to take wandsworth, barnet and london but the point you've _ barnet and london but the point you've been making outside london is very. _ you've been making outside london is very. very— you've been making outside london is very, very important. i'm hearing the parties — very, very important. i'm hearing the parties saying there is still a way to— the parties saying there is still a way to go— the parties saying there is still a way to go but they feel they are on the right— way to go but they feel they are on the right path. they will be making a bit of— the right path. they will be making a bit of a _ the right path. they will be making a bit of a fight back, the picture is going — a bit of a fight back, the picture is going to _ a bit of a fight back, the picture is going to be unclear but it's going — is going to be unclear but it's going to _ is going to be unclear but it's going to be interesting to see what could _ going to be interesting to see what could happen in scotland. there is a lon- could happen in scotland. there is a long way— could happen in scotland. there is a long way to — could happen in scotland. there is a long way to go. that is a chute of potential— long way to go. that is a chute of potential recovery for labour. we will be potential recovery for labour. , will be covering all of the scottish results tomorrow when the votes are counted there stop it's a crucial part of this equation. thanks are waiting to talk to us. laura, we

will the way the lib dems factor, one of the contributors there. do you think that's a fair assessment at this stage. you think that's a fair assessment at this stage-— you think that's a fair assessment at this stage. that absolutely took the conservatives _ at this stage. that absolutely took the conservatives by _ at this stage. that absolutely took the conservatives by surprise, - at this stage. that absolutely took the conservatives by surprise, the| the conservatives by surprise, the lewisham by—election. and remember also, we got some more by—elections coming up, probably the next couple of months. i think two big caveats, local elections. that said, they are very important steppingstones the parties to build. that leads onto the next big challenge. they are in

point in government at one point. 50 or 60 mp5. they are a fraction of theirformer or 60 mp5. they are a fraction of their former selves. even or 60 mp5. they are a fraction of theirformer selves. even if they have a great night tonight, though there is a big question about how they would scale up this kind of success. if, still in it. 25 or 30 seats in a couple of years. notjust being effective without targeting but also how they would scale up that success that we may see in the next hour or so.— next hour or so. before i come to jonathan- — next hour or so. before i come to jonathan. just — next hour or so. before i come to jonathan. just to _ next hour or so. before i come to jonathan. just to repeat - next hour or so. before i come to jonathan. just to repeat the - next hour or so. before i come to jonathan. just to repeat the note | next hour or so. before i come to i jonathan. just to repeat the note we got from sirjohn curtice,, it useful in this context as well. where conservative, labour and the lib dems fought the ward in the last two elections, the lib dems are by six points. the advance appears to be six points. the advance appears to he 's particularly strong in the

more remain parts of the country most notably wards with a party is standing off in second place to the conservatives. so far there is much firmer evidence of the lib dems making progress in lieu wall territory and there is of labour making any recovery in redwall england. that isjohn�*s thesis at the moment based on what we have. does that make sense to you? this does that make sense to you? as laura does that make sense to you? is laura and does that make sense to you? s laura and others does that make sense to you? sis laura and others have said, it's early to tell, results counted up to two tomorrow evening but looking at the picture so far, it seems right. the lib dems seem to be doing better. maybe in the south—west, was in the redwall, the conservative share is largely holding up, and failing to make any progress. boris johnson was _ failing to make any progress. boris johnson was in _ failing to make any progress. boris johnson was in sunderland, he made it is number one target. prime ministers don't visit councils unless they expect to take. he failed to take sunderland council.

good things from the new council of cumberland. good things from the new council of cumberland-— good things from the new council of cumberland. places like workington, carlisle and copeland. _ cumberland. places like workington, carlisle and copeland. we _ cumberland. places like workington, carlisle and copeland. we think - carlisle and copeland. we think we've _ carlisle and copeland. we think we've made advances there. if you take the _ we've made advances there. if you take the aggregate vote across hartlepool, that would now be a labour _ hartlepool, that would now be a labour constituency and of course, other _ labour constituency and of course, other marginal seats which decide the government, seats like peterborough and lincoln, we've made advances— peterborough and lincoln, we've made advances tonight as well as the panic. — advances tonight as well as the panic. the _ advances tonight as well as the panic, the meltdown, tory meltdown in london. _ panic, the meltdown, tory meltdown in london, as well as the advances i suspect— in london, as well as the advances i suspect we — in london, as well as the advances i suspect we will see in scotland. this is— suspect we will see in scotland. this is turning into an abysmal night — this is turning into an abysmal night for— this is turning into an abysmal night for borisjohnson. this is turning into an abysmal night for boris johnson. that's because — night for boris johnson. that's because is— night for boris johnson. that's because is doing nothing to help people _ because is doing nothing to help people with this very severe cost of living _ people with this very severe cost of living crisis~ — people with this very severe cost of living crisis. is cutting the pension _ living crisis. is cutting the pension. the biggest cut in the for 50 years — pension. the biggest cut in the for 50 years. rishi sunak says it is silly— 50 years. rishi sunak says it is silly to — 50 years. rishi sunak says it is silly to help people with energy bills, _ silly to help people with energy bills, no— silly to help people with energy bills, no wonder they are getting rid of— bills, no wonder they are getting rid of it — bills, no wonder they are getting rid of it. ., ., .,, bills, no wonder they are getting rid ofit. ., ., , ., , rid of it. you are losing seats in bedworth _ rid of it. you are losing seats in bedworth and _ rid of it. you are losing seats in

bedworth and all _ rid of it. you are losing seats in bedworth and all over- rid of it. you are losing seats in bedworth and all over the - rid of it. you are losing seats in i bedworth and all over the country, you are _ bedworth and all over the country, you are counsellors _ bedworth and all over the country, you are counsellors than _ bedworth and all over the country, you are counsellors than ever - you are counsellors than ever before — you are counsellors than ever before. ., .,, _, ., before. you lost in lincoln and peterborough. _ before. you lost in lincoln and peterborough. you _ before. you lost in lincoln and peterborough. you had - before. you lost in lincoln and peterborough. you had boris. before. you lost in lincoln and - peterborough. you had boris johnson peterborough. you had borisjohnson parading _ peterborough. you had borisjohnson parading around sunderland and you've _ parading around sunderland and you've lost to county council seats in by—elections. you've lost to county council seats in by-elections._ in by-elections. you've 'ust lost hall to the i in by-elections. you've 'ust lost hall to the limb fl in by-elections. you've 'ust lost hall to the limb jabs _ in by-elections. you've 'ust lost hall to the limbjabs -- h in by-elections. you've just lost hall to the limbjabs -- alter - in by-elections. you've just lost| hall to the limbjabs -- alter the hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems — hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems its— hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems. it's not— hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems. it's not a _ hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems. it's not a good - hall to the limbjabs —— alter the lib dems. it's not a good night. hall to the limbjabs —— alter the i lib dems. it's not a good night for labour~ _ lib dems. it's not a good night for labour. , , , ., ., , ., labour. the lib dems have always had some strength — labour. the lib dems have always had some strength in _ labour. the lib dems have always had some strength in hull. _ labour. the lib dems have always had some strength in hull. did _ labour. the lib dems have always had some strength in hull. did you - some strength in hull. did you expected? _ some strength in hull. did you expected? i'm _ some strength in hull. did you expected? i'm sure _ some strength in hull. did you expected? i'm sure she - some strength in hull. did you i expected? i'm sure she supposed some strength in hull. did you - expected? i'm sure she supposed to sa there expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is — expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is a _ expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is a pact _ expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is a pact between - expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is a pact between the - expected? i'm sure she supposed to say there is a pact between the lib l say there is a pact between the lib dems— say there is a pact between the lib dems and — say there is a pact between the lib dems and the labour party. if there is a pact. _ dems and the labour party. if there is a pact, the lib dems wouldn't have _ is a pact, the lib dems wouldn't have taken— is a pact, the lib dems wouldn't have taken over. there's no way the tory party _ have taken over. there's no way the tory party can give us rubbish tonight — tory party can give us rubbish toniaht. , ., , tonight. there is nothing in my notes saying — tonight. there is nothing in my notes saying that. _ tonight. there is nothing in my notes saying that. hull - tonight. there is nothing in my notes saying that. hulljust - tonight. there is nothing in my i notes saying that. hulljust shows notes saying that. hull 'ust shows how ridiculous * notes saying that. hull 'ust shows how ridiculous that _ notes saying that. hulljust shows how ridiculous that was _ notes saying that. hulljust shows how ridiculous that was for - notes saying that. hulljust shows how ridiculous that was for 0liver| how ridiculous that was for 0liver dowden — how ridiculous that was for 0liver dowden, just try and obscure the fact that — dowden, just try and obscure the fact that the tories have nothing to offer the _ fact that the tories have nothing to offer the british people who are struggling so much. i�*m

offer the british people who are struggling so much.— offer the british people who are struggling so much. i'm very happy to ask about _ struggling so much. i'm very happy to ask about the _ struggling so much. i'm very happy to ask about the conservative - to ask about the conservative performance but i want to ask you about labour. did you expect the lib dems to do as well in hull? irate dems to do as well in hull? we alwa s dems to do as well in hull? we always knew — dems to do as well in hull? we always knew the lib dems were strong in hutl _ always knew the lib dems were strong in hutl they— always knew the lib dems were strong in hull. they have staff, counsellors and candidates. they've aiways _ counsellors and candidates. they've always been very competitive with labour~ _ always been very competitive with labour. they ran the council when labour _ labour. they ran the council when labour were — labour. they ran the council when labourwere in labour. they ran the council when labour were in government in hull for many— labour were in government in hull for many years at the many years the whole _ for many years at the many years the whole council was under no overall control _ whole council was under no overall control you — whole council was under no overall control. you can form a labour government and have the lib dems running _ government and have the lib dems running whole council, we've seen that _ running whole council, we've seen that. �* , ., running whole council, we've seen that. h ., , . running whole council, we've seen that. �*, ., , ., ., running whole council, we've seen that. �* , ., , ., ., ., that. let's go straight to hell and talk to tim _ that. let's go straight to hell and talk to tim airedale, _ that. let's go straight to hell and talk to tim airedale, the - that. let's go straight to hell and i talk to tim airedale, the colleague there. because we are having this debate, is great to have you with us. what's been the driving force in the whole campaign?— the whole campaign? well, the liberal democrats _ the whole campaign? well, the liberal democrats you - the whole campaign? well, the liberal democrats you have - the whole campaign? well, the i liberal democrats you have been chipping away at labour's lead here for some years. it's 11 years since

the lib dems last ran the council here in hull. they been kind of quietly making gains in the last four or five years and until this year, they were within speaking distance of council. lib dems figures are coming in thick and fast. they need at least three seats at labour's expense to take full control of the council. labour is looking increasingly gloomy, it looks like the lib dems are going to take control of hull city council. tim, just bring us up—to—date on those gains if you can just looking for the figures here, the gains are coming in thick and fast. what is the latest position?— coming in thick and fast. what is the latest position? we've had so far to lib dems _ the latest position? we've had so far to lib dems gains _ the latest position? we've had so far to lib dems gains at - the latest position? we've had so far to lib dems gains at the - the latest position? we've had so i far to lib dems gains at the expense of labour. the liberal democrats

need three gains in total from labour to take control of the council. that's assuming they hold all the other seats they are defending. there is also a suggestion that labour could take the only conservative held c. the liberal democrats are going to come out of the selection is the largest party here in hull probably with overall control of the end of the night. overall control of the end of the niuht. ., , overall control of the end of the niuht. . , ., overall control of the end of the niuht. . , ._ night. can i bring in manira wilson, the lib education _ night. can i bring in manira wilson, the lib education spokesman. - the lib education spokesman. delighted. it's fantastic news. it 'ust delighted. it's fantastic news. it just shows you that this evening we are making — just shows you that this evening we are making gains in the tory blue all are making gains in the tory blue ati seats— are making gains in the tory blue all seats that we are targeting the next general election and we are taking _ next general election and we are taking seats off labour in places like whole. we were the only party to make _ like whole. we were the only party

to make gains. and against the labour— to make gains. and against the labour party. to make gains. and against the labour party-— to make gains. and against the labour party. what other factors involved. labour party. what other factors involved- 0r— labour party. what other factors involved. or are _ labour party. what other factors involved. or are they _ labour party. what other factors involved. or are they more - labour party. what other factors involved. or are they more local| involved. or are they more local issues? l involved. or are they more local issues? s �* , involved. or are they more local issues? ,, �* , ., involved. or are they more local issues? ,, �*, ., , ., ., issues? i think it's a combination. in terms issues? i think it's a combination. in terms of— issues? i think it's a combination. in terms of people _ issues? i think it's a combination. in terms of people having - issues? i think it's a combination. in terms of people having lost - issues? i think it's a combination. i in terms of people having lost trust and confidence in borisjohnson and his conservative government. but also as— his conservative government. but also as a — his conservative government. but also as a local level, being run by the labour— also as a local level, being run by the labour party. we know that local peopie _ the labour party. we know that local peopie not— the labour party. we know that local people not happy with the way the is being _ people not happy with the way the is being run _ people not happy with the way the is being run. we got fantastic local champions on the ground there running — champions on the ground there running a — champions on the ground there running a campaign on local issues. up running a campaign on local issues. lip and _ running a campaign on local issues. up and down the country. and of course _ up and down the country. and of course the — up and down the country. and of course the cost of living crisis where — course the cost of living crisis where we've been putting forward some _ where we've been putting forward some positive solutions where the government has failed people time and time _ government has failed people time and time again. | government has failed people time and time again.— and time again. i saw in one commentary _ and time again. i saw in one commentary piece - and time again. i saw in one commentary piece that - and time again. i saw in one commentary piece that the l and time again. i saw in one - commentary piece that the period after coalition government for the

party is meant the party 's near now being detoxifying, that was the word used. . ., being detoxifying, that was the word used. i ., , ., being detoxifying, that was the word used. i ., . . being detoxifying, that was the word used. . ., ., ., being detoxifying, that was the word used. i ., ., . ., , used. would you agree? we are seeing that rebuilding — used. would you agree? we are seeing that rebuilding from _ used. would you agree? we are seeing that rebuilding from the _ used. would you agree? we are seeing that rebuilding from the grassroots. . that rebuilding from the grassroots. it's that rebuilding from the grassroots. it's not _ that rebuilding from the grassroots. it's not a _ that rebuilding from the grassroots. it's not a secret obviously that during — it's not a secret obviously that during the coalition, we did lose a number— during the coalition, we did lose a number of— during the coalition, we did lose a number of council seats, that is key to our— number of council seats, that is key to our infrastructure and campaigning base. ed davey has put our field _ campaigning base. ed davey has put our field capacity and building up our field capacity and building up our campaign. an absolute priority. the gains _ our campaign. an absolute priority. the gains in — our campaign. an absolute priority. the gains in tory heartlands last year _ the gains in tory heartlands last year such — the gains in tory heartlands last year such as the north shropshire by—election, we've been making steady— by—election, we've been making steady gains at local council elections. in steady gains at local council elections-— steady gains at local council elections. , ., ., , ., elections. in terms of net gains of council seats. _ elections. in terms of net gains of council seats. what _ elections. in terms of net gains of council seats. what does - elections. in terms of net gains of council seats. what does it - elections. in terms of net gains of council seats. what does it mean | elections. in terms of net gains of i council seats. what does it mean for a contest for example in tiverton and holliston. what are we likely to do there? irate and holliston. what are we likely to do there? i ., ., ., , do there? we were traditionally stron: in do there? we were traditionally strong in the — do there? we were traditionally strong in the west _ do there? we were traditionally strong in the west country. - do there? we were traditionally i strong in the west country. we've come closest to the conservatives in

recent elections in terms of, we came within 2000 votes of winning that seat. it will be a challenge. we recently won a by—election there from the conservatives on the council. be challenging hard. we will have to wait and see. laps council. be challenging hard. we will have to wait and see. law here in the studio. _ will have to wait and see. law here in the studio. summerset - will have to wait and see. law here in the studio. summerset is - will have to wait and see. law here in the studio. summerset is a - will have to wait and see. law here in the studio. summerset is a new| in the studio. summerset is a new unitary council and it will edge up with the tiverton constituency. that will be a real indicator of the hope you have there. some in your party were feeling hopeful about somerset. what are you feeling about that? will you be able to take it? somerset is a key indicator for us. all i somerset is a key indicator for us. alli know— somerset is a key indicator for us. alli know is — somerset is a key indicator for us. all i know is that we do hope to make _ all i know is that we do hope to make gains that it's far too early to tell— make gains that it's far too early to tell what the result is likely to look like — to tell what the result is likely to look like in somerset. it�*s

look like in somerset. it's interesting _ look like in somerset. it�*s interesting because you said gains. you don't sound confident of control. l you don't sound confident of control. ., �* ., ., , control. i don't have the latest insiaht control. i don't have the latest insight on _ control. i don't have the latest insight on the _ control. i don't have the latest insight on the ground. - control. i don't have the latest insight on the ground. all- control. i don't have the latest insight on the ground. all i - control. i don't have the latest insight on the ground. all i do| control. i don't have the latest - insight on the ground. all i do know is that— insight on the ground. all i do know is that we _ insight on the ground. all i do know is that we hope to make progress on somerset _ is that we hope to make progress on somerset i— is that we hope to make progress on somerset. i hope we do take control but i somerset. i hope we do take control but i don't _ somerset. i hope we do take control but i don't want to commit to that at this— but i don't want to commit to that at this stage. fits but i don't want to commit to that at this stage-— at this stage. as we understand, it's not until _ at this stage. as we understand, it's not until tomorrow _ at this stage. as we understand, it's not until tomorrow anyway. i it's not until tomorrow anyway. exactly. i can only go with what we know _ exactly. i can only go with what we know from — exactly. i can only go with what we know from the doorsteps today. your forecastin: know from the doorsteps today. your forecasting skills _ know from the doorsteps today. your forecasting skills are _ know from the doorsteps today. gm;- forecasting skills are noted. 0n the other hand i can tell a 99% sure tories— 0n the other hand i can tell a 99% sure tories will lose control west oxfordshire council, an area that covered — oxfordshire council, an area that covered david cameron's old seat of witney. _ covered david cameron's old seat of witney. a _ covered david cameron's old seat of witney, a significant step forward. thank— witney, a significant step forward. thank you — witney, a significant step forward. thank you forjoining us. it�*ll

witney, a significant step forward. thank you forjoining us.— thank you for 'oining us. it'll be interesting — thank you forjoining us. it'll be interesting the _ thank you forjoining us. it'll be interesting the lib _ thank you forjoining us. it'll be interesting the lib dems - thank you forjoining us. it'll be interesting the lib dems can . thank you forjoining us. it'll be i interesting the lib dems can show thank you forjoining us. it'll be - interesting the lib dems can show in the next 2a—a8 hours that can draw a diagonal line across the country from somerset all the way to hull, but of course that is only taking one part of the country and many results to come but they will be cocker hoop if they can demonstrate if they wedding back different parts of the country notjust nibbling away at conservative parts of the southeast and south—west. rita. away at conservative parts of the southeast and south-west. rita, some other lib dem — southeast and south-west. rita, some other lib dem examples _ southeast and south-west. rita, some other lib dem examples you _ southeast and south-west. rita, some other lib dem examples you can - other lib dem examples you can outline for us. and you may think looking at the screen you cannot see any yellow crazily the lib dems are picked up seats in all of these local authorities, four of them are essex, brentwood, roache would, epping forest and colchester, picking up seats there. inked in a

pulsatile, speculation about —— kingston upon hull, we are speculating that that may turn yellow. some detail about lincoln. this is a labour hold, and it has been controlled by labour for the past decade but they are still counting and it has got past the winning post. have a look at what has happened to the seats, lib dems have gained one seat and the conservatives have lost one. and this is the share of the vote but the really interesting thing on the screen, try again... is the change in their share. look at that! lib dems up by eight percentage points, benefiting by losses from labour, conservatives, you keep an independence and a striking result there. and people wanting to know

what is going on in their areas, go onto the website —— ukip. you can also visit the bbc news app as well. thank you for the update. staying on the lib dem thing for the second, reporting the conservative leader of colchester council, paul dundas has lost the lib dem seat and he has been speaking to our colleague. obviously people are very concerned about the state of the economy and they want to send a message and some of them have. t0 they want to send a message and some of them have-— of them have. to lose a party leader is a bit of them have. to lose a party leader is a big headline _ of them have. to lose a party leader is a big headline and _ of them have. to lose a party leader is a big headline and a _ of them have. to lose a party leader is a big headline and a big _ of them have. to lose a party leader is a big headline and a big deal, - is a big headline and a big deal, symbolic. what you think the government should do now to change direction, for example, do you think they should be more done for the cost of living? it is they should be more done for the cost of living?— they should be more done for the cost of living? it is something they will have to _ cost of living? it is something they will have to look _ cost of living? it is something they will have to look at, _ cost of living? it is something they will have to look at, particularly i will have to look at, particularly going into the autumn when fuel bills are going up again potentially. i think that is something they will be looking at, yes. fir

something they will be looking at, es. ., ., , , ., yes. or more generous help that should also _ yes. or more generous help that should also be _ yes. or more generous help that should also be on _ yes. or more generous help that should also be on the _ yes. or more generous help that should also be on the table. - yes. or more generous help that should also be on the table. has| should also be on the table. has partygate played out here? honestly, didn't come up _ partygate played out here? honestly, didn't come up anywhere _ partygate played out here? honestly, didn't come up anywhere near- partygate played out here? honestly, didn't come up anywhere near on - partygate played out here? honestly, didn't come up anywhere near on the| didn't come up anywhere near on the doorstep as much is that was expected to. it was more about the far broader economic picture then partygate. far broader economic picture then pa tate. ,, ., , far broader economic picture then pa tate. ,, ., partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? _ partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? not _ partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? not for _ partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? not for me _ partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? not for me to - partygate. should boris johnson stay on as leader? not for me to say. - on as leader? not for me to say. above my _ on as leader? not for me to say. above my pay — on as leader? not for me to say. above my pay grade. _ on as leader? not for me to say. above my pay grade. that - on as leader? not for me to say. above my pay grade. that is - on as leader? not for me to say. above my pay grade. that is the| on as leader? not for me to say. - above my pay grade. that is the mps decision. when you look at this situation particularly internationally, maybe not the best time to change a prime minister when we have got a war in europe. westminster politics is playing out into colchester tonight and possibly other conservative losses. is a message to westminster that the party needs to change at the top? there is no doubt there is a message there. i'm not saying they should change at the chop but i do think westminster and the wider party should have to listen. just westminster and the wider party should have to listen.— westminster and the wider party should have to listen. just a sense ofthe should have to listen. just a sense of the reasoning _ should have to listen. just a sense

of the reasoning there. _ should have to listen. just a sense| of the reasoning there. interesting that the message there from the defeated candidate, and this wasn't to deal with local issues or stewardship. not to do with quality of local services. stewardship. not to do with quality of localservices. it stewardship. not to do with quality of local services. it was to do with much bigger things, handled at westminster. it was to do with the handling of the economy and the fact that people are facing real practical struggles with the cost of living. if that is repeated elsewhere, that could be a problem for you? elsewhere, that could be a problem for ou? ., , ., for you? cost of living is a huge concern for _ for you? cost of living is a huge concern for people _ for you? cost of living is a huge concern for people right - for you? cost of living is a huge concern for people right across| for you? cost of living is a huge i concern for people right across the country from every walk of life at the moment. the government has put in place a package to support people but some of these factors are so are out of our control, the war route train not helping. the picture i got on the doorstep was mixed —— the war in ukraine. i was learning and hearing a lot about antisocial behaviour in localised issues and that cuts through and it's up to

individual candidates to find these local issues and campaign on them to turn seats but obviously disappointed that we are losing the leader of colchester.— disappointed that we are losing the leader of colchester. looking at the front -a t es leader of colchester. looking at the front pages today — leader of colchester. looking at the front pages today and _ leader of colchester. looking at the front pages today and tomorrow, i front pages today and tomorrow, quite a few of them including papers that are normally conservative supporting, was saying, clearly, extra help is needed. people want the chancellor to step up and say ok we have the package but actually now that we see people are struggling even more than we thought they would, given the state of the economy and inflation and the rest of it, there should be more help. is that what you would like to be saying to voters because clearly it is not something you have been able to send the last few weeks because the chancellor has been on record as saying it would be silly to put extra measures in now because we don't know what things will be like by the autumn. how frustrating has that been? l by the autumn. how frustrating has that been? .. , by the autumn. how frustrating has that been? ~' , ., , that been? i think there needs to be said about what _ that been? i think there needs to be said about what the _ that been? i think there needs to be said about what the chancellor - that been? i think there needs to be said about what the chancellor said l said about what the chancellor said about not knowing what it will look

like in autumn. every measure is taxpayers money being spent and we know that the debt at the moment, interest repayments alone topping £80 billion, taxpayers money being spent before we have built any services, schools or hospitals. these are very real things. we cannot open the purse completely but i hope we can be more creative in putting place additional support. even things like temporarily freezing energy bills could be something we can look at in the short term to reduce pressures on the cost of living. lots of conversations going on with treasury to find solutions that do not necessarily cost the taxpayer money but we have to really work out how to make that work.— to make that work. john, what is our view to make that work. john, what is your view on _ to make that work. john, what is your view on this? _ to make that work. john, what is your view on this? do _ to make that work. john, what is your view on this? do you - to make that work. john, what is your view on this? do you take i to make that work. john, what is l your view on this? do you take the point that they cannot be an unlimited limit to spending, given the fact that government has piled up the fact that government has piled up a massive debt after covid and

the rest of it. what is practically possible in terms of offering more help? possible in terms of offering more hel ? a , possible in terms of offering more hel ? ~ ., , , possible in terms of offering more hel ? n, , , ., possible in terms of offering more hel-? , , ., , possible in terms of offering more help? many things that can be done and she talks _ help? many things that can be done and she talks about _ help? many things that can be done and she talks about the _ help? many things that can be done and she talks about the situation i help? many things that can be done and she talks about the situation in| and she talks about the situation in ukraine _ and she talks about the situation in ukraine and it wasn't ukraine who cut universal credit by £20, it wasn't — cut universal credit by £20, it wasn't ukraine that impose the biggest — wasn't ukraine that impose the biggest cut to the pension across the country. there is action across the country. there is action across the country — the country. there is action across the country. governments could tax profits _ the country. governments could tax profits from — the country. governments could tax profits from these massive companies and use _ profits from these massive companies and use that to reduce energy bills and use that to reduce energy bills and this— and use that to reduce energy bills and this is— and use that to reduce energy bills and this is why the tories are having — and this is why the tories are having such a bad night. key seats we lost _ having such a bad night. key seats we lost in — having such a bad night. key seats we lost in 2010, we are taking back and on _ we lost in 2010, we are taking back and on my— we lost in 2010, we are taking back and on my calculation, 12% swing in some _ and on my calculation, 12% swing in some places, three seats in wigan and now— some places, three seats in wigan and now lee is in play and the tory mp and _ and now lee is in play and the tory mp and the — and now lee is in play and the tory mp and the tory leader in wigan has lost his— mp and the tory leader in wigan has lost his seat and we are still getting _ lost his seat and we are still getting good figures in cumberland and workington men and women voting

labour— and workington men and women voting labour again having deserted them in 2019 _ labour again having deserted them in 2019. copeland will offer parliamentary by—election and carlisle — parliamentary by—election and carlisle. country is rejecting conservatives because they have no answers _ conservatives because they have no answers on — conservatives because they have no answers on the cost of living crisis. — answers on the cost of living crisis, inflation is out of control, hitting _ crisis, inflation is out of control, hitting 10%. _ crisis, inflation is out of control, hitting 10%, mortgages out of control, — hitting 10%, mortgages out of control, and all we get is more tech - more— control, and all we get is more tech - more tax. — control, and all we get is more tech — more tax, pension is cut, universal— — more tax, pension is cut, universal credit card unless delivery— universal credit card unless delivery of public services. can you sit there and _ delivery of public services. can you sit there and say _ delivery of public services. can you sit there and say it _ delivery of public services. can you sit there and say it is _ delivery of public services. can you sit there and say it is a _ delivery of public services. can you sit there and say it is a terrible - sit there and say it is a terrible night for the conservatives. the tories are down by three points, labour is also down by one point. the trends we are seeing in these places— the trends we are seeing in these places where they should be doing wellm _ places where they should be doing well... they are about to lose a counsellor _ well... they are about to lose a counsellor in london and barnett council — counsellor in london and barnett council l— counsellor in london and barnett council. ., , , , council. i need to study these thints council. i need to study these things very — council. i need to study these things very carefully - council. i need to study these things very carefully and - council. i need to study these things very carefully and you | council. i need to study these - things very carefully and you have been _ things very carefully and you have been in _ things very carefully and you have been in politics— things very carefully and you have been in politics a _ things very carefully and you have been in politics a long _ things very carefully and you have been in politics a long time - things very carefully and you have been in politics a long time and i things very carefully and you have i been in politics a long time and you are telling — been in politics a long time and you are telling deanna _ been in politics a long time and you are telling deanna about _ been in politics a long time and you are telling deanna about her- been in politics a long time and you are telling deanna about her notesl

are telling deanna about her notes but where — are telling deanna about her notes but where in — are telling deanna about her notes but where in your— are telling deanna about her notes but where in your notes _ are telling deanna about her notes but where in your notes is - are telling deanna about her notes but where in your notes is it - are telling deanna about her notesj but where in your notes is it saying that it _ but where in your notes is it saying that it is _ but where in your notes is it saying that it is terrible _ but where in your notes is it saying that it is terrible for— but where in your notes is it saying that it is terrible for a _ but where in your notes is it saying that it is terrible for a mid—term i that it is terrible for a mid—term government— that it is terrible for a mid—term government to _ that it is terrible for a mid—term government to be _ that it is terrible for a mid—term government to be down - that it is terrible for a mid—term government to be down by- that it is terrible for a mid—term| government to be down by three points— government to be down by three points and — government to be down by three points and a _ government to be down by three points and a good _ government to be down by three points and a good thing - government to be down by three points and a good thing for- points and a good thing for opposition— points and a good thing for opposition to _ points and a good thing for opposition to be _ points and a good thing for opposition to be down - points and a good thing for opposition to be down by. points and a good thing for. opposition to be down by one points and a good thing for- opposition to be down by one point. but this— opposition to be down by one point. but this is— opposition to be down by one point. but this is where _ opposition to be down by one point. but this is where we _ opposition to be down by one point. but this is where we are _ opposition to be down by one point. but this is where we are at - opposition to be down by one point. but this is where we are at the - opposition to be down by one point. but this is where we are at the end| but this is where we are at the end of the _ but this is where we are at the end of the evening. but but this is where we are at the end of the evening-— of the evening. but you cannot say definitively — of the evening. but you cannot say definitively it _ of the evening. but you cannot say definitively it is _ of the evening. but you cannot say definitively it is a _ of the evening. but you cannot say definitively it is a terrible - of the evening. but you cannot say definitively it is a terrible night. i definitively it is a terrible night. but they're _ definitively it is a terrible night. but they're about _ definitively it is a terrible night. but they're about to _ definitively it is a terrible night. but they're about to lose - definitively it is a terrible night. i but they're about to lose barnett council _ but they're about to lose barnett council according to the polls, losing — council according to the polls, losing seats in lincoln, peter brock. — losing seats in lincoln, peter brock, fort smith —— peter navarro, battlegrounds in the next general election— battlegrounds in the next general election -- — battlegrounds in the next general election —— peter navarro. battlegrounds in the next general election -- peter navarro. labour has lost ten _ election -- peter navarro. labour has lost ten seats _ election -- peter navarro. labour has lost ten seats including - election -- peter navarro. labour has lost ten seats including four i election -- peter navarro. labour| has lost ten seats including four in all them! — has lost ten seats including four in all them! �* ., ., has lost ten seats including four in all them! . ., ., ~ all them! and it looks like the independent _ all them! and it looks like the independent candidate - all them! and it looks like the independent candidate may i all them! and it looks like the i independent candidate may have all them! and it looks like the - independent candidate may have had a pact with _ independent candidate may have had a pact with a _ independent candidate may have had a pact with a conservative candidate — labour's _ pact with a conservative candidate — labour's. and that is why the conservatives have taken the seats

—— peterborough. ifi conservatives have taken the seats -- peterborough.— -- peterborough. ifi can come in, ou are -- peterborough. ifi can come in, you are saying _ -- peterborough. ifi can come in, you are saying it's _ -- peterborough. ifi can come in, you are saying it's a _ -- peterborough. ifi can come in, you are saying it's a terrible - -- peterborough. ifi can come in, you are saying it's a terrible night| you are saying it's a terrible night by the conservatives, 12 years into the government in difficult circumstances and you're meant to be a government in waiting and you are losing seats everywhere, you are not a government in waiting! this is laughable! l’m a government in waiting! this is lauthable! �* ., , a government in waiting! this is lauthable! ., , ., ., laughable! i'm also very well aware we tot laughable! i'm also very well aware we got hammered _ laughable! i'm also very well aware we got hammered in _ laughable! i'm also very well aware we got hammered in 2019, - laughable! i'm also very well aware we got hammered in 2019, which i laughable! i'm also very well aware i we got hammered in 2019, which left us with— we got hammered in 2019, which left us with a _ we got hammered in 2019, which left us with a tremendous mountain to climb. _ us with a tremendous mountain to climb. the — us with a tremendous mountain to climb, the most colossal mountain to climb _ climb, the most colossal mountain to climb so _ climb, the most colossal mountain to climb so it— climb, the most colossal mountain to climb so it was always going to be difficult _ climb so it was always going to be difficult for us but we are making progress — difficult for us but we are making progress. but difficult for us but we are making ttroress. �* , progress. but reminding viewers atain, the progress. but reminding viewers again, the accurate _ progress. but reminding viewers again, the accurate comparison, | progress. but reminding viewers - again, the accurate comparison, the last time _ again, the accurate comparison, the last time they — again, the accurate comparison, the last time they were _ again, the accurate comparison, the last time they were fought - again, the accurate comparison, the last time they were fought with - again, the accurate comparison, the| last time they were fought with 2018 and which _ last time they were fought with 2018 and which make _ last time they were fought with 2018 and which make this _ last time they were fought with 2018 and which make this point _ last time they were fought with 2018 and which make this point also - last time they were fought with 2018 and which make this point also for. and which make this point also for viewers _ and which make this point also for viewers when _ and which make this point also for viewers when people _ and which make this point also for viewers when people are - and which make this point also for viewers when people are talking i viewers when people are talking about _ viewers when people are talking about the — viewers when people are talking about the redwall— viewers when people are talking about the redwall and - viewers when people are talking about the redwall and every- viewers when people are talkingl about the redwall and every seat viewers when people are talking. about the redwall and every seat is different. _ about the redwall and every seat is different. and— about the redwall and every seat is different, and many— about the redwall and every seat is different, and many parts— about the redwall and every seat is different, and many parts are - different, and many parts are different _ different, and many parts are different and _ different, and many parts are different and the _ different, and many parts are different and the redwall- different, and many parts are different and the redwall is i different, and many parts are different and the redwall is aj different and the redwall is a concept — different and the redwall is a concept and _ different and the redwall is a concept and no—one - different and the redwall is a concept and no—one had - different and the redwall is a| concept and no—one had even different and the redwall is a - concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 _ concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 because _ concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 because it _ concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 because it was _ concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 because it was a _

concept and no—one had even heard of it in 2018 because it was a product - it in 2018 because it was a product of the _ it in 2018 because it was a product of the circumstances _ it in 2018 because it was a product of the circumstances of _ it in 2018 because it was a product of the circumstances of the - it in 2018 because it was a product of the circumstances of the brexitl of the circumstances of the brexit debate _ of the circumstances of the brexit debate and — of the circumstances of the brexit debate and then— of the circumstances of the brexit debate and then the _ of the circumstances of the brexitl debate and then the conservatives pushed _ debate and then the conservatives pushed in — debate and then the conservatives pushed in in— debate and then the conservatives pushed in. in terms _ debate and then the conservatives pushed in. in terms of— debate and then the conservatives pushed in. in terms of how- debate and then the conservatives pushed in. in terms of how we - debate and then the conservatives pushed in. in terms of how we are | pushed in. in terms of how we are using _ pushed in. in terms of how we are using these — pushed in. in terms of how we are using these phrases, _ pushed in. in terms of how we are using these phrases, let's- pushed in. in terms of how we are using these phrases, let's be - pushed in. in terms of how we are | using these phrases, let's be clear that this _ using these phrases, let's be clear that this seats _ using these phrases, let's be clear that this seats were _ using these phrases, let's be clear that this seats were last _ using these phrases, let's be clear that this seats were last fought. using these phrases, let's be clear that this seats were last fought in| that this seats were last fought in 2018 where — that this seats were last fought in 2018 where the _ that this seats were last fought in 2018 where the redwall, - that this seats were last fought in 2018 where the redwall, that - 2018 where the redwall, that metaphor, _ 2018 where the redwall, that metaphor, had _ 2018 where the redwall, that metaphor, had never- 2018 where the redwall, that metaphor, had never been i 2018 where the redwall, that. metaphor, had never been heard 2018 where the redwall, that - metaphor, had never been heard of! and it _ metaphor, had never been heard of! and it wasn't — metaphor, had never been heard of! and it wasn't conservative _ metaphor, had never been heard of! and it wasn't conservative in - metaphor, had never been heard of! and it wasn't conservative in 2018 i and it wasn't conservative in 2018 so it would — and it wasn't conservative in 2018 so it would be crumbling in this election— so it would be crumbling in this election if— so it would be crumbling in this election if it was around then. if you're _ election if it was around then. if you're making comparisons with the 2018 result, then the notorious should — 2018 result, then the notorious should be — 2018 result, then the notorious should be smashing through it. they are not _ should be smashing through it. they are not. , i should be smashing through it. they are not.- i think— should be smashing through it. they are not. they. i think some of these comments — are not. they. i think some of these comments are _ are not. they. i think some of these comments are hilarious. _ are not. they. i think some of these comments are hilarious. you - are not. they. i think some of these comments are hilarious. you say i are not. they. i think some of these | comments are hilarious. you say you would win the _ comments are hilarious. you say you would win the general— comments are hilarious. you say you would win the general election... - would win the general election... based on the vote share but this is not how it works, jonathan. they do not how it works, jonathan. they do not equate. we have heard john curtin saying exactly this so if you want to go as the leading election halted to make that claim, that is fine by me. hf

halted to make that claim, that is fine by me— fine by me. if it was an aggregate result... but _ fine by me. if it was an aggregate result... but they _ fine by me. if it was an aggregate result... but they are _ fine by me. if it was an aggregate result... but they are different i fine by me. if it was an aggregate result... but they are different to | result... but they are different to a teneral result... but they are different to a general election _ result... but they are different to a general election is _ result... but they are different to a general election is a _ result... but they are different to a general election is a way - result. .. but they are different to a general election is a way of- a general election is a way of making the examples and comparisons. the tories are saying in amber valley— the tories are saying in amber valley are _ the tories are saying in amber valley are saying it helped them on the doorstep that their mp was calling — the doorstep that their mp was calling for boris johnson to resign. or you _ calling for boris johnson to resign. or you would love to get into that one! ., , or you would love to get into that one! . , . y�* or you would love to get into that one! . , . j one! that is what they've said toni t ht. one! that is what they've said tonight. what _ one! that is what they've said tonight. what are _ one! that is what they've said tonight. what are you - one! that is what they've said tonight. what are you saying l one! that is what they've said i tonight. what are you saying to that, deanna, _ tonight. what are you saying to that, deanna, because - tonight. what are you saying to that, deanna, because our- tonight. what are you saying to that, deanna, because our love colleague— that, deanna, because our love colleague on— that, deanna, because our love colleague on the _ that, deanna, because our love colleague on the ground - that, deanna, because our love colleague on the ground is - that, deanna, because our love i colleague on the ground is saying the same — colleague on the ground is saying the same thing _ colleague on the ground is saying the same thing. that _ colleague on the ground is saying the same thing. that is _ colleague on the ground is saying the same thing. that is an- colleague on the ground is saying i the same thing. that is an example where _ the same thing. that is an example where the _ the same thing. that is an example where the local— the same thing. that is an example where the local mp _ the same thing. that is an example where the local mp took _ the same thing. that is an example where the local mp took it - the same thing. that is an example where the local mp took it head - the same thing. that is an example where the local mp took it head on| where the local mp took it head on and made — where the local mp took it head on and made a — where the local mp took it head on and made a decision— where the local mp took it head on and made a decision and _ where the local mp took it head on and made a decision and that - where the local mp took it head on and made a decision and that it- where the local mp took it head on| and made a decision and that it was difficult _ and made a decision and that it was difficult i _ and made a decision and that it was difficult i didn't— and made a decision and that it was difficult i didn't want _ and made a decision and that it was difficult i didn't want to _ and made a decision and that it was difficult i didn't want to say - and made a decision and that it was difficult i didn't want to say that - difficult i didn't want to say that boris _ difficult i didn't want to say that borisjohnson _ difficult i didn't want to say that borisjohnson should _ difficult i didn't want to say that boris johnson should go - difficult i didn't want to say that boris johnson should go and - difficult i didn't want to say that borisjohnson should go and he| difficult i didn't want to say that - borisjohnson should go and he made the decision— borisjohnson should go and he made the decision and _ borisjohnson should go and he made the decision and he _ borisjohnson should go and he made the decision and he has— borisjohnson should go and he made the decision and he has been- the decision and he has been rewarded _ the decision and he has been rewarded for— the decision and he has been rewarded for separating - the decision and he has been. rewarded for separating himself the decision and he has been- rewarded for separating himself from the national— rewarded for separating himself from the national leadership. _ rewarded for separating himself from the national leadership. if— rewarded for separating himself from the national leadership. if that- rewarded for separating himself from the national leadership.— the national leadership. if that is the national leadership. if that is the feedback _ the national leadership. if that is the feedback from _ the national leadership. if that is the feedback from the _ the national leadership. if that is the feedback from the local - the feedback from the local conservatives, you have to take it at face value. conservatives, you have to take it at face value-— conservatives, you have to take it at face value. does it surprise you?

it doesn't doesn't. _ at face value. does it surprise you? it doesn't doesn't. there _ at face value. does it surprise you? it doesn't doesn't. there is - at face value. does it surprise you? it doesn't doesn't. there is a - at face value. does it surprise you? it doesn't doesn't. there is a lot i it doesn't doesn't. there is a lot of frustration around the country, especially with politics and politicians more broadly. have you found it frustrating _ politicians more broadly. have you found it frustrating because - politicians more broadly. have you found it frustrating because you i found it frustrating because you have _ found it frustrating because you have been— found it frustrating because you have been suggested _ found it frustrating because you have been suggested and - found it frustrating because you i have been suggested and written about _ have been suggested and written about as — have been suggested and written about as someone _ have been suggested and written about as someone who _ have been suggested and written about as someone who has - have been suggested and written . about as someone who has concerns until conformer _ about as someone who has concerns until conformer labour— about as someone who has concerns until conformer labour errors - about as someone who has concerns until conformer labour errors in- about as someone who has concerns until conformer labour errors in the| until conformer labour errors in the 2019 election — until conformer labour errors in the 2019 election and _ until conformer labour errors in the 2019 election and campaigned - until conformer labour errors in the| 2019 election and campaigned hard. you must _ 2019 election and campaigned hard. you must have _ 2019 election and campaigned hard. you must have frustrations - 2019 election and campaigned hard. you must have frustrations about i you must have frustrations about this? _ you must have frustrations about this? ~ .,, you must have frustrations about this? ~.,, ., you must have frustrations about this? ., , , this? most of the disappointment is about these anonymous _ this? most of the disappointment is about these anonymous briefings i this? most of the disappointment is i about these anonymous briefings that i am leading this anonymous who! there are things that could have been handled better and i think the partygate saga is one of those and i don't think the pm would dispute that —— coup. there is so many things going on and i don't think it's time to change the leader at this time. _,, ., . , , this time. the cost of living crisis has the potential— this time. the cost of living crisis has the potential to _ this time. the cost of living crisis has the potential to be _ this time. the cost of living crisis has the potential to be far- this time. the cost of living crisis has the potential to be far more | has the potential to be far more damaging, if it is not seem to be

handled in the right way and if the government isn't seen to be stepping up government isn't seen to be stepping up in a much more assertive way. for you as a mp who is in a part of the country where you are going to be dealing with people who are really up dealing with people who are really up against it, i imagine you would be telling which is the mackee has to up his game?! be telling which is the mackee has to up his game?— to up his game? i don't like acguainting _ to up his game? i don't like acquainting cost _ to up his game? i don't like acquainting cost of- to up his game? i don't like acquainting cost of living i to up his game? i don't like i acquainting cost of living with electoral voting because it is so much important that that, it is the day—to—day struggles they are going through. day-to-day struggles they are going throuth. ~ , day-to-day struggles they are going through— for- through. absolutely right. for feedin t through. absolutely right. for feeding all— through. absolutely right. for feeding all of _ through. absolutely right. for feeding all of these _ through. absolutely right. for feeding all of these things - through. absolutely right. for| feeding all of these things into treasuries absolutely crucial, and the team at number 10 to talk about the team at number 10 to talk about the struggles that people are having. that is a worrall to shape policy and change policy make it work for people across the constituencies. that is our role. its, constituencies. that is our role. a couple of people in your area are not saying they need more help.

we are pushing to get that discretionary funding delivered. discretionary funding for individual councils, additional support of the people who might fall through the cracks. there is more we can do in those conversations are ongoing. i think we arejoined those conversations are ongoing. i think we are joined by mike ross. the leader of the lib dem group in hull. presumably next leader of the council. mr ross, thank you for joining us and congratulations on the performance. how does it feel austrln mark if i could take this opportunity to thank all those people in hull who put theirfaith and trust in the liberal democrats tonight to serve them and that exactly what it looks like we'll be doing. $5 exactly what it looks like we'll be doint. r �* exactly what it looks like we'll be doint. a �* ., exactly what it looks like we'll be doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of mine. we doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of mine- we will _ doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of mine. we will serve _ doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of mine. we will serve the _ doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of mine. we will serve the residents i doing. as i'm hearing colleagues of| mine. we will serve the residents of hull whichever way they are voting. that is the job we will be getting on with. that is the 'ob we will be getting on with. , ., on with. tell us about the campaign. what is it about _ on with. tell us about the campaign. what is it about the _ on with. tell us about the campaign. what is it about the campaign - on with. tell us about the campaign. what is it about the campaign that i what is it about the campaign that you fought the lead to this and the kind of people were telling you

locally about your opponents in the sense of what they didn't like? the things that played into your court. had a labour council now for over a decade and on doorstep after doorstep, residents were telling us they were at up with the way the council was treating them. the fact that when listening to their views or writing roughshod. a labour council not in tune with them. that is the local scene. nationally people at that up with this conservative government and we've seen from manira wilson —— party gates to other scandals, people are calling out the change. they knew the only way of getting that was by supporting the liberal democrats and hopefully we will see that across the country as well. the national

ticture, the country as well. the national picture. how _ the country as well. the national picture, how does _ the country as well. the national picture, how does that _ the country as well. the national picture, how does that dovetail i the country as well. the national. picture, how does that dovetail with what you've been campaigning on there. i mean, the kind of concerns that people have been talking about? this is a local election. locally, people have been raising with us some very local issues and decisions about those made by the labour council. council hasn't in their view been listening to what the public wants. if it does indeed mean there is a liberal democrat counsel, will be a council that would listen to what people want to see happen. it's something the city has been crying out for and we hope a liberal democrat administration could deliver that change and we recognise the numbers are very tight. we will listen to everybody. here in hull but also to our labour opponents. mike ross, good to talk and

congratulations. mike ross, leader of the lib dem group in hull. we were talking earlier about wandsworth council in south—west london because this of course is a very, very significant seat. a very significant area and authority in terms of the battle between labour and the conservatives over the years. it's been conservative since 1978, quite a few times labour have been within reach. let's talk to the labour mp for tooting. rosina, thank you very much forjoining us. tooting. is you very much for 'oining us. tootint. , , , . ., you very much for 'oining us. tootin.. ,, , . ., tooting. is still difficult to say, lots of boats _ tooting. is still difficult to say, lots of boats to _ tooting. is still difficult to say, lots of boats to be _ tooting. is still difficult to say, lots of boats to be counted. i tooting. is still difficult to say, | lots of boats to be counted. we tooting. is still difficult to say, - lots of boats to be counted. we have made some significant gains already. we won both seats in wonderful ward which is one that any said you couldn't win. thanks wonderful. people are tired of aa years of the

conservatives managing the council, they don't trust conservatives not only to run the country but to run the council and it's time to change. we are still counting votes, many hours to go but it looks and feels as though it could be a good night. as i understand it, there are a7 seats to go to declare they are. i think that's right. labour is up one, and the conservatives down one. it is very tight. one, and the conservatives down one. it is very tight-— it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact, it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact. i — it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact. i was — it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact, i was here _ it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact, i was here in _ it is very tight. very, very tired. in fact, i was here in 2014 - it is very tight. very, very tired. | in fact, i was here in 2014 where it is very tight. very, very tired. i in fact, i was here in 2014 where i in fact, i was here in 201a where i won my solid tory seat byjust 16 votes. we had a by—election very recently where we won by one vote so that will let you know what kind of a nailbiter it is tonight.— a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i was ttoin a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i was going to —

a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i was going to make _ a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i was going to make the - a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i was going to make the point i a nailbiter it is tonight. indeed i. was going to make the point that over the years, it's often been the case that people have a sharp focus on wandsworth because it could well go to labour and since 1978, that hasn't happened. why would that not be the case tonight?— be the case tonight? actually we went from 11_ be the case tonight? actually we went from 11 counsellors - be the case tonight? actually we went from 11 counsellors to - be the case tonight? actually we went from 11 counsellors to 19 i went from 11 counsellors to 19 counsellors and 227 counsellors in 2018. we actually won the popular vote by 15a votes so tonight, it feels possible. we are within touching distance. it would be a huge scalp, really, for the tories. this is borisjohnson's flagship council. if this goes labour, this will dent him hugely and be a very, very sharp blow for the tories. fishy very sharp blow for the tories. any idea when you might have the final result there? taste idea when you might have the final result there?— idea when you might have the final result there? we are expecting the final results _ result there? we are expecting the final results about _ result there? we are expecting the final results about five _ result there? we are expecting the final results about five or _ result there? we are expecting the final results about five or six -

result there? we are expecting the final results about five or six in - final results about five or six in the morning and will announce understand a couple more seat is a bit of a nailbiter will thanks nailbiter because a couple of those are in the tooting constituency but we have gone from having one labour mp to all three labour mps, it's really clear from the doorstep conversations that people are fed up, tired, absolutely wanting change from the tories and labour so far tonight has been doing well but it's still too early to tell. for sure, many accounts still to go of the votes, many ballot rocks is still to go but it's exciting. l’m votes, many ballot rocks is still to go but it's exciting.— go but it's exciting. i'm hearing from down _ go but it's exciting. i'm hearing from down there _ go but it's exciting. i'm hearing from down there there - go but it's exciting. i'm hearing from down there there are - go but it's exciting. i'm hearing from down there there are a i go but it's exciting. i'm hearing - from down there there are a couple of recounts and some boards but aside from the recounts, a senior labour sources told one of our colleagues that it is a labour when but there are some recounts. can you shed any light? l’m but there are some recounts. can you shed any light?— shed any light? i'm afraid not because obviously _ shed any light? i'm afraid not because obviously they've - shed any light? i'm afraid not i because obviously they've been shed any light? i'm afraid not - because obviously they've been going around all of the different awards supporting the candidates. i

remember myself going through recounts, three recounts and it goes to show just what a close fight it is here stop obviously i'm hoping that labour wins those recounts, it goesin that labour wins those recounts, it goes in our favour that labour wins those recounts, it goes in ourfavour and we take that labour wins those recounts, it goes in our favour and we take the council tonight.— council tonight. very good to talk to rosena and _ council tonight. very good to talk to rosena and we _ council tonight. very good to talk to rosena and we will _ council tonight. very good to talk to rosena and we will keep - council tonight. very good to talk to rosena and we will keep a - council tonight. very good to talk i to rosena and we will keep a sharp eye on what is going on.— eye on what is going on. fingers crossed. another _ eye on what is going on. fingers crossed. another piece - eye on what is going on. fingers crossed. another piece of - eye on what is going on. fingers crossed. another piece of intel. eye on what is going on. fingers - crossed. another piece of intel from the key london council of barnet where labour have been working hard, the conservative leader of barnet has told our reporter shelley phelps earlier, "i am disappointed but proud of our track record, multiple factors and a perfect storm of conservative national government and the cost of living." people are seeing a drop in their net pay which is anotherfactor. seeing a drop in their net pay which is another factor. that is not an official confirmation they have lost it but the conservative leader of barnet telling our colleagues that he is disappointed. if

barnet telling our colleagues that he is disappointed.— he is disappointed. if that's the case, he is disappointed. if that's the case. what _ he is disappointed. if that's the case, what would _ he is disappointed. if that's the case, what would it _ he is disappointed. if that's the case, what would it mean - he is disappointed. if that's the case, what would it mean in i he is disappointed. if that's the i case, what would it mean in terms he is disappointed. if that's the - case, what would it mean in terms of what we were talking about earlier, despite what people might be achieving locally, lots of your colleagues will be achieving locally, lots of your colleagues will he may be feeling rather aggrieved that they've been deprived of running their own local councils, they may well have been part of the track record but they've been let down as they would see it by what's been going on in downing street and at westminster, there summary? street and at westminster, there summa ? ., street and at westminster, there summa ? . ., ., ., summary? there are a range of factors why _ summary? there are a range of factors why people _ summary? there are a range of factors why people cast - summary? there are a range of factors why people cast their i summary? there are a range of - factors why people cast their votes, in some _ factors why people cast their votes, in some wards local issues that cannot— in some wards local issues that cannot play more anything else. there _ cannot play more anything else. there will— cannot play more anything else. there will be disappointment tonight particularly around london. i don't know— particularly around london. idon't know too— particularly around london. i don't know too well to get into the intricacies of it but that's going to be _ intricacies of it but that's going to be some disappointment. we were kind of— to be some disappointment. we were kind of expecting that in looking at the broader picture, we are 12 years into government in the mid—term and it's hardly— into government in the mid—term and it's hardly surprising we will lose seats _ it's hardly surprising we will lose seats. does seem to be a shift tomorrow—

seats. does seem to be a shift tomorrow ——at the moment in recent years— tomorrow ——at the moment in recent years but— tomorrow ——at the moment in recent years but these things happening here in— years but these things happening here in london.— here in london. let's get a quick u date here in london. let's get a quick update on _ here in london. let's get a quick update on peterborough - here in london. let's get a quick| update on peterborough because here in london. let's get a quick- update on peterborough because this is another area of great interest for us. suddenly a big test. ben schofield as our correspondence there. what's going on?- there. what's going on? they're about to start _ there. what's going on? they're about to start sweeping - there. what's going on? they're about to start sweeping up, - there. what's going on? they're about to start sweeping up, 19 i about to start sweeping up, 19 counsellors have had their votes counted and 19 results are in and it is the status quo but has ruled the day here. labour gained one seat but the conservatives gained another elsewhere so all the numbers stay exactly the same. it's a council with 60 seats, the conservatives went in to this morning holding 28 of them and on paper, theyjust needed three to get a majority but that proved too big and ask. talking to the council leader, conservative and the city's conservative mp, both of those were very buoyant, putting

a very optimistic loss on what's gone on here tonight. the mps saying this is a really good result against a very difficult set of national issues. i asked the council leader what the issues were gave us the results today, he said it wasn't anything to do with a £27 million budget deficit the city councils had to grapple with all any local issues, not even national issues. borisjohnson has a favourable reception here. what he said was the liberal democrats were holding, some vulnerable seats. that they campaigned like trojans and were able to hold all the four seats that they were defending. label putting an optimistic spin on what happened here. they say they think they got enough support to start negotiations with the liberal democrats, with the greens and an independent group called peterborough first to try and form a new administration. he says

those negotiations are going to start on monday stop ben schofield, thank you very much.— thank you very much. henry hill, from conservative _ thank you very much. henry hill, from conservative home, - thank you very much. henry hill, from conservative home, what i thank you very much. henry hill, j from conservative home, what is thank you very much. henry hill, - from conservative home, what is your reading of where we are so far? it doesn't seem to be what will make a move against the prime minister which in westminster was really the question. given tory mps have not managed to mobilise against boris johnson, would this be the sort of seismic result that might force them to put their letters in. into the next election. it is early days, you can see that tories leaving some

councils, wandsworth is extraordinary but you can see there are signs of minimal progress. henry, just on the basis, i will come to aletha adu in a second. just on that basis, we are looking at two basic blocks of contest. london which is principally a labour city and then looking at very important areas of england tonight which are not london obviously but they are areas where labour has suffered because of the conservative inroads, certainly in those leave areas in the north. you think on the basis of where we are right now, the conservatives have done well enough within the context or borisjohnson to be feeling comfortable, is that

right? i to be feeling comfortable, is that ritht? ., �* to be feeling comfortable, is that ritht? , ., , ,, to be feeling comfortable, is that ritht? .,�* , ., , ,, ., right? i don't personally think that necessarily. _ right? i don't personally think that necessarily, i'm _ right? i don't personally think that necessarily, i'm just _ right? i don't personally think that necessarily, i'm just trying - right? i don't personally think that necessarily, i'm just trying to - right? i don't personally think that necessarily, i'm just trying to give | necessarily, i'm just trying to give you my reading of where tory mps are likely to come down. i think there is too real danger signs of the party. the first is they've been dubbed these blue will seats, seats where there is a real danger of the liberal democrats coming up and taking either since they held for 2015 or even seats the conservatives have held for a long time. i do think the conservatives need to be more worried about london. there is a danger that christ is in as you say, london is a quote unquote labour city but part of boris johnson's appeal as he did win london for the conservatives and if the tories are moving towards this position where they are not competitive in london, in terms of westminster seats, london is bigger than scotland, it's a real handicap if they are entirely uncompetitive in the capital and they lose their flagship councils and risk losing even more seats and a seed count is well down, the conservative party

does, it can't afford to write this off. it needs to have a real reckoning with why this party, the party of government is so unappealing to 8 million voters in this country's capital.— unappealing to 8 million voters in this country's capital. aletha, how do ou this country's capital. aletha, how do you read _ this country's capital. aletha, how do you read labour's _ this country's capital. aletha, how do you read labour's performance| this country's capital. aletha, how i do you read labour's performance so far? taste do you read labour's performance so far? i , , do you read labour's performance so far? . , , ., far? we must remember labour did significantly — far? we must remember labour did significantly well— far? we must remember labour did significantly well at _ far? we must remember labour did significantly well at the _ far? we must remember labour did significantly well at the last - far? we must remember labour did significantly well at the last local i significantly well at the last local elections in 2018 but obviously the backdrop _ elections in 2018 but obviously the backdrop of this election is completely different to what was back then. we now have a prime minister— back then. we now have a prime minister who has been found guilty of taking _ minister who has been found guilty of taking the law, the law that he himself— of taking the law, the law that he himself set. we are now in the midst of a really— himself set. we are now in the midst of a really bleak cost of living crisis~ — of a really bleak cost of living crisis. yesterday we heard from the bank— crisis. yesterday we heard from the bank of— crisis. yesterday we heard from the bank of england that inflation is going _ bank of england that inflation is going to — bank of england that inflation is going to be skyrocketing to double—digit figures, a size 10% and it's really— double—digit figures, a size 10% and it's really resonated with people across _ it's really resonated with people across the country at the doorstep and i've _ across the country at the doorstep and i've heard that from senior tory campaigners, tory sources, and also labour— campaigners, tory sources, and also

labour party— campaigners, tory sources, and also labour party and lib dem parties as well _ labour party and lib dem parties as well it— labour party and lib dem parties as well it was— labour party and lib dem parties as well. it was interesting to hear henry— well. it was interesting to hear henry talk about boris winning london — henry talk about boris winning london, it's an historic thing, and i've london, it's an historic thing, and i've heard — london, it's an historic thing, and i've heard privately from senior tory— i've heard privately from senior tory mps — i've heard privately from senior tory mps essentially saying that boris's — tory mps essentially saying that boris's future rest on these election— boris's future rest on these election results and there are still massive _ election results and there are still massive results to come yet. still yet to _ massive results to come yet. still yet to hear— massive results to come yet. still yet to hear from westminster and wandsworth, seen as the conservative party's_ wandsworth, seen as the conservative party's crown jewels and, you know, from _ party's crown jewels and, you know, from what _ party's crown jewels and, you know, from what i've heard from sources, it's not _ from what i've heard from sources, it's not looking good at all. in fact they— it's not looking good at all. in fact they are expecting the worst. to quote — fact they are expecting the worst. to quote, one sources said they have packed _ to quote, one sources said they have packed up— to quote, one sources said they have packed up and left and another sent me a _ packed up and left and another sent me a message of expletives i can't repeat— me a message of expletives i can't repeat for— me a message of expletives i can't repeat for the sake of television. they acknowledge it is not their best performance but will number 10 take a _ best performance but will number 10 take a hint _ best performance but will number 10 take a hint and tried to solve this cost of—

take a hint and tried to solve this cost of living crisis. we heard chancellor rishi sunak saying it would _ chancellor rishi sunak saying it would be — chancellor rishi sunak saying it would be silly to provide support for the _ would be silly to provide support for the poorest households across the country, which is extraordinary, hearing _ the country, which is extraordinary, hearing that — the country, which is extraordinary, hearing that people are really struggling and trying their best to make _ struggling and trying their best to make ends meet! obviously, this is a very key— make ends meet! obviously, this is a very key to _ make ends meet! obviously, this is a very key to mackie test for kia astana — very key to mackie test for kia astana and we are hearing from barnett — astana and we are hearing from barnett and saying —— obviously this is a key— barnett and saying —— obviously this is a key test — barnett and saying —— obviously this is a key test for keir starmer. it will be — is a key test for keir starmer. it will be a — is a key test for keir starmer. it will be a key test because it was marred — will be a key test because it was marred with issues of anti—semitism and we _ marred with issues of anti—semitism and we heard from a number of people they turned _ and we heard from a number of people they turned against the labour party essentially to condemn the actions of, essentially to condemn the actions of. to— essentially to condemn the actions of, to condemn the leadership for not doing — of, to condemn the leadership for not doing enough to help the jewish population within that space. if they were to take barnett, that would — they were to take barnett, that would be — they were to take barnett, that would be great for labour and still very many— would be great for labour and still very many more results to come in. it is very many more results to come in. it is still— very many more results to come in. it is still early in the morning. thank— it is still early in the morning.

thank you _ it is still early in the morning. thank you very much. henry, thank you as well to both of you because henry, it is early in the morning. i know that you also have houses to go to! and you will leave us soon. such is the run of the night. some thoughts before you leave us and whether you are heading in the right direction in the areas where you need to, nothing to do with boris johnson's future, nothing to do with he will face a leadership challenge of that stuff but the party as it looks to its own health, if you like, electoral health over the next two years, on the basis of what you are seeing any, are you telling viewers that you are relatively comfortable with that?- viewers that you are relatively comfortable with that? early to tell, onl comfortable with that? early to tell. only 1796 — comfortable with that? early to tell, only 1796 of— comfortable with that? early to tell, only 1796 of seats - comfortable with that? early to tell, only 1796 of seats declared j comfortable with that? early to - tell, only 1796 of seats declared and tell, only 17% of seats declared and a long way to go. certainly, based

on some of the forecasting we are seeing, i don't feel uncomfortable at this moment in time. obviously very disappointing for some of those candidates have worked hard and found themselves defeated and for a government 12 years in midterm i don't think it is a bad night for the conservatives at all and some of the conservatives at all and some of the redwall areas we are still making progress. is the redwall areas we are still making progress.— the redwall areas we are still making progress. the redwall areas we are still makint ttroress. , , making progress. is staying with us? don't look so — making progress. is staying with us? don't look so sad _ making progress. is staying with us? don't look so sad about _ making progress. is staying with us? don't look so sad about it! _ making progress. is staying with us? don't look so sad about it! i - making progress. is staying with us? don't look so sad about it! i am! - don't look so sad about it! i am! just a stock-take _ don't look so sad about it! i am! just a stock-take from _ don't look so sad about it! i am! just a stock-take from you - don't look so sad about it! i am! just a stock-take from you as i don't look so sad about it! i am! i just a stock-take from you as well? just a stock—take from you as well? as a conservative leader of carlisle _ as a conservative leader of carlisle, borisjohnson's position is aren't— carlisle, borisjohnson's position is aren't tenable and you can see the ructions— is aren't tenable and you can see the ructions in the tory party and they are — the ructions in the tory party and they are failing to address this desperate cost of living crisis that people _ desperate cost of living crisis that people are struggling with at the moment— people are struggling with at the moment and that is a real tragedy of the situation we are in. we need a government— the situation we are in. we need a government focusing on the cost of living _ government focusing on the cost of living crisis— government focusing on the cost of living crisis rather than ripping

themselves apart. i�*m living crisis rather than ripping themselves apart.— living crisis rather than ripping themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will _ themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit _ themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit in _ themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit in that _ themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit in that seat - themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit in that seat in i themselves apart. i'm sure that richard will fit in that seat in a l richard will fit in that seat in a few moments and answer that. thank you both so much and thanks for joining us and let us join team for the news. early results as we have been hearing in elections in england show small swings to labour and the lib dems have seen an increase in support, particularly in conservative areas. voters in england, wales and scotland having casting ballots to decide thousands of seats, northern ireland has been choosing a new instalment. voters across the country went to the polls to elect thousands of local counsellors who will run their services and set taxes. all the political parties can do now is watch and wait as the votes are counted. for borisjohnson and the conservatives, these elections appear to be the opposite

of a walk in the park. the tories are bracing themselves for a potentially bad night, especially in london and parts of south of england. all eyes are on the london borough of wandsworth, the tories have held it for a0 years but it is tipped to go labour this time around. westminster and barnet being closely watched and outside the capital, southampton, although tories are hoping it has held up in other parts of england. the tories have held several councils, including high—low but in will start the conservative council leader left the building before a single even been counted. for keir starmer, pressure to show he is finding his way back in for labour. cheering. the party has held the key council of sunderland but with a smaller majority. we have a win in the south, and i went in london, a long night and long morning and let's see where we end up to start with winning

sunderland, i am a very happy man and a a3% share of the vote, i am very happy indeed! expectations of big gains are being downplayed but labour says it does expect results to show progress from what it calls the disastrous 2019 general election. while the conservatives and labour contest the seat so far... you while the conservatives and labour contest the seat so far. . ._ contest the seat so far... you have lost... contest the seat so far... you have lost- -- you — contest the seat so far... you have lost... you just _ contest the seat so far... you have lost... you just lost _ contest the seat so far... you have lost... you just lost hold _ contest the seat so far. .. you have lost... you just lost hold of- contest the seat so far... you have lost... you just lost hold of the - lost... you 'ust lost hold of the lib lost... you 'ust lost hold of the tit dems. — lost... you just lost hold of the lib dems. not _ lost... you just lost hold of the lib dems. not a _ lost... you just lost hold of the lib dems. not a great - lost... you just lost hold of the lib dems. not a great night i lost... you just lost hold of the lib dems. not a great night for labour. blue a terrible night for the conservatives. for the lib dems, all smiles, they say they are optimistic about their chances and hoping to pick up sets from the tories in the south. they had one big scalp already, ousting the conservative leader from colchester council from his seat. local politics are always affected by the national picture, always have been and always will be but not necessarily about the state of westminster politics by concerns about the economy of the biggest

issue. the greens are making early gains as well, co—leader adrian ramsey casting his vote earlier. not all councils are counting overnight, the rest will start tomorrow. these elections are about local issues and as the results come in, they will also paint a national picture. helen cat, bbc news. there will be no counting until later this morning in scotland and wales, or northern ireland. scotland, where people can vote from the age of 16. seats on all councils are being contested and voters in northern ireland will elect members, a few members after the democratic unionist party resigned from the first minister role, causing the executive to collapse there. if you want to find a result, head to the bbc news website or news app and put in your postcode. lots of election analysis. interest rates are now at their

highest level for more than a decade as the bank of lincoln england tries to curb inflation, rates since four times since december from to curb inflation, rates since four times since decemberfrom not .75% to 1%. the rate at which they were risible is expected to hit more than 10% by the end of the year and inflation figure is at is fighters level since the early 19805. rising fuel, energy and food costs partly because of the war in ukraine are to blame. there are warnings also that the real risk of recession is here because the economy was expected to grow next year by more than 1% is now expected to shrink by a quarter of 1%. convenience store mccalls is warning it is on the brink of collapse. it runs more than 1000 shops in britain and employs 16,000 people. nicole is struggled since the pandemic because of supply chain issues, inflation and debt and there is it is seeking and debt and there is it is seeking a loan to shore up the business.

the energy giant shell have announced profits for the first quarter of this year, three times the figure for the same period of 2021, as the cost of energy has skyrocketed. like its rival bp, shell is benefiting from the surge in oil and gas prices because of the war in ukraine leading to calls for a 1—off windfall tax on oil companies. vladimir putin has called on troops holed up in the steelworks of mariupol to surrender, it is the last stronghold of ukrainian resistance in the city and around 200 civilians are thought to be sheltering in its underground tunnels and bunkers. the commander leading ukrainian trips inside the steelworks says difficult, bloodied battle is being fought. actress amber heard says she was attacked by former husband johnny depp because of her professional relationship with actor james franco. taking the stand for a second day

as part of a multi—million dollar defamation trial in the us, amber heard castjohnny depp as deeply troubled byjealousy and drugs. he is suing her over an article in which she said she was the victim of abuse. she is countersuing. welcome back. we are keeping tabs on the english local elections overnight and tomorrow they will be counting in more of the english authorities, plus wales and scotland and the assembly in northern ireland. a lot to look forward to. i think we have roughly 38 of the english council so far declared, out

of mg. english council so far declared, out of 1a6. while we welcome the conservative richard holden, good morning. nice to see you. john is still with us and also laura. rita, bring us up—to—date with the latest results. taste bring us up-to-date with the latest results. i ., bring us up-to-date with the latest results. . . ., ., ., ., results. we are about a quarter of the way through — results. we are about a quarter of the way through the _ results. we are about a quarter of the way through the count - results. we are about a quarter of the way through the count and - results. we are about a quarter of| the way through the count and this is how it stands, it is changing all the time and labour's net losses are at —5 and that could change. —5 was the conservatives and the conservatives are a —36. we have been talking about a good lib dem performance and a good greens performance and a good greens performance any can see that illustrated and again the night is young but this is what has happened so far. the lib dems had picked up 21 counsellors and knee greens now have 17 counsellors of which they gained 13 tonight! they will be very happy with that. bringing you some

of the latest results as well. these are all local councils where there has been no change in terms of who is in control. southampton, they are still counting and i will come to that in a moment. although they are all labour or conservative holes and boulton remains hung, there are changes behind the scenes so when read each and surely for example, the conservatives have lost three counsellors in each of those local authorities, read each and chorley. entertain side is where the deputy leader has her westminster seat. in north—east link and she the conservatives have lost the seat andy boulton they have gained a patchy picture — — in bolton. in south hampton, they are still in it counting and they are one third of the way through and this is the

council that the conservatives picked up last year and as you can see it was labourfor several picked up last year and as you can see it was labour for several years before that. this is the seat change, as i say where only some way through the count and labour has picked up a seat from the conservatives but what is really interesting is to see the change in their share of the votes. there you have it. the shared change since the seats were last voted on is a seven point swing from the conservatives to labour. if that is replicated throughout the council, that will mean that labour will take southampton. one of the things that is important for us to focus on here.

we've talking about about the way those patterns have changed. in fact london is a bit of a labour island, if you like. sirjohn curtice is going tojoin us. he has been looking at the north—south divide. can we define that in a little more detail? taste can we define that in a little more detail? . , , ., can we define that in a little more detail? . , ., ., detail? we basically mean for the most art detail? we basically mean for the most part bases _ detail? we basically mean for the most part bases south _ detail? we basically mean for the most part bases south through i detail? we basically mean for the most part bases south through toj most part bases south through to bristol. executing london. the interesting thing we are finding, and it doesn't matter if you make a comparison with 2018 or indeed last year. the conservatives are much find him much more difficult to hold onto their vote on the vote in the south and they are in the north.

they are losing more and places of the traditional strength so the national picture for the conservatives, though it may not look quite so bad as it might anticipated the beginning of the night, quite a few tory mps are going to find the locally they still suffered such as in southampton. the interesting thing is to work out why this is the case and we haven't gotten entirely to the bottom of it yet but the labour party is not doing particularly well in the south of england. one of the things we are picking up, and again, this is another hit of a story of the night we need to look beyond the two big parties, is that some independent candidates are doing rather well. in our key wards, they're actually getting about a fifth of the vote and in portsmouth, there is an

independent party running at over a quarter of the vote. in some instances at least, part of the reasons why the conservatives are losing out, they are losing out to independence. in many senses over the last 20—30 years, thinking that independents have disappeared. there may be a little footnote into my story. wide on the actual difference between now and 2018. three in the midlands and two in the north. if thatis midlands and two in the north. if that is translated. ititul’ith midlands and two in the north. if that is translated.— that is translated. with the parliamentary _ that is translated. with the i parliamentary constituencies.

that is translated. with the - parliamentary constituencies. is that going to be enough to make conservative mps notjustjittery conservative mps not just jittery but conservative mps notjustjittery but positively angry and agitated about the leadership of the party? that's perhaps going a little bit too far. it isn't clear that it's the labour party that is particularly making a strong advance on the south of england. yes, there is obviously reason for tory mps to have a degree of worry. but at the moment at least, it's not clear the labour party '5 profiting. that mainly and persuade them to stay there hand. mainly and persuade them to stay there hand-— there hand. midlands and north, atain, the there hand. midlands and north, again, the north _ there hand. midlands and north, again, the north is _ there hand. midlands and north, again, the north is interesting i again, the north is interesting given what happened in 2019 and parliamentary terms. what is your reading there of the conservative slippage ofjust 2%? it’s reading there of the conservative slippage ofjust 296?— slippage of 'ust 296? it's an indication — slippage ofjust 296? it's an indication of _ slippage ofjust 296? it's an indication of what - slippage ofjust 296? it's an indication of what was - slippage ofjust 296? it's an| indication of what was once slippage ofjust 296? it's an -

indication of what was once far and away to reign for the conservatives, until brexit came along, as to how it looks as though that vote the conservatives gained in the 2017 and 2019 elections is proving in some sense more robust. in the more traditional conservative vote further south. of course, the cheshire and ambition by—election was a warning to the party that it was a warning to the party that it was a warning to the party that it was a risk. certainly some of the damage when it comes to seats being lost is done by the liberal democrats.— lost is done by the liberal democrats. , . ., ., ., democrats. just a final thought at this toint, democrats. just a final thought at this point, john. _ democrats. just a final thought at this point, john. we're _ democrats. just a final thought at this point, john. we're looking i democrats. just a final thought at this point, john. we're looking at| democrats. just a final thought at. this point, john. we're looking at a headline narrative of the results so far. yes, of course we acknowledge there is lots to come. what would you say, if somebody pitched up now and said we haven't seen any results, what's going on. what is

the story so far, what would you say? the story so far, what would you sa ? ,, , . ., the story so far, what would you say? sub'ect to the crucial caveat that we say? subject to the crucial caveat that we have _ say? subject to the crucial caveat that we have not _ say? subject to the crucial caveat that we have not had _ say? subject to the crucial caveat that we have not had that - say? subject to the crucial caveat that we have not had that much i say? subject to the crucial caveat| that we have not had that much in from london yet, we are beginning to get a trickle of results in from wandsworth and it looks to us, it is difficult because of boundary changes, but if things maybe labour willjust make it in wandsworth but i is that yes, the conservatives have suffered something of a reaper from the electorate. clearly it is down and were it was 12 months ago. it's clearly demonstrating, labour, thatis it's clearly demonstrating, labour, that is the party that is necessarily profiting from conservative difficulties and indeed, at the moment at least, because its voters down it seems in 2018. the labour party may find itself at the end of tomorrow

afternoon unable to say that they have done better in these local elections than jeremy corbyn have done better in these local elections thanjeremy corbyn back in 2015 and that, shall we say, perhaps will add a certain coolness to whatever labour's celebrations are. what we have also discovered, to other things. what we have also discovered, to otherthings. one, what we have also discovered, to other things. one, the liberal democrats perhaps, perhaps are finally beginning to show a measure of recovery from the disaster of the 2015 general election which followed the coalition. certainly they are showing some signs of having built on their two parliamentary by—election successes last year. and that also we are getting reminder in an era, climate change is becoming increasingly important. doing relatively well. a force in english

politics that simply can't be ignored. politics that simply can't be itnored. , t, politics that simply can't be itnored. , ., . ., ignored. john curtice there. can i come to you _ ignored. john curtice there. can i come to you jonathan _ ignored. john curtice there. can i come to you jonathan first - ignored. john curtice there. can i come to you jonathan first on - ignored. john curtice there. can i i come to you jonathan first on that. john was saying yes, of course, there are some gains. but as far as labour is concerned, it is not in that range of gain so far to suggest there is a serious shift going on. we are making net gains. the tories are down from 50 seats. we've just one seat we lost. majority 1000 tonight. it's a tory held seed. cumberland council has confirmed, seats like copeland, workington would be in big trouble. if that is

the speaker seat at the moment. when it doesn't return a speaker to house of commons, it's a labour tory marginal seats. southport of the next general election. we are making gains but we have said we had a mountain to climb on that terrible, terrible result in 2019. we are making progress.— making progress. there is confirmation _ making progress. there is confirmation the - making progress. there is confirmation the lib - making progress. there isj confirmation the lib dems making progress. there is- confirmation the lib dems have gained kingston upon hull. majority of one. the lib dems are up three. labour has lost two seats there, if we look at the change of seats. in the conservatives are down one. just have a quick look again. labour

winning 30 cents, or to the lib dems. a majority of 1a. if you look at the change of seats there, labour is up 12. the narrative is mixed. kingston upon hull clearly. are we disappointed? the kingston upon hull clearly. are we disappointed?— disappointed? the lib dems have alwa s disappointed? the lib dems have always been _ disappointed? the lib dems have always been traditionally - disappointed? the lib dems have always been traditionally strong i always been traditionally strong there. i think the tory has lost the seat to labour in hull for what it's worth and it's a disappointing result but elsewhere we are making progress. we've always had a mountain to climb.— progress. we've always had a mountain to climb. richard, thanks for 'oinint mountain to climb. richard, thanks forjoining us- _ mountain to climb. richard, thanks forjoining us. mp— mountain to climb. richard, thanks forjoining us. mp for— mountain to climb. richard, thanks forjoining us. mp for durham. - mountain to climb. richard, thanksj forjoining us. mp for durham. that north—east area is crucial in this matrix as well. how do you read the performance of the tories so far. we know what's going on in wandsworth, it's very tight, but you could lose that. barnett doesn't look great. we've clocked some other losses elsewhere. where is this going, do

you think? it's always going to be tough on the midterm for a government that's been in powerfor quite awhile now. one of the things i've been encouraged by, seeing results coming in from greater manchester.— results coming in from greater manchester. ., ., ., , manchester. bolton. oldham, gains there including _ manchester. bolton. oldham, gains there including taking _ manchester. bolton. oldham, gains there including taking up _ manchester. bolton. oldham, gains there including taking up the - manchester. bolton. oldham, gainsj there including taking up the labour council— there including taking up the labour council leader. i was in buried during — council leader. i was in buried during the _ council leader. i was in buried during the count, —— i was in bury during— during the count, —— i was in bury during the— during the count, —— i was in bury during the campaign. we agree with whatjohn_ during the campaign. we agree with whatjohn curtice said. labour rights — whatjohn curtice said. labour rights they once were making the progress — rights they once were making the progress they need to if they were going _ progress they need to if they were going to _ progress they need to if they were going to be looking at government. across _ going to be looking at government. across the — going to be looking at government. across the country, some places like tadwortht _ across the country, some places like tadworth, real marginal seats in terms _ tadworth, real marginal seats in terms of— tadworth, real marginal seats in terms of general election. continuing to make gains. labour really— continuing to make gains. labour really do — continuing to make gains. labour really do need to gain those seats. amber— really do need to gain those seats. amber valley. really do need to gain those seats. ambervalley. harlow. it was

really do need to gain those seats. amber valley. harlow. it was a labour — amber valley. harlow. it was a labour seat. to go on at this stage in the _ labour seat. to go on at this stage in the electoral cycle about the main _ in the electoral cycle about the main opposition party, i think we might— main opposition party, i think we might see — main opposition party, i think we might see a few more coming in from london _ might see a few more coming in from london soon — might see a few more coming in from london soon, but it's hardly punching _ london soon, but it's hardly punching through, is it? when we talk about the _ punching through, is it? when we talk about the broad _ punching through, is it? when we talk about the broad picture, - talk about the broad picture, richard. you've been out campaigning. i mean, just be upfront about it. what people telling you they didn't trust boris johnson anymore. they didn't like is they didn't trust borisjohnson anymore. they didn't like is conduct on partygate?— on partygate? talking about cost issues. maybe _ on partygate? talking about cost issues. maybe government - on partygate? talking about cost issues. maybe government isn't| issues. maybe government isn't providing enough help? the biggest issues on the _ providing enough help? the biggest issues on the ground. _ providing enough help? the biggest issues on the ground. i _ providing enough help? the biggest issues on the ground. i went - providing enough help? the biggest issues on the ground. i went to - issues on the ground. i went to stoke, i want to burnley, some mid wales seats and up in the north—east as well and people feeling the squeeze at the moment, there is no doubt about that. that is the

biggest thing that came on the doorstep,, what counts are doing to help them. quite a lot of cash that hasn't gone out yet. we don't have election issues. asking where that £150 is yet. it's a bit slow about getting it out and that's one of the things we need to ensure that is in through people's pockets. l things we need to ensure that is in through people's pockets. i will things we need to ensure that is in through people's pockets. i will put that toint through people's pockets. i will put that point to _ through people's pockets. i will put that point to john _ through people's pockets. i will put that point to john mallinson, - through people's pockets. i will put that point to john mallinson, the i that point tojohn mallinson, the conservative leader of carlisle city council. thank you forjoining us. share with you is what has gone on in carlisle. i �* ., share with you is what has gone on in carlisle. . �* ., ., , share with you is what has gone on in carlisle-— in carlisle. we've had a very good nitht in in carlisle. we've had a very good night in carlisle. _ in carlisle. we've had a very good night in carlisle. we _ in carlisle. we've had a very good night in carlisle. we were - in carlisle. we've had a very good night in carlisle. we were holdingj night in carlisle. we were holding the first elections for the new shadow authority the council a6, i

think we got seven, and we were looking at over 20. what would people telling you? mostly national. it was hard to get the debate back to local issues. things were cropping up. also the cost crisis. will getting comments from people talking about using value browns to ease their shopping bills. well, thatjust ease their shopping bills. well, that just seems to ease their shopping bills. well, thatjust seems to have gone over very patronising and people have not liked it. i managed to return my seat but we've lost some very good

colleagues. seat but we've lost some very good colleagues-— colleagues. counsellor, laura kuenssberg — colleagues. counsellor, laura kuenssberg in _ colleagues. counsellor, laura kuenssberg in the _ colleagues. counsellor, laura kuenssberg in the studio. - colleagues. counsellor, laura| kuenssberg in the studio. you colleagues. counsellor, laura- kuenssberg in the studio. you talk about one cabinet minister who people felt was patronising by suggesting they might cut costs. what would people seem to about borisjohnson and his leadership? l borisjohnson and his leadership? i think it is notjust partygate, there is the integrity issue. people no longer have the confidence that their prime minister can be relied upon to tell the truth.— their prime minister can be relied upon to tell the truth. that's quite a bit thint upon to tell the truth. that's quite a big thing to _ upon to tell the truth. that's quite a big thing to say. _ upon to tell the truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't _ upon to tell the truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? - upon to tell the truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that'sl a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people _ a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have _ a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have been _ a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying i a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to | a big thing to say, isn't it? that's - what people have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? l what people have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can what people have been saying to me. do you think that's fair?— do you think that's fair? i can see the toint do you think that's fair? i can see the point of— do you think that's fair? i can see the point of view. _ do you think that's fair? i can see the point of view. it's _ do you think that's fair? i can see the point of view. it's not - the point of view. it's not something i get a decision in. i

would expect the chairman of the 22 committee would shortly receive 5a letters. i don't know. i don't know if they will seek to replace boris. that's above my pay grade, really. but you've been clear with our viewers as far as you are concerned, one of the central reasons why your counsellor colleagues lost out was because voters have lost their fate in —— bacon borisjohnson and you are saying mps should move him on? what do you say to that, richard? i can quite understand if i was in his situation _ can quite understand if i was in his situation losing colleagues, i would feel bruised at the moment. they are in a totally— feel bruised at the moment. they are in a totally different system to what _ in a totally different system to what they had before but genuinely

on the _ what they had before but genuinely on the ground, the issues i have been _ on the ground, the issues i have been coming across our around cost of living _ been coming across our around cost of living. they are around concerns about _ of living. they are around concerns about the — of living. they are around concerns about the broader economy. that is what i _ about the broader economy. that is what i was — about the broader economy. that is what i was at the moment. i genuinely— what i was at the moment. i genuinely on the doorsteps, all the issues _ genuinely on the doorsteps, all the issues that— genuinely on the doorsteps, all the issues that the counsellors raising their were — issues that the counsellors raising their were not the ones that whether top priority— their were not the ones that whether top priority for the voters i came across — top priority for the voters i came across. ., , ., ~ , ., across. counsellor mullins, on the cost of living _ across. counsellor mullins, on the cost of living issue, _ across. counsellor mullins, on the cost of living issue, what - across. counsellor mullins, on the cost of living issue, what were - cost of living issue, what were people saying they're about the level of help and support the government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck — government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck a _ government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck a note _ government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck a note at _ government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck a note at all. _ government is offering? doesn't seem to have struck a note at all. people i to have struck a note at all. people didn't— to have struck a note at all. people didn't really— to have struck a note at all. people didn't really connect _ to have struck a note at all. people didn't really connect with _ to have struck a note at all. people didn't really connect with me - to have struck a note at all. people didn't really connect with me on . didn't really connect with me on those _ didn't really connect with me on those subjects. _ didn't really connect with me on those subjects. i— didn't really connect with me on those subjects. i tried _ didn't really connect with me on those subjects. i tried to- didn't really connect with me on| those subjects. i tried to engage people _ those subjects. i tried to engage people and — those subjects. i tried to engage people and they _ those subjects. i tried to engage people and they did _ those subjects. i tried to engage people and they did not - those subjects. i tried to engage people and they did not really. those subjects. i tried to engage i people and they did not really come over~ _ people and they did not really come over~ it _ people and they did not really come over~ it didn't— people and they did not really come over. it didn't really— people and they did not really come over. it didn't really want _ people and they did not really come over. it didn't really want to - people and they did not really come over. it didn't really want to talk - over. it didn't really want to talk about _ over. it didn't really want to talk about it — over. it didn't really want to talk about it i— over. it didn't really want to talk about it ij'ust— over. it didn't really want to talk about it. ijust didn't— over. it didn't really want to talk about it. ijust didn't feel- over. it didn't really want to talk about it. ijust didn't feel they. about it. ijust didn't feel they were — about it. ijust didn't feel they were receptive. _ about it. ijust didn't feel they were receptive. hott— about it. i just didn't feel they were receptive.— about it. i just didn't feel they were receptive. about it. i just didn't feel they were recettive. ., . , ., were receptive. not receptive to the messate were receptive. not receptive to the message the — were receptive. not receptive to the message the government _ were receptive. not receptive to the message the government has - were receptive. not receptive to the message the government has been | message the government has been giving? message the government has been ttivin ? ., ._ ,

message the government has been ttivin? ., , . giving? no. it may well be as much as they count _ giving? no. it may well be as much as they count that _ giving? no. it may well be as much as they count that the _ giving? no. it may well be as much as they count that the government| as they count that the government can do— as they count that the government can do at— as they count that the government can do at the — as they count that the government can do at the moment _ as they count that the government can do at the moment but - as they count that the government can do at the moment but it- can do at the moment but it certainly— can do at the moment but it certainly is _ can do at the moment but it certainly is not, _ can do at the moment but it certainly is not, i— can do at the moment but it certainly is not, i don't - can do at the moment but it- certainly is not, i don't believe, it certainly is not, idon't believe, it is— certainly is not, idon't believe, it is seen— certainly is not, i don't believe, it is seen as _ certainly is not, i don't believe, it is seen as enough _ certainly is not, i don't believe, it is seen as enough in - certainly is not, i don't believe, it is seen as enough in the - certainly is not, i don't believe, i it is seen as enough in the public eye _ it is seen as enough in the public eye i'm— it is seen as enough in the public eye i'm afraid, _ it is seen as enough in the public eye. i'm afraid, over— it is seen as enough in the public eye. i'm afraid, over the - it is seen as enough in the public eye. i'm afraid, over the last - it is seen as enough in the public. eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, _ eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, we — eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, we have _ eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, we have been _ eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, we have been used - eye. i'm afraid, over the last three decades, we have been used to. eye. i'm afraid, over the last threel decades, we have been used to our standard _ decades, we have been used to our standard of— decades, we have been used to our standard of living _ decades, we have been used to our standard of living rising _ standard of living rising consistently _ standard of living rising consistently year - standard of living rising consistently year on - standard of living rising i consistently year on year. standard of living rising - consistently year on year. that is not happening _ consistently year on year. that is not happening i_ consistently year on year. that is not happening. i think— consistently year on year. that is not happening. i think people - consistently year on year. that is i not happening. i think people are, people _ not happening. i think people are, people are — not happening. i think people are, people are very— not happening. i think people are, people are very uncomfortable - not happening. i think people are, i people are very uncomfortable about that scenario — people are very uncomfortable about that scenario. people _ people are very uncomfortable about that scenario. people are _ people are very uncomfortable about that scenario. people are talking - that scenario. people are talking about, _ that scenario. people are talking about, wondering _ that scenario. people are talking about, wondering if— that scenario. people are talking about, wondering if they - that scenario. people are talking about, wondering if they can - that scenario. people are talking about, wondering if they can pay that scenario. people are talking - about, wondering if they can pay the mortgage _ about, wondering if they can pay the mortgage, wondering _ about, wondering if they can pay the mortgage, wondering how— about, wondering if they can pay the mortgage, wondering how they - about, wondering if they can pay the mortgage, wondering how they can. mortgage, wondering how they can save a _ mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit— mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit of— mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit of money— mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit of money on _ mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit of money on the - mortgage, wondering how they can save a bit of money on the food - save a bit of money on the food bills, _ save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, — save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, etc, _ save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, etc, and— save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, etc, and it— save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, etc, and it is- save a bit of money on the food bills, etc, etc, and it is gettingl bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder~ — bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder~ fuel, _ bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder. fuel, fuel— bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder. fuel, fuel is— bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder. fuel, fuel is now- bills, etc, etc, and it is getting harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, i bills, etc, etc, and it is getting i harder. fuel, fuel is now170, 180 bills, etc, etc, and it is getting - harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon— harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon and — harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon and we — harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon and we are _ harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon and we are moving _ harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a gallon and we are moving to - harder. fuel, fuel is now 170, 180 a| gallon and we are moving to electric cars but— gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that — gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that would _ gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that would take _ gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that would take time. - gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that would take time. it - gallon and we are moving to electric cars but that would take time. it is i cars but that would take time. it is very difficult — cars but that would take time. it is very difficult. we _ cars but that would take time. it is very difficult. we have _ cars but that would take time. it is very difficult. we have a _ cars but that would take time. it is very difficult. we have a very - very difficult. we have a very difficult — very difficult. we have a very difficult for _ very difficult. we have a very

difficult for years _ very difficult. we have a very difficult for years ahead - very difficult. we have a very difficult for years ahead of i very difficult. we have a very| difficult for years ahead of us, inflation — difficult for years ahead of us, inflation will— difficult for years ahead of us, inflation will peak _ difficult for years ahead of us, inflation will peak at - difficult for years ahead of us, inflation will peak at 10% - difficult for years ahead of us, inflation will peak at 10% and i difficult for years ahead of us, | inflation will peak at 10% and it will get — inflation will peak at 10% and it will get very. _ inflation will peak at 10% and it will get very, very _ inflation will peak at 10% and it l will get very, very uncomfortable for peorilem _ will get very, very uncomfortable for peeple- - -_ for people... sorry to interrupt, very good _ for people... sorry to interrupt, very good to — for people... sorry to interrupt, very good to talk _ for people... sorry to interrupt, very good to talk to _ for people... sorry to interrupt, very good to talk to us, - for people... sorry to interrupt, very good to talk to us, very - for people... sorry to interrupt, l very good to talk to us, very early in the morning and thank you so much forjoining us. john mullis and they're from carlisle. i'm bringing in the former conservative, james johnston, former downing street, good to talk to you, good morning. good morning. good to talk to you, good morning. good morning-— good to talk to you, good morning. good morning. rights, we have 'ust heard a strong fl good morning. rights, we have 'ust heard a strong contribution �* good morning. rights, we havejust heard a strong contribution from - heard a strong contribution from john mallinson, their conservative group leader at carlisle council making his views very clear about borisjohnson and its effect on the campaign. what are you picking up in your polling?— your polling? throughout the campaign. — your polling? throughout the campaign, really _ your polling? throughout the campaign, really since - your polling? throughout the l campaign, really since january, your polling? throughout the - campaign, really since january, the message and focus group has been consistent, voters are very angry about partygate situation and particularly sit frustrated about

the way they feel boris johnson and the way they feel boris johnson and the conservatives seem to have covered it up or not being straight with motors on that issue. although when you ask voters what they will vote on in the elections, local issues did come to the fore as well as the cost of living there is real frustration out there about boris johnson bubbling beneath the surface and that has had a big impact on these elections. i given what we are seen are the results so far, james, we have been talking about the fact it is difficult to discern a clean narrative so far. are these results, if they persist in this way, are they going to be enough to shape conservative mps in changing their view of whether boris johnson conservative mps in changing their view of whether borisjohnson salt should survive as leader? what we are certainly not seeing is a wipeout for the conservatives. we're not seeing a situation like the early 2000 whether conservatives were behind labour on seats, nor are were behind labour on seats, nor are we seeing a tony blair style

recovery for labour. they're clearly not making big games. in some way thatis not making big games. in some way that is more dangerous — just big gains. conservatives do not need a tony blair style defeat to lose power, they can lose well ahead on boats and if you look at what is happening in the key northen midlands seats, as they are called the red wall, yes, in 2018 when they last place, labour is standing still or going backwards but when you look at the change in 2019, there is a small swing towards labour so they are doing as well in the red wall tonight as when they help the red wall and this is before you get onto the contemporary games or the lib dem gains in the south. whether it is enough is another question but i think you will hear from the council leaders and from conservative mps there are worries out there —— gains. even though they are not a

big wipeout, it should be concerning for them. you big wipeout, it should be concerning for them. ., . ~' big wipeout, it should be concerning for them. ., ., ~ ., for them. you talked about perceptions _ for them. you talked about perceptions of _ for them. you talked about perceptions of boris - for them. you talked about i perceptions of boris johnson, for them. you talked about - perceptions of boris johnson, what perceptions of borisjohnson, what about keir starmer? what do people make of him? inlet about keir starmer? what do people make of him?— about keir starmer? what do people make of him? not much love for him, in bad news — make of him? not much love for him, in bad news for _ make of him? not much love for him, in bad news for the _ make of him? not much love for him, in bad news for the labour _ make of him? not much love for him, in bad news for the labour party. - in bad news for the labour party. people say he is not strong, people say he's bland, leg lacking direction and vision. the reason is doing better than borisjohnson in the polls as they think much less well of boris johnson the polls as they think much less well of borisjohnson and keir starmer beats boris on those attributes like strong and getting things done, important to swing voters. certainly not animated by him and that is coming through on results. i except when we ask voters, which we have been doing through the local elections, why they did not vote labour i expect we will see keir starmer prominently in that. if dark borisjohnson is as unpopular as he is, it does not much

matter —— the thing is, if boris johnson is as unpopular. irate matter -- the thing is, if boris johnson is as unpopular. we 'ust heard saird fl johnson is as unpopular. we 'ust heard baird that i johnson is as unpopular. we 'ust heard baird that voters �* johnson is as unpopular. we 'ust heard baird that voters wereh johnson is as unpopular. we just i heard baird that voters were saying that people have lost patients with borisjohnson that people have lost patients with boris johnson and activists saying people _ boris johnson and activists saying people have lost faith in is integrity and you as a group of mps should _ integrity and you as a group of mps should move him on and even said that people felt patronised by a cabinet — that people felt patronised by a cabinet minister annie told us that was not _ cabinet minister annie told us that was not what you heard on the doorstep — was not what you heard on the doorstep but surely that must you? | doorstep but surely that must you? i think doorstep but surely that must you? think what doorstep but surely that must you? i think what the counsellor did was talk about— think what the counsellor did was talk about the _ think what the counsellor did was talk about the cost _ think what the counsellor did was talk about the cost of— think what the counsellor did was talk about the cost of living - talk about the cost of living issues _ talk about the cost of living issues. cumberland - talk about the cost of living issues. cumberland is- talk about the cost of living l issues. cumberland is similar talk about the cost of living - issues. cumberland is similarto talk about the cost of living - issues. cumberland is similar to my arear _ issues. cumberland is similar to my area very— issues. cumberland is similar to my area very rural— issues. cumberland is similar to my area, very rural and _ issues. cumberland is similar to my area, very rural and things - issues. cumberland is similar to my area, very rural and things like - area, very rural and things like petrol— area, very rural and things like petrol pricesr _ area, very rural and things like petrol prices, heating, - area, very rural and things like petrol prices, heating, major. petrol prices, heating, major concerns— petrol prices, heating, major concerns for— petrol prices, heating, major concerns for people. - petrol prices, heating, major concerns for people. but- petrol prices, heating, ma'or concerns for peopled petrol prices, heating, ma'or concerns for people. but he raised a s-ecific concerns for people. but he raised a specific point _ concerns for people. but he raised a specific point about _ concerns for people. but he raised a specific point about the _ concerns for people. but he raised a specific point about the integrity - specific point about the integrity of the prime minister, he is a conservative activist and he said that people said borisjohnson did not have integrity anymore and a pollster told him the same thing. as

a conservative mp, you must be worried about that, surely if you don't agree, you must be worried? looking at the results, we've seen about _ looking at the results, we've seen about a _ looking at the results, we've seen about a quarter— looking at the results, we've seen about a quarter of _ looking at the results, we've seen about a quarter of the _ looking at the results, we've seen about a quarter of the council - about a quarter of the council declared. _ about a quarter of the council declared, labour— about a quarter of the council declared, labour are - about a quarter of the council declared, labourare not- about a quarter of the councili declared, labourare not going anywhere _ declared, labourare not going anywhere. they— declared, labourare not going anywhere, they are _ declared, labourare not going anywhere, they are level- declared, labour are not going i anywhere, they are level picking declared, labour are not going - anywhere, they are level picking at best and _ anywhere, they are level picking at best and slightly _ anywhere, they are level picking at best and slightly down _ anywhere, they are level picking at best and slightly down at _ anywhere, they are level picking at best and slightly down at the - best and slightly down at the moment _ best and slightly down at the moment in— best and slightly down at the moment. in the _ best and slightly down at the moment. in the conservative best and slightly down at the - moment. in the conservative party is a holding _ moment. in the conservative party is a holding up — moment. in the conservative party is a holding up in— moment. in the conservative party is a holding up in the _ moment. in the conservative party is a holding up in the country— moment. in the conservative party is a holding up in the country and - a holding up in the country and making— a holding up in the country and making progress— a holding up in the country and making progress in— a holding up in the country and making progress in places - a holding up in the country and making progress in places like| making progress in places like greater— making progress in places like greater manchester, - making progress in places like greater manchester, which - making progress in places like greater manchester, which is| making progress in places like - greater manchester, which is where i would _ greater manchester, which is where i would like _ greater manchester, which is where i would like to — greater manchester, which is where i would like to see, _ greater manchester, which is where i would like to see, which _ greater manchester, which is where i would like to see, which is _ greater manchester, which is where i would like to see, which is very- would like to see, which is very important — would like to see, which is very important for _ would like to see, which is very important for us. _ would like to see, which is very important for us. no, - would like to see, which is very important for us. no, i- would like to see, which is very important for us. no, i don't. would like to see, which is very. important for us. no, i don't share those _ important for us. no, i don't share those concerns— important for us. no, i don't share those concerns because _ important for us. no, i don't share those concerns because i'm - important for us. no, i don't share those concerns because i'm not. those concerns because i'm not saying — those concerns because i'm not saying that _ those concerns because i'm not saying that reflected _ those concerns because i'm not saying that reflected by- those concerns because i'm not saying that reflected by the - saying that reflected by the results _ saying that reflected by the results. people _ saying that reflected by the results. people are - saying that reflected by the results. people are not - saying that reflected by the . results. people are not saying saying that reflected by the - results. people are not saying they want is _ results. people are not saying they want is a _ results. people are not saying they want is a change _ results. people are not saying they want is a change of— results. people are not saying they want is a change of government. . results. people are not saying they i want is a change of government. they not switching — want is a change of government. they not switching in — want is a change of government. they not switching in large _ want is a change of government. they not switching in large numbers - want is a change of government. they not switching in large numbers to - not switching in large numbers to the labour— not switching in large numbers to the labour party. _ not switching in large numbers to the labour party. in— not switching in large numbers to the labour party. in 2018, - not switching in large numbers to| the labour party. in 2018, jeremy corbyn _ the labour party. in 2018, jeremy corbyn fought _ the labour party. in 2018, jeremy corbyn fought these _ the labour party. in 2018, jeremy corbyn fought these results - the labour party. in 2018, jeremy corbyn fought these results and l the labour party. in 2018, jeremyj corbyn fought these results and it looks _ corbyn fought these results and it looks like — corbyn fought these results and it looks like keir— corbyn fought these results and it looks like keir starmer— corbyn fought these results and it looks like keir starmer is- corbyn fought these results and it looks like keir starmer is level. looks like keir starmer is level picking — looks like keir starmer is level picking with _ looks like keir starmer is level picking withjeremy_ looks like keir starmer is level picking with jeremy corbyn - looks like keir starmer is level| picking with jeremy corbyn and perhaps— picking with jeremy corbyn and perhaps slightly _ picking with jeremy corbyn and perhaps slightly behind. - picking with jeremy corbyn and perhaps slightly behind. doesn't make ou perhaps slightly behind. doesn't make you uncomfortable - perhaps slightly behind. doesn't| make you uncomfortable hearing perhaps slightly behind. doesn't i make you uncomfortable hearing a fellow conservative saying he does not think boris johnson fellow conservative saying he does not think borisjohnson has

integrity. to not think boris johnson has interri . ., , . not think boris johnson has integrity-— not think boris johnson has interri . . �*, , integrity. to be fair, he's 'ust been batted in i integrity. to be fair, he's 'ust been batted in the i integrity. to be fair, he'sjust been batted in the results. i integrity. to be fair, he'sjustl been batted in the results. go integrity. to be fair, he'sjust . been batted in the results. go to other— been batted in the results. go to other parts— been batted in the results. go to other parts of— been batted in the results. go to other parts of the _ been batted in the results. go to other parts of the country- been batted in the results. go to other parts of the country and i been batted in the results. go to other parts of the country and ifi other parts of the country and if you interviewed _ other parts of the country and if you interviewed some _ other parts of the country and ifl you interviewed some household other parts of the country and if- you interviewed some household he does had _ you interviewed some household he does had become, _ you interviewed some household he does had become, who— you interviewed some household he does had become, who were - does had become, who were counsellors— does had become, who were counsellors holding - does had become, who were counsellors holding the i does had become, who were i counsellors holding the council rather — counsellors holding the council rather than the _ counsellors holding the council rather than the ones _ counsellors holding the council rather than the ones who i counsellors holding the council rather than the ones who have | counsellors holding the council- rather than the ones who have lost, you may— rather than the ones who have lost, you may see — rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a — rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different _ rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different picture. i rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different picture. he| you may see a different picture. he was you may see a different picture. was suggesting he is saying that because he's feeling down or sad rather than he is offering a considered opinion, are you dismissing he has had a bad night? and when we went further into it he talked _ and when we went further into it he talked about — and when we went further into it he talked about real— and when we went further into it he talked about real issues _ and when we went further into it he talked about real issues which i and when we went further into it he talked about real issues which are i talked about real issues which are the real— talked about real issues which are the real issues _ talked about real issues which are the real issues that _ talked about real issues which are the real issues that come - talked about real issues which are the real issues that come up i talked about real issues which are the real issues that come up on i talked about real issues which are i the real issues that come up on the door steps— the real issues that come up on the door steps which— the real issues that come up on the door steps which are _ the real issues that come up on the door steps which are the _ the real issues that come up on the door steps which are the issues i the real issues that come up on the door steps which are the issues of i door steps which are the issues of cost of— door steps which are the issues of cost of living _ door steps which are the issues of cost of living. they— door steps which are the issues of cost of living. they are _ door steps which are the issues of cost of living. they are there i cost of living. they are there largely— cost of living. they are there largely because _ cost of living. they are there largely because we - cost of living. they are there largely because we have i cost of living. they are therel largely because we have seen cost of living. they are there i largely because we have seen a cost of living. they are there - largely because we have seen a major international— largely because we have seen a major international situation _ largely because we have seen a major international situation in _ largely because we have seen a major international situation in which - largely because we have seen a major international situation in which one i international situation in which one country. _ international situation in which one country. a — international situation in which one country. a large _ international situation in which one country, a large country— international situation in which one country, a large country has - international situation in which one i country, a large country has invaded anotherr _ country, a large country has invaded anotherr sending— country, a large country has invaded another, sending the _ country, a large country has invaded another, sending the global- country, a large country has invaded another, sending the global poise i another, sending the global poise two price — another, sending the global poise two price of— another, sending the global poise two price of oil... _ another, sending the global poise two price of oil... tind— another, sending the global poise two price of oil. . .— two price of oil... and we're not suggesting _ two price of oil... and we're not suggesting for _ two price of oil... and we're not suggesting for one _ two price of oil... and we're not suggesting for one second i two price of oil... and we're not suggesting for one second they | two price of oil... and we're not i suggesting for one second they are not the issues. i was a more specific point about, nobody

questions that. it specific point about, nobody questions that.— specific point about, nobody questions that. it is to do with character _ questions that. it is to do with character and _ questions that. it is to do with character and integrity - questions that. it is to do with character and integrity and i questions that. it is to do with i character and integrity and trust and these very powerful, important and these very powerful, important and judgements that people make on their potential leaders or actual leaders. putting aside the valued economic points, it is about the character of the prime minister. it must bother you of your own colleague has said that. rats must bother you of your own colleague has said that. first must bother you of your own colleague has said that. as i said, he's had a — colleague has said that. as i said, he's had a difficult _ colleague has said that. as i said, he's had a difficult part _ colleague has said that. as i said, he's had a difficult part tonight i he's had a difficult part tonight and night — he's had a difficult part tonight and night tonight... _ he's had a difficult part tonight and night tonight... but- he's had a difficult part tonight and night tonight. . .— he's had a difficult part tonight and night tonight... but i think, i will say this _ and night tonight... but i think, i will say this in _ and night tonight... but i think, i will say this in a _ and night tonight... but i think, i will say this in a different - and night tonight... but i think, i will say this in a different way, i will say this in a different way, you cannot suggest that that gentleman has just lost his seat and is just having a bit of a tantrum about the prime minister and is questioning his character because he lost or lost colleagues, yes, of course they will feel aggrieved that

they differentjudgement. he's making a differentjudgement about the prime is own character —— the prime minister's. the prime is own character -- the prime minister's.— the prime is own character -- the prime minister's. and when we drill down to what _ prime minister's. and when we drill down to what he _ prime minister's. and when we drill down to what he saying, _ prime minister's. and when we drill down to what he saying, he - prime minister's. and when we drill down to what he saying, he talks i down to what he saying, he talks about _ down to what he saying, he talks about cost — down to what he saying, he talks about cost of— down to what he saying, he talks about cost of living _ down to what he saying, he talks about cost of living issues - down to what he saying, he talks about cost of living issues that. i about cost of living issues that. that _ about cost of living issues that. that has — about cost of living issues that. that has nothing _ about cost of living issues that. that has nothing to _ about cost of living issues that. that has nothing to do - about cost of living issues that. that has nothing to do with i about cost of living issues that. that has nothing to do with the| that has nothing to do with the prime minister. you that has nothing to do with the prime minister.— that has nothing to do with the prime minister. why prime minister. you are correct. why are ou prime minister. you are correct. why are you blending _ prime minister. you are correct. why are you blending them _ prime minister. you are correct. why are you blending them both - prime minister. you are correct. why| are you blending them both together? because that is exactly what the council — because that is exactly what the council leader— because that is exactly what the council leader when _ because that is exactly what the council leader when we - because that is exactly what the council leader when we asked i because that is exactly what the i council leader when we asked him further, _ council leader when we asked him further, what _ council leader when we asked him further, what he _ council leader when we asked him further, what he was _ council leader when we asked him further, what he was talking - council leader when we asked him i further, what he was talking about. that is _ further, what he was talking about. that is true — further, what he was talking about. that is true but _ further, what he was talking about. that is true but he _ further, what he was talking about. that is true but he started - further, what he was talking about. that is true but he started by- that is true but he started by saying the prime minister is a problem. the prime minister is a problem. the prime minister is a problem many don't seem to want to be recognising that is an issue? it be recognising that is an issue? if we were looking at the difference between — we were looking at the difference between the _ we were looking at the difference between the main _ we were looking at the difference between the main party - we were looking at the difference between the main party leaders i we were looking at the difference l between the main party leaders at the moment, _ between the main party leaders at the moment, it— between the main party leaders at the moment, if there _ between the main party leaders at the moment, if there is— between the main party leaders at the moment, if there is a - between the main party leaders at the moment, if there is a real- the moment, if there is a real desire — the moment, if there is a real desire from _ the moment, if there is a real desire from the _ the moment, if there is a real desire from the general- the moment, if there is a real| desire from the general public the moment, if there is a real. desire from the general public to switch _ desire from the general public to switch from _ desire from the general public to switch from one _ desire from the general public to switch from one to _ desire from the general public to switch from one to another, - desire from the general public to switch from one to another, if i desire from the general public to i switch from one to another, if that was the _ switch from one to another, if that was the main _ switch from one to another, if that was the main course, _ switch from one to another, if that was the main course, you - switch from one to another, if that was the main course, you would i switch from one to another, if that i was the main course, you would send labour_ was the main course, you would send labour making — was the main course, you would send labour making massive _ was the main course, you would send labour making massive gains - was the main course, you would send| labour making massive gains tonight. as we _ labour making massive gains tonight. as we are, _ labour making massive gains tonight. as we are, they— labour making massive gains tonight. as we are, they are _ labour making massive gains tonight. as we are, they are literally _ labour making massive gains tonight. as we are, they are literally level- as we are, they are literally level peggihd — as we are, they are literally level peggihd it— as we are, they are literally level -ennn~. ., ,�* as we are, they are literally level .nm. ., , �* ., ., as we are, they are literally level .nm. ., , �* ., pegging. it doesn't matter to you unless you _ pegging. it doesn't matter to you unless you are — pegging. it doesn't matter to you unless you are getting _ pegging. it doesn't matter to you | unless you are getting hammered.

pegging. it doesn't matter to you - unless you are getting hammered. not at all. we need to address issues that are — at all. we need to address issues that are facing _ at all. we need to address issues that are facing people _ at all. we need to address issues that are facing people of- at all. we need to address issues that are facing people of that - at all. we need to address issues that are facing people of that i i that are facing people of that i have _ that are facing people of that i have heard _ that are facing people of that i have heard on _ that are facing people of that i have heard on the _ that are facing people of that i have heard on the doorsteps. that are facing people of that i - have heard on the doorsteps across the country — have heard on the doorsteps across the country lute _ have heard on the doorsteps across the country-— the country. we also heard john ashworth talking _ the country. we also heard john ashworth talking about - the country. we also heard john ashworth talking about keir - the country. we also heard john - ashworth talking about keir starmer and saying plainly that there is no love for keir starmer as well as he was concerned, it is someone looking at evidence, listening to voters. you must feel worried when you hear that as well. we you must feel worried when you hear that as well-— that as well. we 'ust gained a third state from that as well. we just gained a third state from derby _ that as well. we just gained a third state from derby north, _ that as well. we just gained a third state from derby north, akc. - that as well. we just gained a third state from derby north, akc. and | state from derby north, akc. and ou've state from derby north, akc. and you've also _ state from derby north, akc. and you've also dropped down in other areasm _ you've also dropped down in other areas... ., u, . you've also dropped down in other areas... ., . , . areas... you can trade off seats and we will bring — areas... you can trade off seats and we will bring you — areas... you can trade off seats and we will bring you results _ areas... you can trade off seats and we will bring you results in - areas... you can trade off seats and we will bring you results in the - we will bring you results in the coming but please address the point. affection for keir starmer, convincing affection... a, affection for keir starmer, convincing affection... a tory leader lost — convincing affection... a tory leader lost wickham. - convincing affection... a tory leader lost wickham. you - convincing affection... a tory | leader lost wickham. you can convincing affection... a tory - leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you _ leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like _ leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like but _ leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like but i _ leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like but i will- leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like but i will ask - leader lost wickham. you can trade them all you like but i will ask you | them all you like but i will ask you this question he said clearly to us that he is not seeing evidence of any huge affection from the public

for keir starmer, not seeing evidence of many, many people thinking that this guy is really the guy for downing street. why is that? you must be concerned to hear it and the numbers do not barrett? i you must be concerned to hear it and the numbers do not barrett?- the numbers do not barrett? i think keir starmer— the numbers do not barrett? i think keir starmer has _ the numbers do not barrett? i think keir starmer has led _ the numbers do not barrett? i think keir starmer has led a _ the numbers do not barrett? i think| keir starmer has led a distinguished campaign, _ keir starmer has led a distinguished campaign, totally focused on the cost of— campaign, totally focused on the cost of living crisis, highlighting the reality that the conservatives have _ the reality that the conservatives have no— the reality that the conservatives have no answers for. in fact, they have _ have no answers for. in fact, they have exacerbated out by imposing the biggest _ have exacerbated out by imposing the biggest cut oi'i on pensioners in 50 years. why are we not seeing _ on pensioners in 50 years. why are we not seeing it — on pensioners in 50 years. why are we not seeing it in _ on pensioners in 50 years. why are we not seeing it in the _ on pensioners in 50 years. why are we not seeing it in the numbers? l on pensioners in 50 years. why are i we not seeing it in the numbers? we had a hammering in 2019 in the wet selection _ had a hammering in 2019 in the wet selection as — had a hammering in 2019 in the wet selection as result since the 1930s and it— selection as result since the 1930s and it takes time to rebuild trust and it takes time to rebuild trust and make — and it takes time to rebuild trust and make up lost ground but we are making _ and make up lost ground but we are making progress tonight in key target — making progress tonight in key target areas and seats like derby north, _ target areas and seats like derby north, like chipping barnett, like

the southampton seats, and these other— the southampton seats, and these other seats that will decide the general— other seats that will decide the general election. | other seats that will decide the general election._ other seats that will decide the general election. i can send there is a specific _ general election. i can send there is a specific issue _ general election. i can send there is a specific issue that _ general election. i can send there is a specific issue that james - is a specific issue that james johnson outlined about keir starmer's ability to make a connection with the public and if the government is doing a terribly as you suggest on these issues you are talking about and if they do not have a grip, as you continually suggest, why are people not being persuaded by your own leader? i thinkjohn curtis... it is may, 2022!, ., , thinkjohn curtis... it is may, 2022! ., , .,, 2022! john curtis said, i was scribbling — 2022! john curtis said, i was scribbling things _ 2022! john curtis said, i was scribbling things down, - 2022! john curtis said, i was scribbling things down, and | 2022! john curtis said, i was| scribbling things down, and i 2022! john curtis said, i was - scribbling things down, and i think you said _ scribbling things down, and i think you said it— scribbling things down, and i think you said it was a 5% swing to labour since _ you said it was a 5% swing to labour since 2018~ — you said it was a 5% swing to labour since 2018. in the south. a swing to labour— since 2018. in the south. a swing to labour since — since 2018. in the south. a swing to labour since last year and we are making _ labour since last year and we are making progress but we have to accept _ making progress but we have to accept that we had a very bad result in 2019— accept that we had a very bad result in 2019 and — accept that we had a very bad result in 2019 and it left us with a colossal _ in 2019 and it left us with a colossal mountain to climb and i think— colossal mountain to climb and i think we — colossal mountain to climb and i think we are at a turning point in making—

think we are at a turning point in making let's see if there's any progress — making let's see if there's any progress in bolton, going to kevin fitzpatrick, please go two bring us up fitzpatrick, please go two bring us up to— fitzpatrick, please go two bring us up to date — this is the only conservative lead counsel here, the other 90 led by the labour party and the tories gained a ctr, labour gained two seats as well, so those three seats coming from independents and smaller parties and that means the conservatives continue to be the largest party on the council and odds—on to continue leading a minority administration and unusually around one third of the councils on this council are independents orfrom hyper councils on this council are independents or from hyper local parties in both the tories and labour say they will spend the next couple of days trying to work and get on board the support of those to cobbled together a rainbow coalition to get things done and lead a minority administration in here at the tories are odds—on to do that. in oldham, labour continue to run the council there but for the second

year on the trot, they have lost their leader. last year fielding was taken out by a really personal targeted campaign by an independent and this time, schar has been taken out by another targeted campaign, this time by the conservatives, so labour is down two seats in thames side but it has been a bad night for the tories in stockport where they have lost all three of the seats they were defending. two to the liberal democrats, one to the labour party but labour ended up even because the greens have taken a seat from them but that defeat to the two liberal democrats will be seen as a bit of a blow for the conservatives's general election prospects in cheadle, where that happens, because it is neck and neck between the conservatives and lib dems and is currently held by the tories so to lose two seats there is a blow for them so mixed up across greater manchester and later on today, the big one that lots of people have been looking for, bury,

johnson and starmer went there to launch their local elections campaigns and labour currently has majority there on the council of three but the tories have been talking up their chances for number of years and it will be interesting to see how it pans out when you can expect both those big parties to take a lot of credit and kudos if they end up on top of that battle. . ~ kudos if they end up on top of that battle. . ,, , ., ., battle. kevin, thank you for the latest, battle. kevin, thank you for the latest. kevin — battle. kevin, thank you for the latest, kevin fitzpatrick- battle. kevin, thank you for the latest, kevin fitzpatrick in - battle. kevin, thank you for the i latest, kevin fitzpatrick in bolton. a battle royal in southampton between the tories and labour. emily hudson, what is the latest you have? in southampton, things are moving quite fast. nearly half of the seats have been declared and the conservatives were defending seven and have lost three. 22 labour and one to the lib dems who have taken their first seat on southampton council in ten years, the lib dems

and greens did an election agreement with one of the parties standing aside in three wards each. it seems to have paid for the liberal democrats who, as i say, will take their first seat on the council but this does mean for the conservatives, if things continue as they are, they will have lost control of southampton council. and as i say, still about seven seats to declare but one of the seats they lost was eden park. the conservative leader was up here a few minutes ago on the balcony and said to me i am surprised, we were not expecting that to be a ward we had to defend digitally hard, it is a leafy suburban part of southampton, it was won by labour —— bitterne park. labour has not had a ctr in 20 years. it shows that swing to labour, a significant swing, —— had a seat here. people were maybe voting because they knew the commissioner who had stood for crime in the area but they were taking a stance against the conservatives. i

was in bitterne park the other day when keir starmer was there and there was a lot of people that up with politicians generally, they wanted people who represented them locally and who said what they were going to do and did it and there was discontent with the conservatives and the partygate situation here on tuesday. in portsmouth, actually, and even worse night for the conservatives. they were the largest party in portsmouth but i didn't run the council, the lib dems did that with labour support. they are no longer the largest party, they have lost four seats in portsmouth and actually, that's across the board. they've lost two to the lib dems to another largest party and will probably continue to run the council with labour support. they also lost the seat to an independent, portsmouth people party and the labour party. they will be very surprised to be losing those seats. the leader of the group has said he thinks borisjohnson needs to take a

long, hard look at himself and see what he has done to counsellors in his area so definitely some questions for the leadership coming from these cities here on the south coast. , . ~ from these cities here on the south coast. , . ,, , ., . , coast. emily, thank you. really fast-moving — coast. emily, thank you. really fast-moving there, _ coast. emily, thank you. really l fast-moving there, southampton coast. emily, thank you. really - fast-moving there, southampton and fast—moving there, southampton and portsmouth and emily hudson there for us. i think we have 45 counsellors declared out of 146. at 20 past three in the morning. rita, and we get up to date with what has been going on so far —— reeta. this been going on so far -- reeta. this is the state — been going on so far -- reeta. this is the state of _ been going on so far -- reeta. this is the state of play _ been going on so far —— reeta. try 3 is the state of play at the moment and as you can see, labour has made and as you can see, labour has made a net gain of one in the conservatives have lost 53. the lib dems and the greens continue to pick up dems and the greens continue to pick up seats so the lib dems on plus 27 and the greens on plus 18. let's take a look at some of the councils that have come in. whole, of course,

we have spoken about a lot, they lived in going tonight —— hull. cumberland is a labourwin, lived in going tonight —— hull. cumberland is a labour win, this new shadow unitary authority that will only probably start work in about one year's time but we have also had these notable labour holds in exeter, stevenage, wolverhampton, waltham forest, which is the first london result to come in, and sandwell in the west midlands while tamworth in staffordshire, that is a conservative hold. we were talking about the greens having a pretty good night of it so far. i want to show you what has happened in exeter. a labour hold and labour have hold onto it with a very healthy majority of 13 seats but the greens are toying with the conservatives on five seats and look at that. they have taken three seats, two from labour and one from the conservatives, and this is in a

remain part of the country so interesting there. in your own local area, you can go to the local ——to the bbc website and enter your postcode and find out what is going on. what you can also use our app. thank you, reeta. let's get other perspectives, robert colville will join us, the director of the centre for policy studies and andrew fisher, director of policy at the labour party 2016— 2019. thank you forjoining us and for being good sports, joining us at 20 past three in the morning. it's very good of you. it's good to mention because as i understand it, robert, you are in wandsworth and andrew is in croydon but both actually are contests which are interesting and significant in terms of what they present. for both

tories and for labour. i will start with you, robert, because you are in wandsworth. what do you make of what has been going on in london, let's start with london, given that we have been focusing on wandsworth and don barnett and to an extent westminster. what is your fault? i westminster. what is your fault? i have been expecting wandsworth to go to labour for have been expecting wandsworth to go to labourfor a have been expecting wandsworth to go to labour for a while have been expecting wandsworth to go to labourfor a while now so if you look at 2018, labour won the vote share in wandsworth but the issue was in pileup seats, the pilot votes in a couple of wards, one is the one i live in, we shuffled the boundaries now so you had tory counsellors, the tories lost by like 1000 in my ward but you have those counsellors winning by tens of votes, i mean, in multiple wards so labour does not need a big swing here, they need a slightly better distribution of its vote share and slightly more, more clever campaigning. and there's something interesting happening in wandsworth

which is it has been the emblematic tory council and boasts, one of the thatcherite spearhead, lowest council tax in the country, absolute ruthless focus on efficiency and service and it has held it up, even as london and the and graduates, i mean, the figures on vote sharing are fascinating. it has gone to labour and in the time i've been living here for ten years it's gone from being marginal in parliamentary terms to a pretty safe labour seat. what we are seeing is the times of labour support, they are gradually lapping at the shore of the tory bastard in and i think tonight is the night it goes —— tory bastian. 0n the night it goes —— tory bastian. on a wider scale, robert, before i come to andrew, where do you assess the tory performance more widely, evenif the tory performance more widely, even if at this stage we have maybe 46 out of 146 declared so far of

these authorities and because we had a fairly lively exchange in the studio earlier about whether boris johnson himself was or was not a factor and we had the tory group leaderfrom factor and we had the tory group leader from carlisle telling us that he definitely was. what is your reading of that? tiara he definitely was. what is your reading of that?— he definitely was. what is your reading of that? two things here, i think. reading of that? two things here, i think- what — reading of that? two things here, i think- what i _ reading of that? two things here, i think. what | think— reading of that? two things here, i think. what i think we _ reading of that? two things here, i think. what i think we are - reading of that? two things here, i think. what i think we are seeing, | think. what i think we are seeing, and this all started with inaudible, party politics but it is a tory and anti— tory politics. the tories have beenin anti— tory politics. the tories have been in powerfor quite a long time and there are two big hend with edible headwinds, the party gets up but crucially, cost of living, so i think what you are seeing in a way that does not bode terribly well for labour at a general election is people gravitating towards who they think is best placed to defeat the tories in their local area, in quite the same way that you saw with the tories in the 90s and again with a labour government later on. that said, one of the interesting things

is the rise of the greens. you refer to them taking a seat off labour. one of the reasons the tories are doing worse tonight than in 2018 is because they have not held onto as many of the 2018 voters as labour. one of the big challenges for labour is generally speaking, in the system we have, whichever of the tories and labour can hold onto more of the sort of more centre—right, centre—left, leave, remain coalition will be in the general election so if labour are losing people to the greens, it is not a good sign for the m. �* , the m. andrew, i will bring you in and ask you. _ the m. andrew, i will bring you in and ask you. you _ the m. andrew, i will bring you in and ask you, you are _ the m. andrew, i will bring you in and ask you, you are in _ the m. andrew, i will bring you in and ask you, you are in croydon l and ask you, you are in croydon which is honestly an interesting area because of the difficulties that the authorities had, the labour authorities there, in terms of budget and finance. what is your take so far on the labour performance? again we have had a lively debate here withjon ashworth and colleagues before that about whether labour is actually doing enoughin

whether labour is actually doing enough in terms of trying to find a springboard to possible success at the next election. how do you read the next election. how do you read the performance? it’s the next election. how do you read the performance? it's underwhelming at the moment _ the performance? it's underwhelming at the moment but _ the performance? it's underwhelming at the moment but of— the performance? it's underwhelming at the moment but of course - the performance? it's underwhelming at the moment but of course there i at the moment but of course there are a _ at the moment but of course there are a lot _ at the moment but of course there are a lot of— at the moment but of course there are a lot of potentially good seats or good _ are a lot of potentially good seats or good counsel results for labour to come — or good counsel results for labour to come if— or good counsel results for labour to come. if you look at southampton on the _ to come. if you look at southampton on the south — to come. if you look at southampton on the south coast which i think you thought— on the south coast which i think you thought of— on the south coast which i think you thought of nearly there but not quite _ thought of nearly there but not quite yet, worthing which does not count— quite yet, worthing which does not count until— quite yet, worthing which does not count until tomorrow, some of the london _ count until tomorrow, some of the london seats which are not quite official— london seats which are not quite official yet, wandsworth, barnet, though _ official yet, wandsworth, barnet, though it — official yet, wandsworth, barnet, though it looks like wandsworth has .one though it looks like wandsworth has gone to— though it looks like wandsworth has gone to labour, so a bit more to come _ gone to labour, so a bit more to come for— gone to labour, so a bit more to come for labour but overall, does it look like _ come for labour but overall, does it look like we — come for labour but overall, does it look like we are on course to win the next — look like we are on course to win the next general election? nowhere near~ _ the next general election? nowhere near~ i'm _ the next general election? nowhere near. i'm fairly modest gains and still going — near. i'm fairly modest gains and still going backwards in some parts of the _ still going backwards in some parts of the country, even from 2018 which was an— of the country, even from 2018 which was an ok _ of the country, even from 2018 which was an ok election result for labour but not _ was an ok election result for labour but not earthshattering were good either~ _ but not earthshattering were good either~ it — but not earthshattering were good either. it is underwhelming but what is clear— either. it is underwhelming but what is clear is— either. it is underwhelming but what is clear is people are annoyed with the conservatives, both after

partygate and the sort of sitting idly by— partygate and the sort of sitting idly by as — partygate and the sort of sitting idly by as people coped or tried to cope with — idly by as people coped or tried to cope with his cost of living crisis —— earthshatteringly good. people are angry— —— earthshatteringly good. people are angry with the conservatives but not enthused by labour at this stage and we _ not enthused by labour at this stage and we are _ not enthused by labour at this stage and we are seeing labour voters go to the _ and we are seeing labour voters go to the lib _ and we are seeing labour voters go to the lib dems and greens and sort of people _ to the lib dems and greens and sort of people sitting at home maybe having _ of people sitting at home maybe having to — of people sitting at home maybe having to look at the turnout figures — having to look at the turnout figures in _ having to look at the turnout figures in a bit more detail at some point _ figures in a bit more detail at some point but _ figures in a bit more detail at some point but there is not this rush of enthusiasm but tells you labour is on course — enthusiasm but tells you labour is on course yet and i think labour does _ on course yet and i think labour does need — on course yet and i think labour does need to reflect on these results — does need to reflect on these results and have a think about its strategy — results and have a think about its strategy, both in terms of where in the country— strategy, both in terms of where in the country it needs to target its resources — the country it needs to target its resources to win a general election but also, _ resources to win a general election but also, is — resources to win a general election but also, is it saying enough for doing _ but also, is it saying enough for doing enough and convincing enough people _ doing enough and convincing enough people at— doing enough and convincing enough people. at the moment, ithink doing enough and convincing enough people. at the moment, i think it is not, people. at the moment, i think it is not. to— people. at the moment, i think it is not. to be _ people. at the moment, i think it is not, to be honest. it is people. at the moment, i think it is not, to be honest.— not, to be honest. it is laura here, ou were not, to be honest. it is laura here, you were part _ not, to be honest. it is laura here, you were part of— not, to be honest. it is laura here, you were part ofjeremy _ not, to be honest. it is laura here, you were part ofjeremy corbyn's i you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team _ you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team and — you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team and securely _ you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team and securely in _ you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team and securely in the - you were part ofjeremy corbyn's team and securely in the early. you were part ofjeremy corbyn's . team and securely in the early days when _ team and securely in the early days when you _ team and securely in the early days when you attracted _ team and securely in the early days when you attracted so _ team and securely in the early days when you attracted so many- team and securely in the early days when you attracted so many new i when you attracted so many new members — when you attracted so many new members to _ when you attracted so many new members to the _ when you attracted so many new members to the labour- when you attracted so many new members to the labour party - when you attracted so many new - members to the labour party although it obviously— members to the labour party although it obviously led — members to the labour party although it obviously led to _ members to the labour party although it obviously led to a _ members to the labour party although it obviously led to a series _ it obviously led to a series election— it obviously led to a series election defeat. _ it obviously led to a series election defeat. if- it obviously led to a series election defeat. if you - it obviously led to a series. election defeat. if you were advising _ election defeat. if you were advising keir— election defeat. if you were advising keir starmer-

election defeat. if you were advising keir starmer now, | election defeat. if you were - advising keir starmer now, what would _ advising keir starmer now, what would you — advising keir starmer now, what would you be _ advising keir starmer now, what would you be telling _ advising keir starmer now, what would you be telling him - advising keir starmer now, what would you be telling him to - advising keir starmer now, what would you be telling him to do, i would you be telling him to do, because — would you be telling him to do, because you _ would you be telling him to do, because you clearly _ would you be telling him to do, because you clearly do - would you be telling him to do, because you clearly do not - would you be telling him to do, | because you clearly do not think would you be telling him to do, i because you clearly do not think it is working — because you clearly do not think it is working and _ because you clearly do not think it is working and connecting - because you clearly do not think it is working and connecting and i because you clearly do not think it i is working and connecting and making enough _ is working and connecting and making enough progress? _ is working and connecting and making enough progress? l— is working and connecting and making enough progress?— enough progress? i think the first thin to enough progress? i think the first thing to say _ enough progress? i think the first thing to say is _ enough progress? i think the first thing to say is jeremy _ enough progress? i think the first thing to say is jeremy corbyn i enough progress? i think the first thing to say is jeremy corbyn also .ot thing to say is jeremy corbyn also got a _ thing to say is jeremy corbyn also got a good — thing to say is jeremy corbyn also got a good result in 2017, about one in 2019. _ got a good result in 2017, about one in 2019. but— got a good result in 2017, about one in 2019, but learn the lessons from that _ in 2019, but learn the lessons from that labour— in 2019, but learn the lessons from that. labour got a lot more members, it got— that. labour got a lot more members, it got masses — that. labour got a lot more members, it got masses of people on the streets. — it got masses of people on the streets, there was an enthusiasm for labour— streets, there was an enthusiasm for labour in _ streets, there was an enthusiasm for labour in 2017 and of course it did not end _ labour in 2017 and of course it did not end well in 2019 but it can be channelled, keir starmer is keen to emphasise — channelled, keir starmer is keen to emphasise his professionalism as a politician _ emphasise his professionalism as a politician and if you can combine those, _ politician and if you can combine those, professionalism and enthusiasm, he would be on course. at the _ enthusiasm, he would be on course. at the moment, there is too much briefing _ at the moment, there is too much briefing and everything that is wrong — briefing and everything that is wrong with labour is down to the last bloke — wrong with labour is down to the last bloke. that is nonsense. labour has lost _ last bloke. that is nonsense. labour has lost the — last bloke. that is nonsense. labour has lost the last four general election— has lost the last four general election and only two of those are jeremy— election and only two of those are jeremy corbyn so the problems for labour— jeremy corbyn so the problems for labour predated him so unite the party— labour predated him so unite the party which is what he said he would do, party which is what he said he would do. for— party which is what he said he would do. for one. — party which is what he said he would do, for one, focus on the conservatives and the positive message — conservatives and the positive message that labour has got and

really— message that labour has got and really start to set out a bold alternative. you know, we're in a real crisis — alternative. you know, we're in a real crisis. people's finances are in a terrible _ real crisis. people's finances are in a terrible state. as a food bank at the _ in a terrible state. as a food bank at the end — in a terrible state. as a food bank at the end of my road and i have never— at the end of my road and i have never seen — at the end of my road and i have never seen the queue as long as was last night— never seen the queue as long as was last night as — never seen the queue as long as was last night as i went to canvas for labour— last night as i went to canvas for labour so — last night as i went to canvas for labour so there is real problems. and people want solutions. labour needs— and people want solutions. labour needs to _ and people want solutions. labour needs to be absolutely laser focused on answering people's concerns, not on answering people's concerns, not on fighting _ on answering people's concerns, not on fighting internally, and i think if keir— on fighting internally, and i think if keir starmerand his on fighting internally, and i think if keir starmer and his team could focus _ if keir starmer and his team could focus on _ if keir starmer and his team could focus on that, can put forward bold alternative. — focus on that, can put forward bold alternative, i think they can win. there's— alternative, i think they can win. there's a — alternative, i think they can win. there's a real opportunity and the conservatives are on the and labour is not _ conservatives are on the and labour is not quite — conservatives are on the and labour is not quite quite taking advantage. about what you say about these keir starmer is not being brave or enough? starmer is not being brave or enou~h? �* ., ., enough? and when i do get on well. if ou enough? and when i do get on well. if you extrapolated _ enough? and when i do get on well. if you extrapolated or _ enough? and when i do get on well. if you extrapolated or took - enough? and when i do get on well.

if you extrapolated or took the i if you extrapolated or took the aggregate result, labour would win bolton east and west, west mitch, workington, copeland and hartlepool and lincoln and others. wejust gained stourbridge in the dudley borough. and was correct. we need to continue to make an argument to the british people about how we will improve their lives and we will tackle this desperate cost—of—living crisis because it's blatantly obvious conservatives don't have any answer. he obvious conservatives don't have any answer. , ,, ., obvious conservatives don't have any answer. , ,, . , ., �* answer. he is saying what you're doinu is answer. he is saying what you're doing is not _ answer. he is saying what you're doing is not being _ answer. he is saying what you're doing is not being bold _ answer. he is saying what you're doing is not being bold enough l answer. he is saying what you're i doing is not being bold enough and it's too much infighting, not being inclusive enough and a party. not being convincing enough or interesting enough, not having enthusiasm. i interesting enough, not having enthusiasm.— interesting enough, not having enthusiasm. . , i, , interesting enough, not having enthusiasm. . , ., enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. _ enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. we _ enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. we will _ enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. we will have - enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. we will have to i enthusiasm. i always try my best to be interesting. we will have to do, | be interesting. we will have to do, there could be a general election. today that has boris johnson's latest trick to try and save his skin. but we will obviously as we

move towards the general election, come forward with the policies of how we want to change the country are big challenges, from an ageing society to climate change, our children have missed the best part of two academic years of education, big challenges facing the country the conservatives have no answers. 1 the conservatives have no answers. i put this latestjohn the conservatives have no answers. i put this latest john curtice note to put this latestjohn curtice note to you. labourare put this latestjohn curtice note to you. labour are losing one in six of the seats tonight and conservative losses in england could belowjust below 250 seats when all of the votes are counted. would that the e within the range that ties in with a previous comment saying conservative mps are not going to be too rattled.

predictions of hundreds and hundreds of seat _ predictions of hundreds and hundreds of seat losses. that is well below that _ of seat losses. that is well below that that — of seat losses. that is well below that. that is reassuring in a broader— that. that is reassuring in a broader context. i think we also need _ broader context. i think we also need to— broader context. i think we also need to look at what is happening on the flip— need to look at what is happening on the flip side. there to that. 2014, when _ the flip side. there to that. 2014, when the — the flip side. there to that. 2014, when the seats, when ed miliband gained _ when the seats, when ed miliband gained around 320 or so, in 2018 when _ gained around 320 or so, in 2018 when the — gained around 320 or so, in 2018 when the rock last time, jeremy corbyn — when the rock last time, jeremy corbyn gained around 80 or so net gains _ corbyn gained around 80 or so net gains in _ corbyn gained around 80 or so net gains in those elections. tonight, we're _ gains in those elections. tonight, we're seeing labour really hovering around, _ we're seeing labour really hovering around, making any progress, jeremy corbyn _ around, making any progress, jeremy corbyn was _ around, making any progress, jeremy corbyn was in 2018 in those elections. it was difficult to extrapolate but we are really not seeing _ extrapolate but we are really not seeing massive progress in any endeavours across the board, certainly _ endeavours across the board, certainly from labour tonight. richard, — certainly from labour tonight. richard, you would be quite happy with about 250? i’m richard, you would be quite happy with about 250?— richard, you would be quite happy with about 250? i'm not happy losing an . but with about 250? i'm not happy losing any- itut the — with about 250? i'm not happy losing any. but the government _ with about 250? i'm not happy losing

any. but the government in - with about 250? i'm not happy losing| any. but the government in midterm, the government _ any. but the government in midterm, the government that's _ any. but the government in midterm, the government that's been - any. but the government in midterm, the government that's been in i any. but the government in midterm, the government that's been in power| the government that's been in power for a long time, it's midterm. 250 seats, a lot of conservatives i talk to lively would say that is absolutely manageable at this stage. i don't want to see any counsellors lose their seats. i’m i don't want to see any counsellors lose their seats.— lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the _ lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the areas _ lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the areas i _ lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the areas i visit, - lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the areas i visit, you i lose their seats. i'm really hopeful some of the areas i visit, you are i some of the areas i visit, you are absolutely— some of the areas i visit, you are absolutely right, predictions of hundreds and hundreds of seat losses between _ hundreds and hundreds of seat losses between four, five, six, maybe up to 1000 in some cases, it would be disastrous. it is looking far better— would be disastrous. it is looking far better than that in predictions. just far better than that in predictions. just want — far better than that in predictions. just want to hear from john curtice. london is hard to gauge because the boundary changes but based on early results, john curtice says it is not clear that labour's performance in london is going to be better than its relatively disappointing performance so far outside of the capital. in london, not going to be

better than performance outside. with that surprise you? taste better than performance outside. with that surprise you?— better than performance outside. with that surprise you? we look like we're auoin with that surprise you? we look like we're going to _ with that surprise you? we look like we're going to be — with that surprise you? we look like we're going to be taking _ with that surprise you? we look like | we're going to be taking wandsworth. we've just taken a seat of the tories in the marginal oxbridge consistency, so we do appear to be making progress in london. but we did do well in london in 2018. it's a high watermark if you like. what i'm also interested in is the progress we are making across the country and also tomorrow you will see us making progress in scotland as well. , ., ., as well. interesting to look out for. a as well. interesting to look out for- a lot _ as well. interesting to look out for- a lot of — as well. interesting to look out for. a lot of chatter _ as well. interesting to look out for. a lot of chatter and i for. a lot of chatter and expectation in the local movement that they may move beyond the conservatives in scotland to be challenges to the snp. but big picture, the snp look like they will continue to defy political gravity and stay absolutely dominant. they are jockeying to get back into second place. anyway, those results are still a long way away so maybe

not get into that right now. sadly i think you are both leaving us stop don't go yet. i'm going to delay the news for a second to give you just a final comment each. thank you just a final comment each. thank you both. just as you leave on before your colleagues replace ours, you first, john. are you in a position at this point at 3:30am where you are relatively encouraged or are you in a position where you're going to tell your fellow workers in the labour party that yes, we are on course, this looks like election winning territory for us in two years' time, are you really in that position? i us in two years' time, are you really in that position?- us in two years' time, are you really in that position? i think it is encouraging. _ really in that position? i think it is encouraging. we _ really in that position? i think it is encouraging. we have i really in that position? i think it is encouraging. we have made l is encouraging. we have made progress on the types of constituency that will be the battleground for the next general election and i think what we are seeing is, the british people are

fed up with a government that has not done anything to help them with a cost—of—living crisis, worsened the crisis with their tax rises and cuts to things like the pension and universal credit and with inflation hitting 10% at the end of this year, we've got runaway inflation, they lost control of the economy and i'm afraid boris johnson's lost control of the economy and i'm afraid borisjohnson's government has run out of ideas and solutions. i think these results are far better than a _ i think these results are far better than a lot— i think these results are far better than a lot of people predicted over the last— than a lot of people predicted over the last few weeks. what we've seen very clearly _ the last few weeks. what we've seen very clearly is that keir starmer is not cutting — very clearly is that keir starmer is not cutting through, hardly any progress — not cutting through, hardly any progress compared to 2018, places like wandsworth, the only seat that jeremy— like wandsworth, the only seat that jeremy corbyn and again in 2019 when he took— jeremy corbyn and again in 2019 when he took battersea. we are not seeing those _ he took battersea. we are not seeing those big _ he took battersea. we are not seeing those big changes. obviously there are major— those big changes. obviously there are major issues to address for the country _ are major issues to address for the country a — are major issues to address for the country. a lot of that fallout from an international situation but you can get— an international situation but you can get some of those sorts of issues — can get some of those sorts of issues on _ can get some of those sorts of issues on the international stage coming _ issues on the international stage coming down, deal with those impacts

domestically, i think you can definitely build back from these results — definitely build back from these results tonight. you definitely build back from these results tonight.— definitely build back from these results tonight. definitely build back from these results toniaht. ., ,., , . results tonight. you both deserve a tea or a coffee _ results tonight. you both deserve a tea or a coffee or _ results tonight. you both deserve a tea or a coffee or whatever - results tonight. you both deserve a tea or a coffee or whatever else i results tonight. you both deserve a| tea or a coffee or whatever else you want to drink. can ijust say tea or a coffee or whatever else you want to drink. can i just say to andrew and robert, thank you for two excellent contributions. thank you for joining excellent contributions. thank you forjoining us as well. let's get a little break and an update on the news and let's join tim again. little break and an update on the news and let'sjoin tim again. thank you very much indeed. early indications show the liberal democrats are seeing an increase in support, particulary in conservative areas, in the local elections in england. there have also been small swings from the conservatives to labour. voters in england, wales and scotland cast their ballots to decide thousands of local authority seats. northern ireland has been choosing a new stormont assembly. our political correspondent, helen catt, reports: voters across the country went to the polls to elect thousands of local counsellors who will run their services and set taxes.

all the political parties can do now is watch and wait as the votes are counted. for borisjohnson and the conservatives, these elections we have made gains in the tory seats we are targeting and exceeds labour in places like hull, we took a seat labour in sunderland, the party to make a gains against the conservatives and the labour party. they've taken some notable conservative seats as well. like that of the leader of colchester council. i'm not sure it's necessarily about the state of his politics but that would be the biggest issue. the greens have made some early gains. the conservatives and labour, these first results have been more of a

mixed bag. brute first results have been more of a mixed bag-— mixed bag. we lost two county council seats _ mixed bag. we lost two county council seats in _ mixed bag. we lost two county council seats in my _ mixed bag. we lost two county council seats in my elections. i council seats in my elections. you've just lost hull to the lib dems — you've 'ust lost hull to the lib dems. �* , . , ., dems. it's a terrible night for the tories. dems. it's a terrible night for the tories- keir— dems. it's a terrible night for the tories. keir starmer _ dems. it's a terrible night for the tories. keir starmer is _ dems. it's a terrible night for the tories. keir starmer is under- tories. keir starmer is under pressure _ tories. keir starmer is under pressure to _ tories. keir starmer is under pressure to show _ tories. keir starmer is under pressure to show he - tories. keir starmer is under pressure to show he is i tories. keir starmer is underl pressure to show he is finding tories. keir starmer is under. pressure to show he is finding a tories. keir starmer is under- pressure to show he is finding a way backin pressure to show he is finding a way back in for labour. the party has held the key council of sunderland but with a small majority. we held the key council of sunderland but with a small majority.- held the key council of sunderland but with a small majority. but with a small ma'ority. we got a win in the south, _ but with a small majority. we got a win in the south, when _ but with a small majority. we got a win in the south, when in _ but with a small majority. we got a win in the south, when in london, | win in the south, when in london, it's a long night. and a long morning. let's see where we end up. start with winning sunderland, i am a very happy man, a 43% share of the vote, very happy indeed. expectations of big gains are being downplayed they have made a strong start start in conservative held southampton and the newly created cumberland council. conservative leader of carlisle council is clear why. leader of carlisle council is clear wh . �* , ., , leader of carlisle council is clear wh. �*, ., , why. it's not 'ust partygate, there is the why. it's notjust partygate, there is the integrity — why. it's notjust partygate, there is the integrity issue. _ why. it's notjust partygate, there is the integrity issue. basically .

why. it's notjust partygate, there is the integrity issue. basically i l is the integrity issue. basically i just don't feel people have the confidence that their prime minister can be relied upon to tell the truth. ., �* , can be relied upon to tell the truth. . �* , ., , ., truth. that's quite a big thing to sa , isn't truth. that's quite a big thing to say. isn't it? — truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's _ truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what - truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can see the point of view. the borisjohnson and the conservatives, these elections appear to have been the opposite of appear to have been the opposite of a walk in the park. they've held several councils including harlow nx ——sx and other largest party in hartlepool but they are bracing themselves for a bad night in london and parts of the south of england. i think they lost barnett in north london and wandsworth in south london and wandsworth in south london is looking tight and had been tipped to go read after 44 years of conservative control. not all councils overnight tonight. the rest will start tomorrow. in these elections are about local issues but as the results come in, they will also paint a national picture.

there will be no counting until later this morning in scotland, wales or northern ireland. in scotland and wales, where people can vote from the age of 16, seats in all councils are being contested. voters in northern ireland will elect members of the assembly. it comes a few months after the democratic unionist party resigned from the first minister role, causing the executive to collapse. if you want to find out the result in your area, head to the bbc news website or bbc news app and enter your postcode. you'll also find lots of election analysis and the latest reports from our teams around the country. in other news, interest rates are now at their highest level for more than a decade, as the bank of england tries to curb inflation. rates have risen 4 times since december, and are now up from 0.75% to 1%. the rate at which prices increase is expected to hit more than 10% by the end of the year. the inflation figure is as its highest level since the early 1980s.

rising fuel, energy and food costs, partly the result of the war in ukraine are to blame. and there are warnings of a real risk of recession because the economy, which was predicted to grow next year by more than 1%, is now expected to shrink by 0.25%. the convenience store chain mccoll�*s has warned it is on the brink of collapse. the company runs more than a thousand shops in britain, and employs about 16,000 people. mccoll�*s has struggled during the pandemic because of supply chain issues, inflation, and debt. it says it's seeking a loan to shore up the business. the energy giant, shell has announced record profits of more than £7 billion for the first quarter of this year. that's nearly three times the figure for the same period in 2021, as the cost of energy has sky rocketed. like its rival bp, shell is benefiting from the surge in oil and gas prices because of the war in ukraine. it's led to calls for a one—off

windfall tax on oil companies. vladimir putin has called on ukrainian troops, holed up in a steel works in the southern port of mariupol, to surrender. it's the last stronghold of ukrainian resistance in the beseiged port city and around 200 civilians are thought to be sheltering in its underground tunnels and bunkers. the commander leading ukrainian troops inside the steel works says difficult, bloody battles are being fought. those are the main story so far. a very warm welcome back to the bbc election studio. it is quarter to fourin election studio. it is quarter to four in the morning and we have 50

local authorities declared out of a total of 146 in england because, just to remind you, we are focusing on england overnight. scotland and wales and northern ireland and the rest of the english local authorities will be coming up later today, during friday, and even into saturday morning. so bear with us, we will be focusing on the remaining results overnight towards 6pm and seven am so important results coming in terms of the pattern tells us something about whether parties stand —— where the parties stand —— 6am. we have a new set of guests, thank you forjoining us, nice to have you. laura is with us still. we willjoin reeta just bring us up to date with the latest results that we have. b, date with the latest results that we have. �* . ., , date with the latest results that we have. �* u, , ., , have. a couple of interesting results for _ have. a couple of interesting results for you, _ have. a couple of interesting results for you, huw. - have. a couple of interesting | results for you, huw. auster, have. a couple of interesting - results for you, huw. auster, the conservatives have lost control of it and it is now a hung council, the

only gained it last year when labour lost seats —— worchester. it has now gone into no overall control. worchester of course made famous by tony blair, for whom worchester woman was a key target photo. let's have a look and see what has happened with the seats here. there we go. the conservatives have lost three seats and labour, the greens and the liberal democrats have each gained one piece. i want to show you one more result that we've had in which is derby, which has the, it has remained hung in here, the conservatives are the largest party but they are short by eight seats butler public again and see what has happened —— but let's have a look again. ukip has lost two seats labour and the reform party as well as an independent but have been the

beneficiaries and what is always so interesting is the change in the share of the vote so that is the bold share but this is the change in the share of the vote. fascinating that the conservative vote and the ukip votes have gone right down and you can see who the beneficiaries are and what's interesting is that this is a leave voting area, as was worchester, this is maybe not the sort of result you would expect in council areas of these.— sort of result you would expect in council areas of these. reeta, thank ou so council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much. _ council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much. i— council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much, i noticed _ council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much, i noticed one - council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much, i noticed one of- council areas of these. reeta, thank you so much, i noticed one of the i you so much, i noticed one of the green gains in worchester and i wanted to talk about the greens in the second but let me bring in an update from wandsworth in south west london we have been keeping an eye on that because it has been conservative since 1978. labour have come quite close to taking it over in the past but have failed but labour have got two more seats against there, we are told, compared

to the estimated baseline, making three games in total. —— gains. john curtice, leading a team, tells us as long as they do not lose any seats they are defending, they are on course to take that councils of that would be a symbolic win indeed for labour in wandsworth but we will talk about that a little later because paul has joined talk about that a little later because paul hasjoined us, paul scully is ministerfor because paul hasjoined us, paul scully is minister for london, because paul hasjoined us, paul scully is ministerfor london, among his other duties, so we will chat about that. talking about the greens, an important story of the night, no question, the strength of the green performance. if we look at the green performance. if we look at the keyboard analysis, over 700 key wards, you can see that we have virtually half of them declared. —— key ward analysis. labour down 1%, torez down four, lib dem up two but the greens up three, the independence also up three —— tories. it is very, very much, the

greens, performance is in sharp focus this evening and in all parts of england, some very strong pockets indeed. so what i would like to do now is bring in adrian ramsay, the coleader of the green party in england and wales. thank you for joining us. england and wales. thank you for 'oinin: us. ,, ~ ,, ~ ,, england and wales. thank you for i joining us._ where joining us. (speaks welsh). where ou stand joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with _ joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with a _ joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with a party _ joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with a party and _ joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with a party and how - joining us. (speaks welsh). where you stand with a party and how do i you stand with a party and how do you stand with a party and how do you assess the performance so far. we are really pleased with the progress we are making an building on the gains we have made in recent years we have seen further significant gains from the country —— across the conservative and across england and you mentioned now or star which has gone into no overall control, so to make green gains there from the conservatives have made a big impact in wrestling the council away from the conservatives and putting the greens in a position of real influence. other areas like south tyneside, traditional labour area, we have

seen a doubling of the number greens, six seats there, and it is reflected across the country where we have seen green gains from labour and the conservatives and building to record numbers of green counsellors across the country. can we talk about _ counsellors across the country. can we talk about the campaign in terms of what you've been hearing on the doorstep because we've heard this from different perspectives over the last four hours or so with some people citing local issues and some people citing local issues and some people fighting changes in their local areas, low traffic networks and all the rest of it. and of course focusing on a bigger national picture to do with national politics. what would your guide be to the things that have driven your vote? i to the things that have driven your vote? ~ , to the things that have driven your vote? ~' , ., ., vote? i think there is a mixture of factors so — vote? i think there is a mixture of factors so certainly _ vote? i think there is a mixture of factors so certainly national- factors so certainly national factors so certainly national factors and partygate came up on the doorstep, people disillusioned with the establishment parties, but it's just one factor. i think the biggest is people looking for a positive alternative, in terms of the green message nationally and the urgency

with which we need to tackle the climate crisis and the cost of living crisis and people reckon i think that those are intertwined, and also people responding positively to strong green campaigning on the ground. greens as champions in their communities and standing upfor champions in their communities and standing up for them on issues which are overlooked by other parties, whether that air quality or improving public transport or protecting the green spaces that we know and love or in sharing the housing market for ensuring the housing market for ensuring the housing built is affordable to local people so these issues come up across the country and people have responded to green policies. laura here in the — responded to green policies. laura here in the studio, _ responded to green policies. laura here in the studio, at _ responded to green policies. laura here in the studio, at the - responded to green policies. laura here in the studio, at the beginning of the _ here in the studio, at the beginning of the night we were talking to your colleague _ of the night we were talking to your colleague who was reluctant to get into discussions of numbers and said mayhe _ into discussions of numbers and said maybe double figures we may be. are you a _ maybe double figures we may be. are you a bit surprised, actually, by this? _ you a bit surprised, actually, by this? if— you a bit surprised, actually, by this? ifthis— you a bit surprised, actually, by this? if this election had come perhaps— this? if this election had come perhaps straight off the back of the c0p2ti— perhaps straight off the back of the c0p26 in_ perhaps straight off the back of the cop26 in glasgow or a time when people _ cop26 in glasgow or a time when people were focused on the climate change _

people were focused on the climate change debate, then perhaps it may have been_ change debate, then perhaps it may have been international since more sort of— have been international since more sort of understandable. are you surprised — sort of understandable. are you surprised because people are so focused — surprised because people are so focused on energy costs and the costs _ focused on energy costs and the costs of— focused on energy costs and the costs of living and sometimes, green politics— costs of living and sometimes, green politics have — costs of living and sometimes, green politics have seemed, to some voters perhaps. _ politics have seemed, to some voters perhaps. a _ politics have seemed, to some voters perhaps, a bit of an indulgence sometimes. perhaps, a bit of an indulgence sometimes-— perhaps, a bit of an indulgence sometimes. ., ., ., . ., sometimes. hello, laura. we are leased sometimes. hello, laura. we are pleased with _ sometimes. hello, laura. we are pleased with the _ sometimes. hello, laura. we are pleased with the results - sometimes. hello, laura. we are pleased with the results we - sometimes. hello, laura. we are pleased with the results we are i pleased with the results we are seeing across the country but we're not surprised. it reflects the strong green on the ground, the positive response we've been getting and also the cost of living crisis is absolutely top of people's mines —— strong green campaigning. —— minders. it is tied up with addressing our addiction to fossil fuels. a few weeks ago i was on the doorstep in suffolk and i was speaking to a gentleman in his garden and the first thing he said to me was "we need to invest more in renewable energy" and he was saying that to me partly because of the climate crisis but thinking about the war in ukraine and the problems there with our addiction to fossil fuels but the cost of living crisis also because you luckiest homes in

europe in europe in the uk and people are struggling to pay their fuel bills at the moment and yet, when you have the heating on, it goes out of the door and out of the window —— leakiest homes. people see the links between these issues and responding to positive greens issues. ., ., ~ ., ., issues. you mentioned ukraine and durin: the issues. you mentioned ukraine and during the campaign _ issues. you mentioned ukraine and during the campaign there - issues. you mentioned ukraine and during the campaign there had - issues. you mentioned ukraine and| during the campaign there had been talks of— during the campaign there had been talks of the greens suggesting we should _ talks of the greens suggesting we should not be part of nato anymore. there _ should not be part of nato anymore. there are _ should not be part of nato anymore. there are some of your policies that mayhe _ there are some of your policies that maybe people may seem to be uncomfortably radical. do you think people _ uncomfortably radical. do you think people are — uncomfortably radical. do you think people are looking at you as a serious — people are looking at you as a serious party potentially with government or running councils around — government or running councils around the country? we government or running councils around the country?— government or running councils around the country? we are focused on how we can _ around the country? we are focused on how we can support _ around the country? we are focused on how we can support the - around the country? we are focused on how we can support the people i around the country? we are focused| on how we can support the people of ukraine through the conflict and we are putting forward policies on all of the range of national issues, as well as local, and people are responding positively to that. you ask people envisage greens running councils? there are already 15 councils? there are already 15 councils across the country where greens are imposition ofjoint administration. now delivering real policies that make a difference to

people on the ground. i think the greens are coming of age and people are seeing that we can deliver critical policies that make a difference for people locally and as a positive choice for people to invest their vote in.— a positive choice for people to invest their vote in. thank you very much, invest their vote in. thank you very much. indeed- _ invest their vote in. thank you very much, indeed. thank— invest their vote in. thank you very much, indeed. thank you - invest their vote in. thank you very much, indeed. thank you to - invest their vote in. thank you very much, indeed. thank you to adrian j much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsa . i much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsay- i want _ much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsay. i want to _ much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsay. i want to go _ much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsay. i want to go quickly - much, indeed. thank you to adrian ramsay. i want to go quickly to - ramsay. i want to go quickly to barnet because that is another of the contests we are keeping an eye on in north london. ari rollings is the labour group leader there. thank you very much forjoining us —— barry. are you good to become the next council leader?— next council leader? well, i cannot sa that next council leader? well, i cannot say that for— next council leader? well, i cannot say that for definite _ next council leader? well, i cannot say that for definite because - next council leader? well, i cannot say that for definite because there | say that for definite because there are still declarations to be made but it does seem like we are doing well. we are picking up seats and hopefully we will know within a couple of hours whether we have but it seems like it has been a good campaign, we won't hard and there is certainly a feeling for a change and

i'll be honest, it is notjust being wonderful, i think a lot of conservative people have not voted this time, they feel alienated and inaudible i don't know... they are a bit disappointed in borisjohnson. i think it has made a difference as well. i think it has made a difference as well. ~ ., think it has made a difference as well. ~' ., . think it has made a difference as well. ~ ., ., , ., think it has made a difference as well. ~ ., ., ., ., ., well. i know that you have made four names so well. i know that you have made four games so far. _ well. i know that you have made four games so far, the _ well. i know that you have made four games so far, the conservative - well. i know that you have made four games so far, the conservative lost l games so far, the conservative lost four and argue pretty confident you are heading in the right direction, yes? are heading in the right direction, es? ., , ., are heading in the right direction, es? ., ., yes? -- are you? i am confident we are heading — yes? -- are you? i am confident we are heading in _ yes? -- are you? i am confident we are heading in the _ yes? -- are you? i am confident we are heading in the right _ yes? -- are you? i am confident we are heading in the right direction. i are heading in the right direction. it worries me i was doing this four years ago and it seems, i don't know where those four years have gone but pretty different circumstances, four years ago you were talking to me and the main issue was anti—semitism, and it hardly came up on the doorstep. so i think certainly, labour is no longer the inaudible and we have turned a corner on that

but it was fought on local issues, mainly. i won't pretend national issues don't have an effect. yeah, we have had a good campaign, we have good candidates. i think we may well be in council but we won't know for another couple of hours. it may end in tears and you may show this and show waterfall i am but at the moment it feels very good. mr rawlings, or in the studio. i remember clearly four years ago when you had _ remember clearly four years ago when you had identified what you heard about— you had identified what you heard about anti—semitism on the doorstep and you _ about anti—semitism on the doorstep and you were very emotional about that and _ and you were very emotional about that and he — and you were very emotional about that and he said he hoped you would not he _ that and he said he hoped you would not he in _ that and he said he hoped you would not be in tears for the wrong reasons _ not be in tears for the wrong reasons tomorrow but i remember that moment. _ reasons tomorrow but i remember that moment, you are almost in tears about— moment, you are almost in tears about what— moment, you are almost in tears about what had happened. i was struck— about what had happened. i was struck also that you said you think you have — struck also that you said you think you have done well not because you have been— you have done well not because you have been wonderful because tory voters _ have been wonderful because tory voters have been disappointed and stayed _ voters have been disappointed and stayed at _ voters have been disappointed and stayed at home. arguably disappointed in...?i

stayed at home. arguably disappointed in...? -- are disappointed in...? ithink. -- are ou a bit disappointed in...? ithink. -- are you a bit disappointed. _ disappointed in...? ithink. -- are you a bit disappointed. i _ disappointed in...? ithink. -- are you a bit disappointed. ithink- disappointed in...? ithink. -- are| you a bit disappointed. i think that is one of the _ you a bit disappointed. i think that is one of the things, _ you a bit disappointed. i think that is one of the things, comparing . you a bit disappointed. i think that is one of the things, comparing to | is one of the things, comparing to four years ago and i remember that and i think what really hit me four years ago was an automatic packed their bags and was worried that she may have to move countries. rightly or wrongly, that's how she perceived the situation. this time, knocking on doors, if you knock on a lot of doors ofjewish people, they want to talk about schools, they want to talk about schools, they want to talk about schools, they want to talk about family homes, the air quality. they do not want to be defined by anti—semitism and labour is no longer inaudible brand so we talk about local issues and a focus on local people and it is a lot easier being a labour leader in barnet now than it was four years ago, if i will be honest. i5 barnet now than it was four years ago, if i will be honest. is it barnet now than it was four years ago, if i will be honest.— ago, if i will be honest. is it as eas or ago, if i will be honest. is it as easy or as _ ago, if i will be honest. is it as

easy or as positive _ ago, if i will be honest. is it as easy or as positive as - ago, if i will be honest. is it as easy or as positive as it - ago, if i will be honest. is it as easy or as positive as it should ago, if i will be honest. is it as- easy or as positive as it should be, 'ust easy or as positive as it should be, just on— easy or as positive as it should be, just on the — easy or as positive as it should be, just on the other point, you noted it was— just on the other point, you noted it was not— just on the other point, you noted it was not us being wonderful, it was tory— it was not us being wonderful, it was tory voters being disappointed. ithink— was tory voters being disappointed. i think there are two or three things, the reasons why if we do win, but has made the difference. i think there is a definite alienation amongst conservative votes with boris johnson's amongst conservative votes with borisjohnson's government. i think we have gone back to, like, the basics. a lot of what you do at the local level, if you get the basics right. it is the potholes and pavements and people may discourage that but when you think about it, when you open your front door, how does your local area appear? the streets seem clean? has rubbish been taken away? is the air musty? all these things are very important. this is where local government can make a difference. the other biggest difference is the post— covid stuff. sorry, i may be talking too much.

after covid—i9 people realise the importance of local authority, local government, on the free school meals, grants for businesses, making sure the waste is collected and public health. suddenly, people got a clear idea that local government is actually important. once it is important. what we do is important. i think that has made a difference as well. i do think we run a very good local campaign. we have the local issues right. i think an automatic sustainability, standing up automatic sustainability, standing up to developers, probably because you were talking about the cost of living crisis, we have found a different way of funding adult social care. we have the finances signed off and said it is viable which means we will be given £2 million back to the people of barnet to help them with their bills. mr rawlings, good to talk to you and thank you indeed. he is a labour

leader in barnet who may well be the next council leader there. he made lots of interesting points which i will put to these two and a moment because i want to talk tojohn curtis first. labour's performance in london, if i can talk about that first, because of course, with the barnet result looking as it does and wandsworth, etc, would suggest labour is having a pretty terrific time in london. how would you describe it? drain holes to be honest, let's assume labour have gotten those seeds, and we agree with you on wandsworth. to seeds, and we agree with you on wandsworth-— seeds, and we agree with you on wandsworth. ., , ., , ., wandsworth. to be honest, if labour hadn't won wandsworth _ wandsworth. to be honest, if labour hadn't won wandsworth and - wandsworth. to be honest, if labour hadn't won wandsworth and barnet, | wandsworth. to be honest, if labour| hadn't won wandsworth and barnet, it would have been a shock. they are both places where frankly, we expected labour to win. the crucial question in london will eventually be whether there is any evidence

they go beyond that, do they manage to do best to gain control of westminster or hillingdon? but otherwise, it didn't need terribly long large swings for those councils to fall, doesn't look like labour is getting large sling —— swings in london. they will help to give labour headlines but in truth, they are simply not much more than what we would expect given what looks like a modest swing from conservative to labour. labour supporters down slightly as well. and outside london, what would you say? and outside london, what would you sa ? ., , ., ., and outside london, what would you sa ? ., ., say? labour have indeed, it looks as thouah say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they — say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are _ say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are going _ say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are going to _ say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are going to pick- say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are going to pick up - say? labour have indeed, it looks as though they are going to pick up the | though they are going to pick up the one council that was on everyone's lips. they have managed to deny the

tories control of worcester. not sure they are going to win when he more such headlines but we will wait and see. we've heard more than what labour spokesman is of said during the evening, labour is now recording a small net increase in number of seats. in pointing out various ways in which the party is doing better. of course what we have to remember is with our first past the post system, if you go down a bit, but your principal opponents go down even more, you will end up making gains of seats even though actually your vote tally has gone down. certainly outside of london, and what we have basically discovered, it's not dramatic but it is a small decline in labour support since 2018. it is an improvement on last year but let's remember that last year's elections were particularly disappointing for the labour party.

we estimate the projected national share last year was putting labour seven points behind so if there wasn't a recovery from that, the labour party would certainly be in an awful lot of trouble. figs labour party would certainly be in an awful lot of trouble.— an awful lot of trouble. as for the conservatives, _ an awful lot of trouble. as for the conservatives, we _ an awful lot of trouble. as for the conservatives, we were _ an awful lot of trouble. as for the conservatives, we were talking i an awful lot of trouble. as for the - conservatives, we were talking about the possibility of conservative mps being alarmed by the set of results, questioning the prime minister's suitability. are we in that territory?— territory? there is every expectation _ territory? there is every expectation we - territory? there is every expectation we would i territory? there is every. expectation we would be. territory? there is every i expectation we would be. it's territory? there is every _ expectation we would be. it's mostly more labour england is voting, because a lot of the councils, only one third of the seats are grabs. because this was a relatively modest conservative performance, as compared with other local elections, the tories did not have a great deal of skin in the game. losing enormous

amounts of seats. but actually the fall in the conservative votes, may well end up being a bit less. it's just that some of the potential consequence of that fall is not going to be as stark as it would be because it's the liberal democrats who have been making some of the progress rather than the labour party. in the end, what conservative mps will have to decide. we are at the moment at a 5.5—6— point swing. over the course the 12 months. it's during the last 12 months is government has gotten into trouble, not since 2018. tory mps will have to decide for themselves whether thatis to decide for themselves whether that is indeed more than a mid—term boost. we will hear that repeatedly in the next 12—18 hours or whether indeed it is a signal that doris

johnson has lost his principal asset of adaptability but that is a judgement they will have to make. one of the people having to make a judgement of course is paul scully was with us as the business minister. a proper good morning now. and to you, bridget phillipson, shadow education secretary. wandsworth. you are going to say, labour was always going to get wandsworth, it was tight. symbolically, it's all been about that your�*s favourite borough and more seriously in terms of policies. delivering a low council tax and excellent services. to lose it, that is indeed the case. it excellent services. to lose it, that is indeed the case.— is indeed the case. it has to be a blow. is indeed the case. it has to be a now it's — is indeed the case. it has to be a now it's going _ is indeed the case. it has to be a blow. it's going to _ is indeed the case. it has to be a blow. it's going to be _ is indeed the case. it has to be a i blow. it's going to be disappointing if we lose it. it is a beacon in

london and elsewhere were it has provided, compared to its direct neighbours. the government funding is very similar. it's difficult to take one council authority from another in different parts of london. you look at council surrounding it, it does stand out quite significantly. resident satisfaction is up there. however, this is clearly, the labour party there would come back to it and say partygate is come up, this is, because they made it all about the national picture and diverted away from the neighbour's lack of delivery in those other borrowers. —— boroughs. you only have to look back when keir starmer asked every prime minister 's question about partygate and it's a wonder why anybody was talking about it. he now

wants to divert his attention away from that and it's disappointing because i used to be a local counsellor and i like local elections, to be on local services. people should be accountable. it could be the message of the night. with labour not been wonderful. it's more a focus on conservatives and westminster. the labour party nationally have clearly not been wonderful. this is all been about the mood music with conservative people may be staying at home rather than labour making a significant gains they need to be making if they want to have a serious tilt of government in the next election. if paul and his colleagues from the opposition benches, and that leader had been involved in partygate stuff, you would have made david so the idea that shouldn't have happened is curious. i’m

the idea that shouldn't have happened is curious. i'm not saying it shouldn't — happened is curious. i'm not saying it shouldn't happen. _ happened is curious. i'm not saying it shouldn't happen. i _ happened is curious. i'm not saying it shouldn't happen. i was - happened is curious. i'm not saying it shouldn't happen. i was actuallyl it shouldn't happen. i was actually a local counsellor during the expenses scandal, i know what it's like to be on the doorstep and have that sort of thing that is way beyond your control. what i do believe in is devolution.- beyond your control. what i do believe in is devolution. there was a oint believe in is devolution. there was a point there _ believe in is devolution. there was a point there richard _ believe in is devolution. there was a point there richard by _ believe in is devolution. there was a point there richard by john i believe in is devolution. there was a point there richard by john when a point there richard byjohn when he was saying, come on, barnett and wandsworth would be our shock, given the closeness with seen in the past, and there was the anti—semitism issue on it which the labour leader seems to have dealt with more effectively. john's real message was that labour's performance wasn't overwhelming, it wasn't that impressive. at this stage, does it bother you?

impressive. at this stage, does it botheryou? i impressive. at this stage, does it bother you?— impressive. at this stage, does it bother ou? ~' �* , ., bother you? i think we've seen real rorress bother you? i think we've seen real progress tonight. — bother you? i think we've seen real progress tonight, i'm _ bother you? i think we've seen real progress tonight, i'm positive i bother you? i think we've seen real| progress tonight, i'm positive about the results — progress tonight, i'm positive about the results we have seen. the impact that keir_ the results we have seen. the impact that keir starmer's leadership has had on _ that keir starmer's leadership has had on the — that keir starmer's leadership has had on the labour party, we can win back seats _ had on the labour party, we can win back seats in — had on the labour party, we can win back seats in places like barnet but it's not _ back seats in places like barnet but it's notiust — back seats in places like barnet but it's notjust in london, we are seeing — it's notjust in london, we are seeing progress in parts of the country— seeing progress in parts of the country where we need to be making gains _ country where we need to be making gains of— country where we need to be making gains of the — country where we need to be making gains of the next general election. it in worcester or derby or cumberland where we've taken the new council _ cumberland where we've taken the new council there. there are three conservative mps, three seats pushing — conservative mps, three seats pushing to take next time, that stands — pushing to take next time, that stands us — pushing to take next time, that stands us in really good stead the next general election. it�*s stands us in really good stead the next general election._ next general election. it's the extent of _ next general election. it's the extent of the _ next general election. it's the extent of the gains. _ next general election. it's the extent of the gains. the i next general election. it's the i extent of the gains. the figures speak for themselves. it says plus 16, i can see it on the board. the i6, i can see it on the board. the tories done 76. it is progress. it's just that it's not enough progress. if you're going to on at that level, it will be kind of ok at the end of the day. kind of ok isn't going to do it. i the day. kind of ck isn't going to do it. ~ �* .

the day. kind of ck isn't going to do it. ~' �* , ., the day. kind of ck isn't going to do it. ~ �* , ., ., the day. kind of ck isn't going to do it. ~ �*, ., ., ., do it. i think it's more than that and the results _ do it. i think it's more than that and the results we _ do it. i think it's more than that and the results we have - do it. i think it's more than that and the results we have seen i do it. i think it's more than that. and the results we have seen are really encouraging and what you've heard from john curtice is because of the cycle on the way these things are' we can achieve. if you look at the areas where we are making progress, we need to win seats of the general election, there is a lot thatis the general election, there is a lot that is positive and when you think to where we were as a party back in 2019, if you said to me then we would be in this position, i would have been absolutely divide delighted. clearly there is more to do. we are not complacent about it. we need to make further gains. this is looking like it's a good result and a good night so farfor us. pauli and a good night so far for us. paul earlier we spoke _ and a good night so far for us. paul earlier we spoke to _ and a good night so far for us. paul earlier we spoke to the conservative leader of carlisle. it was pretty tough on the prime minister. he really did kind of blame him for a disappointing result for the conservatives and he said that

people did question the integrity and things. you accept, for conservative voters, not the people... not the people on site anyway but for conservative voters, the way the prime minister has cancer conducted himself has been a disadvantage. i cancer conducted himself has been a disadvantage-— disadvantage. i think are some conservative _ disadvantage. i think are some conservative voters, _ disadvantage. i think are some conservative voters, and i disadvantage. i think are some conservative voters, and it i disadvantage. i think are some i conservative voters, and it depends on where you are in the country to be honest. if you're in the middle of london, just going back afterwards. whereas it might have done for lib dem and labour activists who prompted for that. clearly i'm sure it came up more. but it did. it came up exactly twice today. conservative voters that i voted. three separate wards around the borrowers. i'm only reporting

what i've heard. it comes back to the fact that this is a mid—term election for the conservatives. i2 election for the conservatives. 12 years in government now. a lot of headwinds. we clearly need to tackle and get back to focusing on that. things in our dayjob rather than being wonderful and getting ready for government. we being wonderful and getting ready for government.— for government. we can tell you labour campaign _ for government. we can tell you labour campaign hq _ for government. we can tell you labour campaign hq sources i for government. we can tell you i labour campaign hq sources have told us borisjohnson losing wandsworth is monumental, this was the tories jewel in the crown and claiming that voters and wandsworth have put their trust in the change that keir starmer's labour is representing. interesting, pointing to what keir starmer has been doing in his time in charge of the party. i mean, that isn't necessarily a surprise as we are hearing. i can tell you this morning, both the parties are moving resources there, it did feel as if it was that tired but do you have a concern as the minister for london

and as a southern conservative mp about this seesaw were in the south—east and in london, whether it's down to what borisjohnson has been a two, sometime it is the demographics or the malaise of midterms, i2 demographics or the malaise of midterms, 12 years in office. do you worry you are seeing a seesaw or a geographical split with the tories are less welcoming parts of the country. i5 are less welcoming parts of the count . . . are less welcoming parts of the count . , , , ., country. is shifted little bit over the last few _ country. is shifted little bit over the last few years _ country. is shifted little bit over the last few years in _ country. is shifted little bit over the last few years in the - country. is shifted little bit over| the last few years in the country but wandsworth, we onlyjust the last few years in the country but wandsworth, we only just wanted last time, which didn't go for us. in terms of the big pick. there. frankly, as minister the london it's my to worry. frankly, as minister the london it's my to worry-— my to worry. you will be more worried tomorrow _ my to worry. you will be more worried tomorrow morning? i | my to worry. you will be more i worried tomorrow morning? i wait my to worry. you will be more - worried tomorrow morning? i wait for londoners because _ worried tomorrow morning? i wait for londoners because what _ worried tomorrow morning? i wait for londoners because what i've - worried tomorrow morning? i wait for londoners because what i've heard i londoners because what i've heard over the last four or five or six years in london is a lot of talk about values, notjust mine, because

london is a very value driven city, very cosmopolitan and diverse, diagnosing the problem is that many solutions. from the mouth through local government and it's myjob really to get to the heart of that and work with the mayor and the labour counsellors and others. and driver far more delivery focused vision for london rather than the slightly amorphous mass we have. what you mean? i’m slightly amorphous mass we have. what you mean?— what you mean? i'm not enough delivery on _ what you mean? i'm not enough delivery on housing, _ what you mean? i'm not enough delivery on housing, crime, i what you mean? i'm not enough delivery on housing, crime, air. delivery on housing, crime, air pollution, all the things that londoners are affected by over the next few years. i'm hearing a lot of talk, a lot of diagnosis but no delivery. talk, a lot of diagnosis but no delive . �* . . talk, a lot of diagnosis but no delive . �* , , ., delivery. it's interesting we are heanna delivery. it's interesting we are hearing talk— delivery. it's interesting we are hearing talk about _ delivery. it's interesting we are hearing talk about how - delivery. it's interesting we are hearing talk about how the i hearing talk about how the government has been in power for 12 years— government has been in power for 12 years and _ government has been in power for 12 years and they have been in boris johnson _ years and they have been in boris johnson was keen to distance himself from the _ johnson was keen to distance himself from the government's record but if they want— from the government's record but if they want to have this argument about— they want to have this argument

about the — they want to have this argument about the record, that puts the labour — about the record, that puts the labour party and a strong position for the _ labour party and a strong position for the general election because we have a _ for the general election because we have a government out of ideas, running — have a government out of ideas, running out _ have a government out of ideas, running out of road and what was their— running out of road and what was their big — running out of road and what was their big cost of living idea? use your— their big cost of living idea? use your car— their big cost of living idea? use your car less frequently and reduce childcare _ your car less frequently and reduce childcare quality, these are not big ideas _ more than 22 billion quid that we have put in towards the cost of living programme, rather than an idea... . living programme, rather than an idea... , ., , ., ., idea... there is no plan for it. that has _ idea... there is no plan for it. that has come _ idea... there is no plan for it. that has come up _ idea... there is no plan for it. that has come up on - idea... there is no plan for it. that has come up on the i idea... there is no plan for it. i that has come up on the doorstep. the real— that has come up on the doorstep. the real anger people feel about a prime _ the real anger people feel about a prime minister who has broken the law, prime minister who has broken the law. to _ prime minister who has broken the law. to our— prime minister who has broken the law, to our eye have been it has come _ law, to our eye have been it has come up — law, to our eye have been it has come up and prompted right across england. _ come up and prompted right across england, whether it's sunderland or southampton, and on the cost of living. _ southampton, and on the cost of living, labour has set out a plan stop _ living, labour has set out a plan stop did — living, labour has set out a plan stop did it— living, labour has set out a plan stop did it come up in durham? in durham? — stop did it come up in durham? in durham? ~ �* ., , durham? we've had this thing, whereas those _ durham? we've had this thing, whereas those coming - durham? we've had this thing, whereas those coming up i durham? we've had this thing, whereas those coming up to i durham? we've had this thing, | whereas those coming up to the labour party and keir starmer says we should be talking about other things and we should be fronting up, richard holden was here last week,

just the last hour, and he was very much at the forefront of saying durham police should be investigating that. there does need to be a consistency.— to be a consistency. richard is very keen for durham _ to be a consistency. richard is very keen for durham police _ to be a consistency. richard is very keen for durham police to - to be a consistency. richard is very keen for durham police to waste i keen for durham police to waste their— keen for durham police to waste their time — keen for durham police to waste theirtime and keen for durham police to waste their time and this was should reflect— their time and this was should reflect on— their time and this was should reflect on his behaviour, to villas. that— reflect on his behaviour, to villas. that has— reflect on his behaviour, to villas. that has not— reflect on his behaviour, to villas. that has not come up and i have been knocking _ that has not come up and i have been knocking on— that has not come up and i have been knocking on doors in sunderland. what _ knocking on doors in sunderland. what has — knocking on doors in sunderland. what has come up with the conduct of your prime _ what has come up with the conduct of your prime minister. as a fundamental question of integrity and honesty and i think people expect more. let's take a pause, shau expect more. let's take a pause, shall we. expect more. let's take a pause, shall we- we — expect more. let's take a pause, shall we. we have _ expect more. let's take a pause, shall we. we have a _ expect more. let's take a pause, j shall we. we have a conservative mp for southampton. mr smith, good morning to you. thanks forjoining us. what is the update in southampton?— us. what is the update in southamton? ., , . southampton? pleasure. well, numerically _ southampton? pleasure. well, numerically now _ southampton? pleasure. well, numerically now we _ southampton? pleasure. well, numerically now we can't i southampton? pleasure. well, numerically now we can't save | southampton? pleasure. well, i numerically now we can't save it, so the conservatives have lost control of southampton and labour are back in control afterjust of southampton and labour are back in control after just a of southampton and labour are back in control afterjust a year of of southampton and labour are back in control after just a year of a conservative administration. 50 conservative administration. so let's have your assessment of what's happened and why it's happened. i

think it's a combination of things, i think there are demographics, i think there is a concern about the challenges that people are facing, rising fuel bills, rising energy bills, the cost of living in general with inflation and pay not keeping up with inflation and pay not keeping up and what they are wanting, what they need, and i think they deserve is a solution to solve those problems. i think the government has moved quite a lot to come to some of those solutions, but, perhaps, we're going to have to find a mechanism to do something else. and i think, in the end, what we're seeing now is the end, what we're seeing now is the midterm, nojohn curtis said this and he would expect me to say that's the situation, but i think this is the midterm we need a solution, you are government, if you don't give us a solution then we will take it out on the local councils. it has happened before, it will no doubt happen again. lstallion councils. it has happened before, it will no doubt happen again. when you say mechanism. _ will no doubt happen again. when you say mechanism, what _ will no doubt happen again. when you say mechanism, what you _ will no doubt happen again. when you say mechanism, what you mean i

will no doubt happen again. when you say mechanism, what you mean by i say mechanism, what you mean by another mechanism for helping people? i another mechanism for helping eo - le? ~ another mechanism for helping --eole? .. , ~. another mechanism for helping --eole? ~' ~' ., another mechanism for helping neale? ~' 4' ., people? i think, you know, some thins people? i think, you know, some things are _ people? i think, you know, some things are symbolic— people? i think, you know, some things are symbolic and - people? i think, you know, some things are symbolic and the i people? i think, you know, some things are symbolic and the -- i people? i think, you know, some i things are symbolic and the -- some things are symbolic and the —— some things are symbolic and the —— some things i really helpful. we should take vat off people's fuel bills in the beginning, because we can, it's something we can do quickly and it is something that will help. it's not overwhelming, it is only 5%, was, either wish should do that in the first place and i think we should still do that. when you combine that with a council tax, with a £200 levelling money for bills coming down the road and then you add, perhaps, something like vat on the energy bills, that will help and it will at least show people you're doing something to help them. i'm bummed to ask you this, because it has come up in different forms, you have mentioned the demographics and the cost of living, you talked about vat, what about the issue to do with conduct and integrity and all the rest of it, has that not come up?—

all the rest of it, has that not come u? ., . , ~ ., ., come up? not really. i know that --eole come up? not really. i know that people would _ come up? not really. i know that people would expect _ come up? not really. i know that people would expect me - come up? not really. i know that people would expect me to i come up? not really. i know that people would expect me to say i come up? not really. i know that. people would expect me to say that and there would be people shouting at the screen saying he is bound to say that, but, you know, we have knocked a lot of doors, i have done this for 25 years in southampton and know it levy bank my hand, i know many of the people have spoken to a have spoken to in the past, and a lot of them were saying things like we're just not interested in this nonsense. of course things could have been handled better, but what they are interested in is how they get through the next day, week, month and beyond. in the end, that is what a government is there to do. i don't condone any of people's actions. a year later saying that it is conservative mudslinging to talk about keir starmer, i think me too things are one in the same, but keir starmer didn't particular come on the doorsteps and ordered the conduct of the prime minister, what came up was this worry about cost of living and that's what we need to address and that is ourjob in government.

address and that is our 'ob in governmenti address and that is our 'ob in rovernment. , ., , ., , address and that is our 'ob in rovernment. , ., , government. just to summarise, your messaues government. just to summarise, your messages basically _ government. just to summarise, your messages basically to _ government. just to summarise, your messages basically to the _ government. just to summarise, your messages basically to the prime i messages basically to the prime minister more particularly, possibly to the chancellor to come up with more help than they have come up with so far?— more help than they have come up with so far? , . , , , with so far? yes, that is my message to them and — with so far? yes, that is my message to them and l— with so far? yes, that is my message to them and i have _ with so far? yes, that is my message to them and i have said _ with so far? yes, that is my message to them and i have said that - with so far? yes, that is my message to them and i have said that to i with so far? yes, that is my message to them and i have said that to them | to them and i have said that to them personally before. i think there is a thing that we're almost scared of talking about, elephant in the room. from my point of view having done the same city over and over again, the same city over and over again, the demographics are shifting. al voters, between labour and the conservers, in some areas, have almost swapped. and if i'm really honest and i'm blood my colleagues, i don't think we know how —— our new electric very well. and we need to learn about them, we need to understand them, and we need to respond to their needs is —— needs. anai was a that is the same with labour. they have to know their new electric in a way that they haven't in the past and things have changed. there is no doubt. you look up and

down the country and you will see pockets where labour are not doing very well and you will see pockets where conservatives have historically done well and are now not doing well, we need to look at that and we need to understand our electorates. mr that and we need to understand our electorates-— electorates. mr smith, good to talk to ou. electorates. mr smith, good to talk to yom thanks _ electorates. mr smith, good to talk to you. thanks very _ electorates. mr smith, good to talk to you. thanks very much _ electorates. mr smith, good to talk to you. thanks very much for- electorates. mr smith, good to talk to you. thanks very much for giving us time at this hour of the day. royston smith there for us, the mp for southampton. they want to go to the count in hillingdon in west london, that is where we have the former labour shadow chancellorjohn mcdonnell waiting for us. your constituency, john, next to the prime minister's. it is an interesting part of the world more one reason. what is going on in hillingdon? i one reason. what is going on in hillingdon?— one reason. what is going on in hillingdon? one reason. what is going on in hillinudon? . ., _, ., , hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said, hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said. so — hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said. so it _ hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said, so it will _ hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said, so it will get _ hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said, so it will get noisy - hillingdon? i am that the count, as he said, so it will get noisy at - he said, so it will get noisy at times. they apologise. what's been happening is labour has picked up seats in borisjohnson's own constituency. we picked up at least three seat in the heart of his constituency. now, that's something.

you tell me how often you've seen a rocksolid always been at tory seat represented by the prime minister actually start losing seat in an election like this. it's quite remarkable. and i've listened to others, what has come up in the doorstep of borisjohnson's constituency, because they have been canvassing there, why can't the government do more for us? there have been issues about partygate as well. they have even had people raise with me, unprompted, issues around morality and honesty, so i think there are real issues that the conservatives need to think about with regard to borisjohnson's premiership. with regard to boris johnson's premiership-— with regard to boris johnson's premiershi. ., . ., ~ premiership. you are making three cains as premiership. you are making three gains as we — premiership. you are making three gains as we speak, _ premiership. you are making three gains as we speak, i _ premiership. you are making three gains as we speak, i think, - premiership. you are making three gains as we speak, i think, 16 - premiership. you are making three gains as we speak, i think, 16 to i gains as we speak, i think, 16 to declare. why am looking at the hillingdon tally. how far is that

likely to go? you're not suggesting that labels to control are you? ihla. that labels to control are you? no, think we are _ that labels to control are you? mr, think we are virtually the limit now. we increase our numbers on the council overall and it will be a pretty much stronger opposition. but what surprised me is i thought we would just consolidate all those seats in my own constituency and pick up a couple more in my constituency. we have gone beyond that. we have actually driven into the oxbridge ward, in addition to that, the next to the oxbridge ward. it has always been tory, it has been rocksolid, it is the prime minister's constituency. that sends a message that there is a certain amount of disillusionment amongst his own voters. it is amount of disillusionment amongst his own voters.— his own voters. it is laura in the studio as _ his own voters. it is laura in the studio as well, _ his own voters. it is laura in the studio as well, what _ his own voters. it is laura in the studio as well, what is - his own voters. it is laura in the studio as well, what is your - his own voters. it is laura in the| studio as well, what is your take his own voters. it is laura in the . studio as well, what is your take on the labour— studio as well, what is your take on the labour results we have seen coming — the labour results we have seen coming through beyond your own patch? _ coming through beyond your own patch? for— coming through beyond your own patch? for understandable reasons i'm sure _ patch? for understandable reasons i'm sure your fellow activist in the labour_ i'm sure your fellow activist in the labour party will feel pretty happy about _ labour party will feel pretty happy about maybe breathing down boris johnson's — about maybe breathing down boris johnson's constituency's neck a

little _ johnson's constituency's neck a little bit. — johnson's constituency's neck a little bit, but what about the wider labour _ little bit, but what about the wider labour performance? i little bit, but what about the wider labour performance?— labour performance? i understand what other commentators - labour performance? i understand what other commentators have - labour performance? i understand l what other commentators have been saying about it has been relatively modest. but let me put this to you, i think you need to look out the politics and how that is working out at the moment. at the moment what we've got is a politics which is damaging the tory party. and i think there is considerable damage to the tory party at the moment and it isn'tjust tory party at the moment and it isn't just about losing tory party at the moment and it isn'tjust about losing seats, it is the demoralisation and also i think also you have two —— situation now where people may not be shifting to labour in dramatic numbers, but what they are doing is questioning the support to the tory party full to the nek stage four labour, this damage being inflicted on the tory party gives us such an opportunity now, bridget and her colleagues now will bring forward a programmer policy that will take us into the next election and it has got to be a programme that inspires. i think what's happened is an opportunity has opened up for the labour party

because of some of the self—inflicted damage by the tories themselves around borisjohnson. but also because they have not been able to answer the key question of the day, which is how do you support people in a personal economic crisis that they are facing as a result of cost—of—living crisis? a good opportunity to labour. cost-of-living crisis? a good opportunity to labour.- cost-of-living crisis? a good opportunity to labour. what would ou like to opportunity to labour. what would you like to see _ opportunity to labour. what would you like to see labour— opportunity to labour. what would you like to see labour do - opportunity to labour. what would you like to see labour do with - opportunity to labour. what would you like to see labour do with thatj you like to see labour do with that opportunity? previously you have been _ opportunity? previously you have been quite clear that you don't think— been quite clear that you don't think keir_ been quite clear that you don't think keir starmer's offered to the public— think keir starmer's offered to the public has — think keir starmer's offered to the public has been bold enough and you have been_ public has been bold enough and you have been quite peeved that people from your— have been quite peeved that people from your side of the party have been _ from your side of the party have been excluded, many of them feel, from some — been excluded, many of them feel, from some of keir starmer's project. what _ from some of keir starmer's project. what you _ from some of keir starmer's project. what you think you should do with the opportunity use a now presents? it is about— the opportunity use a now presents? it is about bringing forward a copy has a plan of support. i think the call for another budget to support people, has already made the call, what we have to do is consolidate around that. for example, what we

have been picking up on the doorstep, the way in which the benefit increase of pension increase, 3%, when the inflation is going to hit eight, for some people the different rate of inflation will be 10%. in addition to that, we have been picking up a large number of workers on the doorstep who effectively have had their wages cut, notjust of exacta workers, but also private sector as well. what we need, one example, is we need to ensure that people have at least a cost of living protected increase in their benefits and pensions and their benefits and pensions and their wages and when we're looking at energy itself, let's double the winter fuel allowance. at energy itself, let's double the winterfuel allowance. rishi sunak, winter fuel allowance. rishi sunak, i think winterfuel allowance. rishi sunak, i think people think he has really let them down and he has been exposed on his own tax position, which on any doorstep you will find people, say, questioning some of the hypocrisy around that. john

mcdonnell, _ hypocrisy around that. john mcdonnell, good _ hypocrisy around that. john mcdonnell, good to - hypocrisy around that. john mcdonnell, good to talk. hypocrisy around that. john mcdonnell, good to talk to | hypocrisy around that. john mcdonnell, good to talk to you. thank you forjoining us from hillingdon. john mcdonnell, the former labour shadow chancellor. i can see that wandsworth, the london authority, has now been gained by labour. that is the official confirmation. labour have gained wandsworth in south—west london, something they have been trying to do since 1978. they have now managed to do it. 32 seats to labour, 22 du the conservatives, wanted independence, 30 needed for a labour on 32, with three to declare, how did this come about? well, labour made eight gains in wandsworth, the tories made eight losses. so it was a straight switch from tory to labour. and they can tell you now that we are joined by robbie gibb vendor, the conservative leader of

wandsworth council, thank you for joining us. commiserations to you on the result. i'm wondering what you make of the reasons for this results how did it happen?— how did it happen? thank you. difficult at _ how did it happen? thank you. difficult at the _ how did it happen? thank you. difficult at the moment - how did it happen? thank you. difficult at the moment to - how did it happen? thank you. | difficult at the moment to work how did it happen? thank you. - difficult at the moment to work out what happened, in a sense it looks like a lower turnout, like people did not turn up in the numbers we are expecting, and inevitably other events have clouded the minds of people in wandsworth.— events have clouded the minds of people in wandsworth. other events bein: ? people in wandsworth. other events being? let's— people in wandsworth. other events being? let's not— people in wandsworth. other events being? let's not beat _ people in wandsworth. other events being? let's not beat around - people in wandsworth. other events being? let's not beat around the - being? let's not beat around the bush, the national _ being? let's not beat around the bush, the national events - being? let's not beat around the bush, the national events and i being? let's not beat around the| bush, the national events and my difficulty has been that we have run the most exceptional council, we have frozen rents, we have frozen heating charges, and we have done exactly what the residents of wandsworth have wanted, for the last 44 years, indeed, and to find that

nothing is kind of a sad reflection on the importance of local governments not being recognised. why do you think it wasn't recognised? l why do you think it wasn't recognised?— why do you think it wasn't recoanised? ., �* ~ ., ., recognised? i don't know. you need to no and recognised? i don't know. you need to go and send _ recognised? i don't know. you need to go and send your _ recognised? i don't know. you need to go and send your team _ recognised? i don't know. you need to go and send your team to - recognised? i don't know. you need to go and send your team to speak. recognised? i don't know. you need l to go and send your team to speak to the people of wandsworth who have voted. but i'd do imagine that... you must have asked them yourself, surely? you must have asked them yourself, surel ? , ., , , surely? yes, look, on the doorstep, consistently. _ surely? yes, look, on the doorstep, consistently, people _ surely? yes, look, on the doorstep, consistently, people raised - surely? yes, look, on the doorstep, consistently, people raised the - consistently, people raised the issues of central government and when they were challenged about local issues, credited to the council is a good council, and i think a number of bbc reports found that local residents appreciated a great council and we thought that that was enough for us. we were discussing earlier the whole issue around a level of council tax being lower and services being sustained. so that formula is one we are familiar with and we have discussed at a lot. now, if you didn't succeed

in selling that message to local residents or if they somehow, as you say, were distract did, why did you speu say, were distract did, why did you spell it out? you mean that people were unhappy with borisjohnson? will you i have to say, consistently on the _ will you i have to say, consistently on the doorstep. the will you i have to say, consistently on the doorstep.— on the doorstep. the issue boris johnson was _ on the doorstep. the issue boris johnson was raised. _ on the doorstep. the issue boris johnson was raised. and - on the doorstep. the issue boris johnson was raised. and when . on the doorstep. the issue boris - johnson was raised. and when talking about this was a local election concerns locally, they had none. 50 we were fighting a local campaigning consistently people say yes, fine, we are angry about it. and we didn't what in terms of the campaign, you campaigning that you are providing. i think it is better. in terms of the actual argument of services.

actually there were none because if you study the labour party, and turned into their promises. when the inconsistency consistently working. it is exactly our policy, new homes, and it has been for a long time. they agreed that the weekly bin collection would stay with his ylesy so in a sense, they have taken all our policies. i don't understand. it's laura here in the studio. you sound frustrated, you say your local successes counting for nothing because consistently the issue of borisjohnson was raised. when you say the issue of borisjohnson, was a prostration about the town, and what would you want mps in parliament to do about it? i

what would you want mps in parliament to do about it? i didn't say consistently _ parliament to do about it? i didn't say consistently but _ parliament to do about it? i didn't say consistently but many - parliament to do about it? i didn't say consistently but many people| parliament to do about it? i didn't i say consistently but many people did raise it. they were actually trying to balance the local issue versus national people are genuinely conflicted. and on the doorstep, we were able to focus the attention onto local services. wide when you said the issue borisjohnson, forgive me, to spell that out, the cost—of—living crisis or are you talking about lockdown events. 0r being upset about in recent months. people had enough about hearing about it. people obviously affected by tax increases in the national insurance will what i could fix, i helped fixed in their favour. the only council in the land. l

helped fixed in their favour. the only council in the land.- only council in the land. i know it's been difficult _ only council in the land. i know it's been difficult to _ only council in the land. i know it's been difficult to hear i only council in the land. i know it's been difficult to hear some| only council in the land. i know. it's been difficult to hear some of the questions but you answer them all very clearly, thank you very much indeed. that was interesting in terms of being understandably disappointed and frustrated, but he was reluctant to criticise the prime minister, clearly, but he did concede that distract people from the work that they had been doing. is a brilliant council leader and has done amazing work over the last few years, to provide those services we are talking about. that's what i meant when i was talking about the fact that it was raised in different ways in different areas. it fact that it was raised in different ways in different areas.— ways in different areas. it was certainly raised _ ways in different areas. it was certainly raised in _ ways in different areas. it was certainly raised in certain i ways in different areas. it was| certainly raised in certain areas rather than places like sutton nonetheless he is absolutely right.

what i found is that you have to have those conversations. it's so important. you can be so distracted. by important. you can be so distracted. by national news and media, social media. taking off in all sorts of tangents. you forget what is outside your front door. tangents. you forget what is outside yourfront door. it tangents. you forget what is outside your front door. it comes full circle. we said right at the beginning that it really does, local council staff does matter. as soon as you open your door, you see the things are been emptied, driveable potholes, you take your child to a school zone, every visible service actually is council driven. here we are one of — actually is council driven. here we are one of the _ actually is council driven. here we are one of the most _ actually is council driven. here we are one of the most successful- actually is council driven. here we | are one of the most successful our former conservative council leaders couldn't get people to focus on his issues because all the news and chaos in central government. we are hearing from conservative sources

that the same might even happen in westminster which might also be lost by the conservatives. how serious do you think this situation is? l by the conservatives. how serious do you think this situation is?— you think this situation is? i would seculate you think this situation is? i would speculate about _ you think this situation is? i would speculate about westminster i you think this situation is? i would speculate about westminster but| you think this situation is? i would i speculate about westminster but you find the people tend to join their boat more than the pocket. cost—of—living is probably got more copper at the moment and what ravi was doing, he was doing one thing councils can do. council tax, it's a happy budget. it's half price. he had a 1% cut this year. i think the residents of wandsworth are going to regret what they've heard. now it's gone. regret what they've heard. now it's one. . ~' regret what they've heard. now it's one. . ~ , ., regret what they've heard. now it's one. ., ~ ., regret what they've heard. now it's one. . ~ ., ., gone. paul, i think you are leaving us. gone. paul, ithink you are leaving us. i gone. paul, i think you are leaving us- i think — gone. paul, i think you are leaving us- i think he _ gone. paul, i think you are leaving us. i think he is _ gone. paul, i think you are leaving us. i think he is going _ gone. paul, i think you are leaving us. i think he is going to _ gone. paul, i think you are leaving us. i think he is going to your- us. i think he is going to your place is going to be taken by paul?

what do wejust place is going to be taken by paul? what do we just take a break for the news and joined him again. here is a summary of the bbc news. the conservatives are losing seats, with labour making only modest gains, in the local elections in england. in the last few minutes the tories have lost control of wandsworth to labour. 0ne conservative councillor told this programme there was a great deal of 'animosity�* towards borisjohnson and that voters had told him they no longer have the confidence that "the prime minister can be relied upon to tell the truth". the lib dems have won hull from labour, in the first change of control of the night. 0ur political correspondent helen catt reports. of control of the night. 0ur political correspondent helen catt reports. voters across the country went to the polls to elect thousands of local counsellors who will run their services and set taxes. borisjohnson and the conservatives i seeing losses, especially in

london, to the anger of party members. london, to the anger of party members— london, to the anger of party members. �*, ., , ., ., members. it's not 'ust london. on local — members. it's notjust london. on local issues. the integrity - members. it's notjust london. on local issues. the integrity issue, i | local issues. the integrity issue, i don't feel people no longer have the confidence that the prime minister can be relied upon to tell the truth. . �* , can be relied upon to tell the truth. ., �* , ., , ., truth. that's quite a big thing to sa , isn't truth. that's quite a big thing to say. isn't it? — truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's _ truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what - truth. that's quite a big thing to say, isn't it? that's what people have been _ say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying _ say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to _ say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to me. - say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to me. do i say, isn't it? that's what people have been saying to me. do you say, isn't it? that's what people i have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i — have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can _ have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can see _ have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can see that _ have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can see that point i have been saying to me. do you think that's fair? i can see that point of i that's fair? i can see that point of view. that's fair? i can see that point of view- they _ that's fair? i can see that point of view. they have _ that's fair? i can see that point of view. they have lost _ that's fair? i can see that point of view. they have lost wandsworth| that's fair? i can see that point of l view. they have lost wandsworth in south london _ view. they have lost wandsworth in south london to _ view. they have lost wandsworth in south london to labour— view. they have lost wandsworth in south london to labour for- view. they have lost wandsworth in south london to labour for the i view. they have lost wandsworth in south london to labour for the first time in 411 years and they are on course to lose southhampton and barnet in north london to labour two. n barnet in north london to labour two. ., , , , barnet in north london to labour two. ~' , , , ., ., two. i think these results are far better than _ two. i think these results are far better than a — two. i think these results are far better than a lot _ two. i think these results are far better than a lot of _ two. i think these results are far better than a lot of people i better than a lot of people predicted over the last few weeks. 0ne predicted over the last few weeks. one thing we have seen clearly as keir starmer is not cutting through, they are hardly making any progress compared to 2018. obviously there are major issues to address in the country. a lot of the fallout from an international situation, if you

can get some of those issues on the international stage can't count deal with some of the impacts of those that have happened domestically, i think you can definitely build back from these results tonight. the -a has from these results tonight. the party has held _ from these results tonight. the party has held sunderland but with a smaller red daugherty.— smaller red daugherty. gordon wins in the south in _ smaller red daugherty. gordon wins in the south in london, _ smaller red daugherty. gordon wins in the south in london, it's - smaller red daugherty. gordon wins in the south in london, it's a - smaller red daugherty. gordon wins in the south in london, it's a long . in the south in london, it's a long and long morning. but to start with winning sunderland, i am a very happy man, 42% share of the vote, very happy indeed. but happy man, 4296 share of the vote, very happy indeed-— happy man, 4296 share of the vote, very happy indeed. but labour is not exectin: very happy indeed. but labour is not expecting gains _ very happy indeed. but labour is not expecting gains and _ very happy indeed. but labour is not expecting gains and they've - very happy indeed. but labour is not expecting gains and they've had i expecting gains and they've had losses as well. the liberal democrats have been having a good night and took hold council from them. it night and took hold council from them. , , ., , i. , them. it 'ust shows you this evening we are them. itjust shows you this evening we are making _ them. itjust shows you this evening we are making gains _ them. itjust shows you this evening we are making gains in _ them. itjust shows you this evening we are making gains in the - them. itjust shows you this evening we are making gains in the tory i them. itjust shows you this evening | we are making gains in the tory blue wall since we are targeting for the next general election and we are taking seats of labour in places like hull, we took a seat of labour in sunderland in fact, we were the only party to make a game in sunderland against both the conservatives and the labour party. the greens as well have made some

early gains. the greens are making early gains as well, co—leader adrian ramsey casting his vote earlier. not all councils are counting overnight, the rest will start tomorrow. these elections are about local issues and as the results come in, they will also paint a national picture. helen cat, bbc news. there will be no counting until later this morning in scotland, wales, or northern ireland. in scotland and wales, where people can vote from the age of 16, seats in all councils are being contested. voters in northern ireland will elect members of the assembly. it comes a few months after the democratic unionist party resigned from the first minister role, causing the executive to collapse. if you want to find out the result in your area, head to the bbc news website or bbc news app and enter your postcode. you'll also find lots of election analysis and the latest reports from our teams around the country. in other news, interest rates are now at their highest level

for more than a decade, as the bank of england tries to curb inflation. rates have risen four times since december, and are now up from 0.75% to 1%. the rate at which prices increase is expected to hit more than 10% by the end of the year. the inflation figure is as its highest level since the early 1980s. rising fuel, energy, and food costs, partly the result of the war in ukraine, are to blame. and there are warnings of a real risk of recession because the economy, which was predicted to grow next year by more than 1%, is now expected to shrink by 0.25%. vladimir putin has called on ukrainian troops holed up in a steel works in the southern port of mariupol to surrender. it's the last stronghold of ukrainian resistance in the besieged port city and around 200 civilians are thought to be sheltering in its underground tunnels and bunkers. the commander leading ukrainian troops inside the steel works says "difficult, bloody battles" are being fought.

the mother of the toddler, baby p, could be released from prison within weeks after the parole board rejected an appeal by the government for her to remain in prison. tracey connolly, was jailed in 2009, after admitting causing or allowing the death of her 17—month—old son peter in 2007, following months of abuse. now back to election 2022 with huw and laura. good morning and welcome back to the bbc plasma collection studio. we love your loyalty. i think the best thing to

do is to say good morning to robert gentry, conservative mp and bridget phillipson still with us labour. rita is with us as well. rita, the latest results and then we will pick up latest results and then we will pick up and start discussing some of the lessons to be learned. west oxfordshire is now hung council. the conservatives are lost control. this is where david _ conservatives are lost control. try 3 is where david cameron's former seat was. it's been conservative since the turn of the century. tory support has been whittled away in the last three elections stop look look and see what has happened to the seats. the conservatives have lost three seats so far. they have been gained by the liberal democrats and by the greens. there are still as you can see five seats to be

counted but the conservatives can't meet the winning post of 25 seats. that is the way in which the share of the vote has divided up. the lib dems just of the vote has divided up. the lib demsjust behind of the vote has divided up. the lib dems just behind the conservatives but look at that, the shed change since four years ago in the conservatives and labour both down and it is david cameron's coalition partners the liberal democrats and also the greens were picking up the share of the vote there. some more results to bring you here. wandsworth we talked about. ealing and redbridge, both in london are labour holds. preston is also a labour holds. preston is also a labour hold. barnet and westminster, similarly totemic councils that are conservative in london. we will wait to see what is going to happen because laura was gay saying, very optimistic and positive sounding

noises from the labour camps. southampton labour needs one more seat to an overall control of southampton. the conservative mp for southampton. the conservative mp for southampton has already effectively conceded the council on us. rita. conceded the council on us. rita, many thanks- _ conceded the council on us. rita, many thanks. plenty _ conceded the council on us. rita, many thanks. plenty to _ conceded the council on us. rita, many thanks. plenty to talk i conceded the council on us. rita, many thanks. plenty to talk about the note from sirjohn curtice. about turnout. it's emerged a few times about whether turnout is to do with some of the results. it does look as though we are looking for a slightly lower turnout compared to recent local elections. it is done by a point compared to 2018 in the key wards, he says. and by 2.5 points compared to last year. however we cannot find any sign that were turnout fell most, the conservatives necessarily suffered as a result. john is saying that

because one or two of the contributors as law and i were discussing earlier, they were suggesting some of the results were done to a lower turnout. the lib dems, as we notice there, an important factor in the loss of control in west oxfordshire for the conservatives, they are 13%. let us join the baroness, susan kramer, for the live dems. you very much for joining us. good to see you. yes, up 13% in west oxfordshire. but there are other promising results for you as well. let's have your reading of things so far. i as well. let's have your reading of things so far-— things so far. i mean, we started out saying _ things so far. i mean, we started out saying we — things so far. i mean, we started out saying we wanted _ things so far. i mean, we started out saying we wanted to - things so far. i mean, we started out saying we wanted to make i out saying we wanted to make progress, we thought it would be modest progress, but, frankly, it is looking significant and better than that. what excites me is we have obviously some areas of strength, particularly areas that we won, like

richmond, where a live, in 2018, but it seems to be spreading out across the country, picking up seats and sunderland, one in whole, obviously where you look in what would have been the constituency of cheadle, an area where we have history, we have picked up seats they are, if you look in london, never thought we could win any more seats in richmond. really thought we maxed out there, but tim barnes ward where eyelid, we have taken all three seeds from the conservatives, the only ward they held they have held it for 20 years. i think that will reverberate pretty heavily through the conservative party. but it is a good reflection on the kind of quality of local services. then if we look at the burrow of merton, in the wimbledon constituency, we now have, within that catchment area of merton, we have 17 seats, up from six and the conservatives have dropped from 17 to six. i think

there a of powerful and good messages here to show the party is rebuilding. irate messages here to show the party is rebuildinu. ~ ., ., , messages here to show the party is rebuildinu. . ., .,, g a rebuilding. we have robert jenrick in the studio. _ rebuilding. we have robert jenrick in the studio. going _ rebuilding. we have robert jenrick in the studio. going to _ rebuilding. we have robert jenrick in the studio. going to be - rebuilding. we have robert jenrick in the studio. going to be asking l in the studio. going to be asking him in a moment about the lib dems and the kind of threat they potentially pose to conservatives in the south or the southwest, i am wondering what you'd say about your message, really, in terms of your own strength in these areas and what kind of threat you think you might pose in these seeds going forward in the next couple of years?— pose in these seeds going forward in the next couple of years? we've been caettin the next couple of years? we've been getting really — the next couple of years? we've been getting really good — the next couple of years? we've been getting really good responses - the next couple of years? we've been getting really good responses back i getting really good responses back in the south and south—west, some of those areas where, as —— historically, we have had strength. we found in areas like somerset we really have found local people feeling taken for granted. 50 it is a bit like sort of going up and being part of that north shropshire campaign, you go up two areas, find

farmers who are feeling that their issues are not being addressed and are not being dealt with, they know that the lib dems have a long history in really been supportive to the farm community, we find a more rural areas they are not getting a level of service, they have been overlooked and taken for granted. we're getting a lot feedback of that kind will be really interested to see the results as they start to come out over the rest of the day. at you can feel that we are not confined to just how absolutely key major strongholds anymore, you can look and see the expansion beyond that and particularly, think, we're to be seeing it now in what we call the blue wall seats, those seats have been held by the conservatives, but where there is a lot of sharing of values with liberal democrats and people are looking at the party and saying, actually, ithink people are looking at the party and saying, actually, i think it's time i've voted what i wanted, rather

than anti— labour party, which has been a lot of what has happened before. 1, ., ,, ., ., ., been a lot of what has happened before. ., ,, ., ., before. baroness kramer, good to talk to you. _ before. baroness kramer, good to talk to you, thank _ before. baroness kramer, good to talk to you, thank you _ before. baroness kramer, good to talk to you, thank you for - before. baroness kramer, good to talk to you, thank you forjoining l talk to you, thank you forjoining us. baroness kramerfor the lib dems. we are also joined by the mayor of london, labour's sadiq khan. thank you forjoining us. you are down in wandsworth, can't imagine what you're doing in wandsworth, be honest, although it is tooting, so it is your own backyard, really. what you make of the performance there? it’s backyard, really. what you make of the performance there? it's amazing. histo has the performance there? it's amazing. history has been _ the performance there? it's amazing. history has been made _ the performance there? it's amazing. history has been made tonight, i the performance there? it's amazing. history has been made tonight, for. history has been made tonight, for the first time in 44 years a council first one when margaret thatcher was leader of the conservative opposition and the state conservative for 44 years has gone labour and is quite remarkable. we now have three labour in —— mps in wandsworth, in tooting, battersea, and in putney. now have a majority we never dreamt of in the last 44 years and tomorrow will be waking up to a labour council. lloathed

years and tomorrow will be waking up to a labour council.— to a labour council. what are the factors here. _ to a labour council. what are the factors here, you _ to a labour council. what are the factors here, you are _ to a labour council. what are the factors here, you are going i to a labour council. what are the factors here, you are going to i to a labour council. what are the i factors here, you are going to say, is loss of your colleagues have said previously, it is about boris johnson and partygate and cost of living, is it not then about the fact that labour presents a better vision of local services, you are standing there in wandsworth were traditionally people have been lauding this combination of a lower council tax with good local services, was it nothing to do with that? 50 services, was it nothing to do with that? ., ., ., that? so what the labour team did in wandsworth. — that? so what the labour team did in wandsworth, led _ that? so what the labour team did in wandsworth, led by— that? so what the labour team did in wandsworth, led by counsel- that? so what the labour team did in wandsworth, led by counsel simon l wandsworth, led by counsel simon holt, was make an offer to residents of notjust keeping council tax low in wandsworth, but building affordable homes that residents need, to have a targeted zero carbon by 2030, to invest in young people and, to be frank, the cost—of—living crisis did come up, as did the massive cuts from the government since 2010 and also borisjohnson, borisjohnson was a vote winner for labour, as indeed was keir starmer as well. i remind you, in 1998, the

year after our landslide victory, we didn't win a seat in wandsworth, in 2002, the year after a landslide victory in 2001, we did not win the seatin victory in 2001, we did not win the seat in wandsworth, and we have done it in 2022. a lot of hard work from great candidates behind me but, actually, local residents here, like actually, local residents here, like a national elections, are fed up with same old.— a national elections, are fed up with same old. when we discussed with same old. when we discussed with sirjohn _ with same old. when we discussed with sirjohn hurt— with same old. when we discussed with sirjohn hurt as _ with same old. when we discussed with sirjohn hurt as earlier- with same old. when we discussed with sirjohn hurt as earlier the i with sirjohn hurt as earlier the wider labour performance, notjust the one in london, because we would talking about barnett as well earlier, john was suggesting that the performance, yes, of course, it involves gains, but it wasn't in the area of really impressive gains and certainly not in the area of being able to say there is a springboard to election victory, when you rated? firstly, ivor bell two sirjohn. margaret thatcher wonders. john

major debt. wiliam hague captive, michael howard captive, david cameron kept it conservative, theresa may kept a conservative. the combination of borisjohnson and keir starmer want it back for us. 44 years, was literally eight years old when this seat went to the tories. we have won it back. we have made history tonight. as much as i loved sirjohn it is not really him for me. i sirjohn it is not really him for me. . , sirjohn it is not really him for me, ., , ., sirjohn it is not really him for me. ., , ., ., sirjohn it is not really him for me. ., ., ., sirjohn it is not really him for me. ., ., sirjohn it is not really him for me. ., me. i was going to ask you about westminster. _ me. i was going to ask you about westminster. i'm _ me. i was going to ask you about westminster. i'm doing - me. i was going to ask you about westminster. i'm doing my- me. i was going to ask you about westminster. i'm doing my best| me. i was going to ask you about i westminster. i'm doing my best here. asking about westminster, what are your chances then, as a labour party, of gaining control of westminster? i party, of gaining control of westminster?— party, of gaining control of westminster? . , , westminster? i was in westminster this week, westminster? i was in westminster this week. great — westminster? i was in westminster this week, great local— westminster? i was in westminster this week, great local labour i westminster? i was in westminster this week, great local labour mp, l this week, great local labour mp, labour has worked incredibly hard, some of the wards, the boat will have to overturn is humongous, but we were hearing people on the doorstep promising to vote labour and if they have come out today in westminster and in barnett, we could

be seeing some gains in those two boroughs. it is too early to call either of those seats and also, of course, croydon, they start counting tomorrow as well. the reason why these seeds are important and they are springboards is in westminster there are parliamentary seats we want to target at the next general election, in barnett, all receipts are conservative mps, which are marginal mps, we want to target those of the next general election and in croydon we want to keep the two magazines we gain in recent years but also target the third tory seat as well, so it does matter. london, because, currently has 73 members of parliament, that is increasing with the boundary changes, what is important is we live the progress in wandsworth tonight and hopefully in westminster and hopefully in barnett and let's see what happens in croydon and elsewhere. just see what happens in croydon and elsewhere-— see what happens in croydon and elsewhere. , ., ., , ., , elsewhere. just to draw the strands to . ether, elsewhere. just to draw the strands together. you _ elsewhere. just to draw the strands together. you are — elsewhere. just to draw the strands together, you are confident, - elsewhere. just to draw the strands together, you are confident, well, | elsewhere. just to draw the strands together, you are confident, well, i | together, you are confident, well, i am asking, are you confident that this is a set of results, so far,

they are not all in, i know they, but they point to some kind of a hope of a labour victory at the next general election? 5ir hope of a labour victory at the next general election?— confirm this, four years ago 2018 when brexit was an issue and many tory remain as voted for us in 2018 and london was secure the best results since 1974. we havejumped that night, we think, which will be quite remarkable in london. n0 complacency from us. we have got brilliant labour mps in london. we now have even more brilliance councils, including the one behind me. it councils, including the one behind me. , councils, including the one behind me, , ., ., councils, including the one behind me. , ., ., , ., me. it is laura here in the studio as well. when _ me. it is laura here in the studio as well. when you _ me. it is laura here in the studio as well. when you look - me. it is laura here in the studio as well. when you look beyond l as well. when you look beyond london. — as well. when you look beyond london, though, and you look absolutely with what happening in your backyard... absolutely with what happening in your backyard. . .— your backyard... does it show, laura? when _ your backyard... does it show, laura? when we _ your backyard... does it show, laura? when we look - your backyard... does it show, laura? when we look at i your backyard... does it show, laura? when we look at the i your backyard... does it show, | laura? when we look at the key your backyard... does it show, i laura? when we look at the key was that sirjohn — laura? when we look at the key was that sirjohn identified _ laura? when we look at the key was that sirjohn identified for _ laura? when we look at the key was that sirjohn identified for us - laura? when we look at the key was that sirjohn identified for us as i that sirjohn identified for us as well, _ that sirjohn identified for us as well, actually, labour across the country— well, actually, labour across the country looks like it is heading backwards a little bit. you really

feel confident that outside london there _ feel confident that outside london there is— feel confident that outside london there is an enthusiasm for what the party— there is an enthusiasm for what the party is _ there is an enthusiasm for what the party is putting forward under keir starmer? — party is putting forward under keir starmer? ~ �* , ., ., , starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember — starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember a — starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember a year _ starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember a year ago _ starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember a year ago people i starmer? well, let's wait and see. i remember a year ago people were i remember a year ago people were writing off labour on election night and then, lo and behold, the next day the london results came in, the whales result came in, the manager's results came in and so forth, wait and see because many of the councils won't be counted until tomorrow and the day after. i have got to say this, i was in barnett this morning, have been in one of the last two weeks, it's a good example, three conservative members of parliament and voters were flooding back to us because keir starmer has taken action on anti—semitism, but also because they have got a bad tory council where people are fed up with the government not taking action on the government not taking action on the cost—of—living crisis, what's happening with cuts from the government, but also the public are fed up with borisjohnson. i say this point with humility, boris johnson is good for labour, it is in labour's interest for him to stay but it is in the national interest for him to go.

but it is in the national interest for him to go-_ for him to go. sadiq khan. it is five minutes _ for him to go. sadiq khan. it is five minutes to _ for him to go. sadiq khan. it is five minutes to five _ for him to go. sadiq khan. it is five minutes to five in - for him to go. sadiq khan. it is five minutes to five in the i for him to go. sadiq khan. it is- five minutes to five in the morning. thank you so much forjoining us from wandsworth and you probably need a bit of a kit. thank you very much indeed. the mayor of london, sadiq khan. he was making a point about labour's ability to claw back some of the areas outside london, he was claiming, that was being demonstrated, to some extent and, of course, that within london keir starmer has managed to do what predecessors have not managed to do, not least with keir starmer in barnett and the anti—semitism then, thatis barnett and the anti—semitism then, that is one specific issue, but more generally and that includes wandsworth and some people are even mentioning westminster, as laura was mentioning westminster, as laura was mentioning earlier. you must be concerned or unsettled by that? well, the first thing to say, it is my first time on your programmes morning, i'm very sorry for all of the conservative counsellors who have lost their seats and may do

over the course of the day. there are some fantastic councils here. wandsworth, above all, this is a council that has delivered such a low council tax, such good public services, and has donejust low council tax, such good public services, and has done just notjust a great service to the people of wandsworth 40 years, but the whole country, as a former local government secretary it has been one of the exemplar counsellors —— council showing what others what they should do. of course there are some disappointing results are, i don't think that sadiq khan's analysis is correct. you are seeing some good results for labour in london. they don't see evidence of that across the rest of the country yet, because it is early in the morning. but if you look at some of the results that have come through in north tyneside, dunedin, you will see conservative gains in angela rayner�*s own counsel, tameside, there are many other examples, this doesn't feel to me is this this is

going to be a set of results where people are flocking to keir starmer's banner under the party is on course to win the next general election. i'm sure you have said this already over the course of your analysis. but at this stage in the last conservative government to 1985, tony blair was winning 1800 1985, tony blair was winning1800 seats at this point and you've also got to remember that the conservative party, going into this set of elections, was the largest party of local government, we had 40% of all of the counsellors, that is very unusual 12 years into a government. at this stage in the last labour government, the labour party and government had about 20% of the seats. 50 you would expect a party which was really knocking on the door of downing street to be winning very large numbers of seats. they may be mistaken, doesn't feel to me, thus far, that that is the case. where people are unfortunately

turning away from the conservative party, because we are mid—term, people want to make an understandable protest vote in the usual way, they seem to be going to greens, to independence, sometimes to lib dems, less so to the labour party, particularly out of london. some of your conservative colleagues, we have heard tonight, that is— colleagues, we have heard tonight, that is not— colleagues, we have heard tonight, that is notjust the midterm blues, local leaders, one in cumbria, saying — local leaders, one in cumbria, saying it — local leaders, one in cumbria, saying it was about boris johnson's integrity. _ saying it was about boris johnson's integrity, the highly successful, as you said. — integrity, the highly successful, as you said, council lit up until now in wandsworth saying boris johnson was raised — in wandsworth saying boris johnson was raised again and again, there were _ was raised again and again, there were other— was raised again and again, there were other issues with boris johnson's leadership. are you confident— johnson's leadership. are you confident you can brush that offers midterm _ confident you can brush that offers midterm blues?— confident you can brush that offers midterm blues? well, there is always discontent with _ midterm blues? well, there is always discontent with the _ midterm blues? well, there is always discontent with the sitting _ midterm blues? well, there is always discontent with the sitting prime i discontent with the sitting prime minister, particularly in a very difficult situation like the one we are facing now with an economic crisis that is affecting all of our daily lives. there were people on the doorstep, particularly in some of the places we have been talking about, like in london and parts of

the south—east, where some of that criticism did come up. much less so, i was a, and the rest of the country stop and i suspect what the results will show is the continuing realignment of british politics so that you are seeing less fertile territory, perhaps, for the conservatives in london, also in other parts of the country. i do not see any enthusiasm for sir keir starmer and his leadership of the labour party in distress or none of the doorsteps i was knocking on parts of the midlands andy north and icy saying he was the man, was an inspirational leader, he was the person they wanted to be prime minister, that he had a better plan to get the country through what i think is going to be the most difficult years in any of our lifetimes, if we are heading, at least, teetering on the brink of a recession, you've got inflation at 10%, nobody was saying that the labour party had a credible plan to tackle that. i suspect that is why you are seeing in those places what

i think will be quite disappointing results for the labour party. the idea that you have come along today and holding asked that labour had a plan, that would be stretching it! bridget, the issue here is to do with whether labour, there are many gains and we have been looking at where that happens. and isn't happening because people are impressed with the labour's case, yes, certainly somewhere like wandsworth, whether picture is very interesting, given the council's previous record of being pretty popular with people locally, given the fact that has been discussed or whether labour in london is picking up whether labour in london is picking up on anti— boris trend, which may well be powerfulfor up on anti— boris trend, which may well be powerful for you up on anti— boris trend, which may well be powerfulfor you but up on anti— boris trend, which may well be powerful for you but it is not a pro sir keir starmer trend,

which is what you are outlining there. which is it? in which one is more important to you at this point? is it that people are actually looking at a government and thinking this is the party want to see in power? this is the party i actively want to see running things running then i don't want to see them running things. which one is that? i running things. which one is that? i think the results with thing across the country, notjust places in cumberland, that people are turning away from the government and coming back to labour and these are key areas for us. it is notjust something we doing well in london although some of the results are unprecedented in london but we are making progress in those target seats for the next election. people are coming back to labour and there is a positivity there that i have not seen for a while. a couple of years ago the response was very different. we are getting a warm response now. people are willing to

listen to us. we have set out a real plan for the cost of living in contrast to the government. people are absolutely desperate. it is a combination when it comes to the conduct of the prime minister and people have high expectations, quite rightly, i've how the prime minister should behave and borisjohnson has fallen short of that. but that as well as across a shopping and electricity and electricity and then the government not willing to act on those really pressing issues that people are facing, we said there should be a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to give them immediate relief now. with that that should be more support around child care. we have set out a lock. in contrast, the government expect people to be grateful for what they went through in the pandemic. that is not going away and the situation surrounding borisjohnson is not going away. we still have a police investigation

and that is not going away. i think it's terrible when the countries in a position where the prime minister has the country so low. he should 90, has the country so low. he should go, he has brought his office in disrepute and lost moral authority and his conduct does come up and it is not going up anywhere. you and his conduct does come up and it is not going up anywhere.— is not going up anywhere. you don't want him to — is not going up anywhere. you don't want him to goad, _ is not going up anywhere. you don't want him to goad, do _ is not going up anywhere. you don't want him to goad, do you? - is not going up anywhere. you don't want him to goad, do you? no, i. want him to goad, do you? no, i think is the _ want him to goad, do you? no, i think is the right _ want him to goad, do you? no, i think is the right person, - want him to goad, do you? no, i think is the right person, the i think is the right person, the country. _ think is the right person, the country, with the issues it faces domestically and internationally, i don't _ domestically and internationally, i don't think it is in the national interest— don't think it is in the national interest to _ don't think it is in the national interest to go into a leadership contest — interest to go into a leadership contest and tried to replace the prime _ contest and tried to replace the prime minister. you only had to see the other— prime minister. you only had to see the other day he the welcome he was given— the other day he the welcome he was given in_ the other day he the welcome he was given in ukrainian parliament to see the way— given in ukrainian parliament to see the way he — given in ukrainian parliament to see the way he is performing on the international stage and how he is received — international stage and how he is received in — international stage and how he is received in many international capitals — received in many international capitals. he has a lot of strength. it is right— capitals. he has a lot of strength. it is right that he has a lot of strength _ it is right that he has a lot of strength. it is right that his days. i'm not— strength. it is right that his days. i'm not one — strength. it is right that his days. i'm not one in politics to throw stones— i'm not one in politics to throw stones at— i'm not one in politics to throw stones at other politicians. i think voters _ stones at other politicians. i think voters do —

stones at other politicians. i think voters do see that sir keir starmer is being _ voters do see that sir keir starmer is being rather hypocritical about the way — is being rather hypocritical about the way he has pursued things like partygate — the way he has pursued things like pa ate. . , the way he has pursued things like pa ate. ., , ,,, the way he has pursued things like partygate-_ lt - partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't. there _ partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, there is _ partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, there is a _ partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, there is a high - partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, there is a high price i partygate. that is rubbish. it isn't, there is a high price to| partygate. that is rubbish. it i isn't, there is a high price to pay in politics— isn't, there is a high price to pay in politics and if you go around for months _ in politics and if you go around for months campaigning on partygate and it's revealed you had a similar position. _ it's revealed you had a similar position. i_ it's revealed you had a similar position, i think the public find that disappointing. | position, i think the public find that disappointing.— that disappointing. i think the ublic that disappointing. i think the public dislikes _ that disappointing. i think the public dislikes mudslinging. l that disappointing. i think the i public dislikes mudslinging. the prime minister was found to have broken the law. it is not mudslinging, it is a fact and yet you want to throw around baseless accusations about a matter that has been investigated... it is not baseless and if the labour party was so confident about its position it would have been honest about it. you didn't say angela rayner was at the party— didn't say angela rayner was at the party or— didn't say angela rayner was at the party or that there was a £200 built

for curry— party or that there was a £200 built for curry and beer. the party or that there was a £200 built for curry and beer.— for curry and beer. the prime minister was _ for curry and beer. the prime minister was fined. _ for curry and beer. the prime minister was fined. sir i for curry and beer. the prime minister was fined. sir keir i for curry and beer. the prime i minister was fined. sir keir starmer was fined. we will have to wait and see. �* ., , y was fined. we will have to wait and see. �* ., , , ., , see. i'm not sure they will reopen it, but i see. i'm not sure they will reopen it. but i think _ see. i'm not sure they will reopen it, but i think there _ see. i'm not sure they will reopen it, but i think there is _ see. i'm not sure they will reopen it, but i think there is evidence i it, but i think there is evidence that— it, but i think there is evidence that they— it, but i think there is evidence that they should do. the point i am making _ that they should do. the point i am making is_ that they should do. the point i am making is that it is very ill—advised to spend months throwing mud at _ ill—advised to spend months throwing mud at other politicians when you have _ mud at other politicians when you have been— mud at other politicians when you have been in a situation which sounds — have been in a situation which sounds as— have been in a situation which sounds as if it was... it have been in a situation which sounds as if it was. . .- have been in a situation which sounds as if it was... it really is no comparison. _ sounds as if it was... it really is no comparison. there - sounds as if it was... it really is no comparison. there were - sounds as if it was... it really is - no comparison. there were multiple parties at downing street. there is no comparison. parties at downing street. there is no comparison-— parties at downing street. there is no comparison. parties at downing street. there is no comarison. ,, , �* , ., no comparison. stephen bush from the financial times _ no comparison. stephen bush from the financial times is _ no comparison. stephen bush from the financial times is shown _ no comparison. stephen bush from the financial times is shown impeccable i financial times is shown impeccable patients on waiting over an hour to talk to us. stephen, thank you for joining us. cannot ask you based on the results you were thing so far what you will be telling readers of financial times? what you will be telling readers of financialtimes? i what you will be telling readers of financial times?— financial times? i think i'll be tellin: financial times? i think i'll be telling readers _ financial times? i think i'll be telling readers of _ financial times? i think i'll be telling readers of the - financial times? i think i'll be| telling readers of the financial times— telling readers of the financial times that _ telling readers of the financial times that we _ telling readers of the financial times that we basically -

telling readers of the financial times that we basically have l telling readers of the financial times that we basically have aj times that we basically have a similar— times that we basically have a similar set— times that we basically have a similar set of— times that we basically have a similar set of results - times that we basically have a similar set of results to - times that we basically have a similar set of results to what i times that we basically have a l similar set of results to what we saw in _ similar set of results to what we saw in 2018~ _ similar set of results to what we saw in 2018. two _ similar set of results to what we saw in 2018. two big _ similar set of results to what we saw in 2018. two big parties- similar set of results to what we - saw in 2018. two big parties making inroads— saw in 2018. two big parties making inroads into — saw in 2018. two big parties making inroads into traditional— saw in 2018. two big parties making inroads into traditional territory- inroads into traditional territory of their— inroads into traditional territory of their opponents. _ inroads into traditional territory of their opponents. neither- inroads into traditional territory. of their opponents. neither have a particular— of their opponents. neither have a particular sound _ of their opponents. neither have a particular sound path _ of their opponents. neither have a particular sound path to _ of their opponents. neither have a particular sound path to either- particular sound path to either holding — particular sound path to either holding onto _ particular sound path to either holding onto majority- particular sound path to either holding onto majority if- particular sound path to either holding onto majority if they l particular sound path to either. holding onto majority if they are conservatives _ holding onto majority if they are conservatives or _ holding onto majority if they are conservatives or winning - holding onto majority if they are i conservatives or winning majority if they are _ conservatives or winning majority if they are the — conservatives or winning majority if they are the labour— conservatives or winning majority if they are the labour party. - conservatives or winning majority if they are the labour party. the i conservatives or winning majority if they are the labour party. the bigl they are the labour party. the big difference — they are the labour party. the big difference back _ they are the labour party. the big difference back then _ they are the labour party. the big difference back then was - they are the labour party. the big difference back then was that i they are the labour party. the big difference back then was that we i difference back then was that we knew _ difference back then was that we knew the — difference back then was that we knew the labour— difference back then was that we knew the labour party _ difference back then was that we knew the labour party would i difference back then was that we i knew the labour party would have to make _ knew the labour party would have to make a _ knew the labour party would have to make a painful— knew the labour party would have to make a painful choice _ knew the labour party would have to make a painful choice about - knew the labour party would have to make a painful choice about brexit . make a painful choice about brexit whereas _ make a painful choice about brexit whereas now — make a painful choice about brexit whereas now we _ make a painful choice about brexit whereas now we know— make a painful choice about brexit whereas now we know the - make a painful choice about brexit i whereas now we know the government will face _ whereas now we know the government will face painful— whereas now we know the government will face painful challenges _ whereas now we know the government will face painful challenges because i will face painful challenges because it looks _ will face painful challenges because it looks like — will face painful challenges because it looks like we're _ will face painful challenges because it looks like we're heading - will face painful challenges because it looks like we're heading back- it looks like we're heading back towards — it looks like we're heading back towards a — it looks like we're heading back towards a stagnant _ it looks like we're heading back towards a stagnant growth i it looks like we're heading back towards a stagnant growth and | it looks like we're heading back- towards a stagnant growth and high inflation _ towards a stagnant growth and high inflation environment, _ towards a stagnant growth and high inflation environment, which - towards a stagnant growth and high inflation environment, which is i towards a stagnant growth and high inflation environment, which is very difficult _ inflation environment, which is very difficult for — inflation environment, which is very difficult for incumbent _ inflation environment, which is very| difficult for incumbent governments, particularly _ difficult for incumbent governments, particularly here _ difficult for incumbent governments, particularly here where _ difficult for incumbent governments, particularly here where it _ difficult for incumbent governments, particularly here where it does - difficult for incumbent governments, particularly here where it does look i particularly here where it does look like now _ particularly here where it does look like now inflation _ particularly here where it does look like now inflation has— particularly here where it does look like now inflation has spread - particularly here where it does look like now inflation has spread from i like now inflation has spread from energy— like now inflation has spread from energy to — like now inflation has spread from energy to become _ like now inflation has spread from energy to become endemic- like now inflation has spread from energy to become endemic withinj like now inflation has spread from i energy to become endemic within the uk economy — energy to become endemic within the uk economy-— uk economy. where do you think labour's strengths _ uk economy. where do you think labour's strengths and _ uk economy. where do you think l labour's strengths and weaknesses are at the moment. when you look at the performance in london and we have been talking about wandsworth and barnett and westminster and then look beyond london in areas where

they have suffered damage in recent years, what is a reading of labour's position now? i years, what is a reading of labour's position now?— position now? i think many ways barnett sums — position now? i think many ways barnett sums up _ position now? i think many ways barnett sums up the _ position now? i think many ways barnett sums up the strength i position now? i think many ways barnett sums up the strength of| barnett sums up the strength of labour's — barnett sums up the strength of labour's current— barnett sums up the strength of labour's current vision - barnett sums up the strength of labour's current vision and i labour's current vision and weaknesses _ labour's current vision and weaknesses. in _ labour's current vision and weaknesses. in 2018, i labour's current vision and i weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy labour's current vision and - weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy corbyn inspired _ weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy corbyn inspired genuine _ weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy corbyn inspired genuine enthusiasm - weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy corbyn inspired genuine enthusiasm in- weaknesses. in 2018, jeremy corbynj inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the _ inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the country— inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the country but _ inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the country but in _ inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the country but in other— inspired genuine enthusiasm in parts of the country but in other parts i of the country but in other parts inspired — of the country but in other parts inspired real— of the country but in other parts inspired real fear— of the country but in other parts inspired real fear and _ of the country but in other parts inspired real fear and the - of the country but in other partsl inspired real fear and the reason why the — inspired real fear and the reason why the labour— inspired real fear and the reason why the labour party _ inspired real fear and the reason why the labour party have - inspired real fear and the reason why the labour party have won i why the labour party have won barnett — why the labour party have won barnett is _ why the labour party have won barnett is because _ why the labour party have won barnett is because that- why the labour party have won barnett is because that real. why the labour party have won. barnett is because that real fear has gone — barnett is because that real fear has gone away _ barnett is because that real fear has gone away and _ barnett is because that real fear has gone away and actually i barnett is because that real feari has gone away and actually when barnett is because that real fear- has gone away and actually when you are travelling — has gone away and actually when you are travelling covering _ has gone away and actually when you are travelling covering the _ has gone away and actually when you are travelling covering the election i are travelling covering the election it was— are travelling covering the election it was recognised _ are travelling covering the election it was recognised i— are travelling covering the election it was recognised i was _ are travelling covering the election it was recognised i was scared i are travelling covering the election it was recognised i was scared by. it was recognised i was scared by sir keir— it was recognised i was scared by sir keir starmer— it was recognised i was scared by sir keir starmer but _ it was recognised i was scared by sir keir starmer but the - it was recognised i was scared by sir keir starmer but the problem | it was recognised i was scared by. sir keir starmer but the problem for labour— sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was — sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was that— sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was that they _ sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was that they had _ sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was that they had not - sir keir starmer but the problem for labour was that they had not met i labour was that they had not met anyone _ labour was that they had not met anyone excited _ labour was that they had not met anyone excited by— labour was that they had not met anyone excited by the _ labour was that they had not met anyone excited by the possibilityl labour was that they had not met i anyone excited by the possibility of keir starmer— anyone excited by the possibility of keir starmer or— anyone excited by the possibility of keir starmer ora— anyone excited by the possibility of keir starmer ora labour— anyone excited by the possibility of i keir starmer or a labour government. so their— keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope — keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope is— keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope is to _ keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope is to say _ keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope is to say given - keir starmer or a labour government. so their hope is to say given the i so their hope is to say given the circumstances _ so their hope is to say given the circumstances perhaps- so their hope is to say given the circumstances perhaps we - so their hope is to say given the circumstances perhaps we can l so their hope is to say given the l circumstances perhaps we can win so their hope is to say given the i circumstances perhaps we can win by default _ circumstances perhaps we can win by default but _ circumstances perhaps we can win by default but what _ circumstances perhaps we can win by default but what we _ circumstances perhaps we can win by default but what we hope _ circumstances perhaps we can win by default but what we hope they- circumstances perhaps we can win by default but what we hope they can i circumstances perhaps we can win by| default but what we hope they can do is to go— default but what we hope they can do is to go from — default but what we hope they can do is to go from a — default but what we hope they can do is to go from a party— default but what we hope they can do is to go from a party which _ default but what we hope they can do is to go from a party which inspires i is to go from a party which inspires neither— is to go from a party which inspires neither for— is to go from a party which inspires neither for nor— is to go from a party which inspires neither for nor enthusiasm - is to go from a party which inspires neither for nor enthusiasm to i is to go from a party which inspires neither for nor enthusiasm to one i neither for nor enthusiasm to one which _ neither for nor enthusiasm to one

which inspires— neither for nor enthusiasm to one which inspires enthusiasm, - neither for nor enthusiasm to one which inspires enthusiasm, but i neither for nor enthusiasm to one i which inspires enthusiasm, but not fear _ which inspires enthusiasm, but not fear. ., ., ., fear. your reading of the conservative _ fear. your reading of the l conservative environment, fear. your reading of the - conservative environment, given fear. your reading of the _ conservative environment, given you have already had some counsel, outgoing council leaders nursing some wounds and have been very critical of the prime minister's influence on local campaigns, what is your reading there? i influence on local campaigns, what is your reading there?— is your reading there? i don't think the conservative _ is your reading there? i don't think the conservative picture _ is your reading there? i don't think the conservative picture is - the conservative picture is interesting _ the conservative picture is interesting. we _ the conservative picture is interesting. we have i the conservative picture is interesting. we have a i the conservative picture is - interesting. we have a government his strategy— interesting. we have a government his strategy is _ interesting. we have a government his strategy is for— interesting. we have a government his strategy is for households i interesting. we have a government his strategy is for households to i his strategy is for households to take the — his strategy is for households to take the hit. _ his strategy is for households to take the hit, that _ his strategy is for households to take the hit, that makes - his strategy is for households to take the hit, that makes votersl take the hit, that makes voters unhappy. — take the hit, that makes voters unhappy. we _ take the hit, that makes voters unhappy. we have _ take the hit, that makes voters unhappy. we have a _ take the hit, that makes voters unhappy. we have a prime i take the hit, that makes voters i unhappy. we have a prime minister fined _ unhappy. we have a prime minister fined for— unhappy. we have a prime minister fined for breaking _ unhappy. we have a prime minister fined for breaking some _ unhappy. we have a prime minister fined for breaking some laws, i unhappy. we have a prime minister fined for breaking some laws, thatl fined for breaking some laws, that makes _ fined for breaking some laws, that makes people _ fined for breaking some laws, that makes people unhappy. _ fined for breaking some laws, that makes people unhappy. people i fined for breaking some laws, that| makes people unhappy. people are reaching _ makes people unhappy. people are reaching for— makes people unhappy. people are reaching for the _ makes people unhappy. people are reaching for the traditional - makes people unhappy. people are reaching for the traditional lever. reaching for the traditional lever when _ reaching for the traditional lever when they— reaching for the traditional lever when they are _ reaching for the traditional lever when they are unhappy - reaching for the traditional lever when they are unhappy with i reaching for the traditional lever when they are unhappy with the | when they are unhappy with the government. _ when they are unhappy with the government, the _ when they are unhappy with the government, the lib _ when they are unhappy with the government, the lib dems. - when they are unhappy with the government, the lib dems. stephen bush, thank — government, the lib dems. stephen bush. thank you _ government, the lib dems. stephen bush, thank you for _ government, the lib dems. stephen bush, thank you forjoining - government, the lib dems. stephen bush, thank you forjoining us. - bush, thank you forjoining us. taking a look at the position in barnett, the authority in north london we were talking about. 26 to

declare, labour on 22, tories on 15, 32 needed for majority. still counting. labour have seven gains, tories have lost seven. were talking earlier to the labour leader there but i think now we are in a position where we can talk to daniel thomas, who is the conservative leader in barnett council. mr thomas, who is the conservative leader in barnett council. mrthomas, good morning and welcome give. what is your assessment of where you are right now? i’m your assessment of where you are right now?— right now? i'm afraid we have lost control of the _ right now? i'm afraid we have lost control of the council. _ right now? i'm afraid we have lost control of the council. not - right now? i'm afraid we have lost control of the council. not having| control of the council. not having all results declared yet but it's clear from the ballots being counted that we have lost council and we have lost a lot of very good counsellors as a result. commiserations on the loss. i'm bound to ask you what your analysis is of what has happened? what are the factors here? a,

is of what has happened? what are the factors here?— the factors here? a perfect storm. the cost of — the factors here? a perfect storm. the cost of living _ the factors here? a perfect storm. the cost of living crisis. _ the factors here? a perfect storm. the cost of living crisis. 12 - the factors here? a perfect storm. the cost of living crisis. 12 years i the cost of living crisis. 12 years of conservative government. some new ward boundaries redrawn which i think now the results have come in more favourable to the labour party. that perfect storm is why here today i am no longer the leader of barnett council. d0 i am no longer the leader of barnett council. , ., ~ i am no longer the leader of barnett council. i. ~ , .,, i am no longer the leader of barnett council. ~ , ., council. do you think people on the doorstep were _ council. do you think people on the doorstep were angry _ council. do you think people on the doorstep were angry about - council. do you think people on the doorstep were angry about central. doorstep were angry about central government? 0r doorstep were angry about central government? orangry about doorstep were angry about central government? 0r angry about what is happening _ government? 0r angry about what is happening on the ground? government? or angry about what is happening on the ground?— happening on the ground? partygate came u- happening on the ground? partygate came up very — happening on the ground? partygate came up very occasionally. _ came up very occasionally. throughout the campaign. not all the time. and there was some weeks when partygate time. and there was some weeks when pa rtygate went time. and there was some weeks when partygate went quiet and nobody was bringing it up there when it came up again it was a new revelation it was fine or something like that and then people will bring it up on the doorstep and it really was an issue that impacted us but even without that, we were up against it, to say

12 years of government, cost of living crisis, very recently people had their payslips and have seen their net pay has gone down slightly. in all of that adds up. hence, our losses today. when it comes to measures _ hence, our losses today. when it comes to measures by _ hence, our losses today. when it comes to measures by the - hence, our losses today. when it - comes to measures by the government, mr thomas, for example, national insurance and things like that, how much of an impact over they had? i think they did have an impact late in the day. they get their payslips at the end of april, polling day is only a few days after that. cost of living is going up and everything is gone up, petrol, food, so that is going to have an impact. the whole mood of the country with the cost of living, with pay going down, leaders are being punished for it this morning. i5 are being punished for it this morninu. , , , ., . morning. is it because of a mid-term government — morning. is it because of a mid-term government facing _ morning. is it because of a mid-term government facing economic - morning. is it because of a mid-term i government facing economic pressure, is in a _ government facing economic pressure, is in a pretty— government facing economic pressure, is in a pretty tricky spot, i mean,

you have — is in a pretty tricky spot, i mean, you have lost your position tonight. do you _ you have lost your position tonight. do you feel— you have lost your position tonight. do you feel it is recoverable, this situation — do you feel it is recoverable, this situation. the general election is still some — situation. the general election is still some time away the governments have treen— still some time away the governments have been in power a long time and when _ have been in power a long time and when things go starting wrong with the economy, and when you see that going _ the economy, and when you see that going wrong, getting back their momentum and political dominance is not an— momentum and political dominance is not an easy— momentum and political dominance is not an easy thing to do. do you think— not an easy thing to do. do you think they— not an easy thing to do. do you think they can? i not an easy thing to do. do you think they can?— think they can? i think this is a warnin: think they can? i think this is a warning shot — think they can? i think this is a warning shot from _ think they can? i think this is a | warning shot from conservative supporters and our loss today is not only due to the factors i just mentioned. there are a fair number of conservative voters he stayed at home. i don't think there has been a huge conversion to the labour party. i think they have a way to go to win a general election but it does not bode well particularly for outer london seats. fin bode well particularly for outer london seats.— bode well particularly for outer london seats. , . london seats. on the wider picture, daniel, london seats. on the wider picture, daniel. picking _ london seats. on the wider picture, daniel. picking up — london seats. on the wider picture, daniel, picking up on _ london seats. on the wider picture, daniel, picking up on the _ london seats. on the wider picture, daniel, picking up on the kind - london seats. on the wider picture, daniel, picking up on the kind of - daniel, picking up on the kind of wider conservative performance. i

know you are focused on what has happened in barnett but when you look beyond london at what has been going on, are you confident the party is prepared to live with the current leadership or are you thinking that maybe this is a time when turbulence in areas such as yours could lead to demands for a change at the top? do you have a view on that? i change at the top? do you have a view on that?— view on that? i have not seen the results outside _ view on that? i have not seen the results outside of _ view on that? i have not seen the results outside of london. - view on that? i have not seen the results outside of london. i - view on that? i have not seen the results outside of london. i knowj view on that? i have not seen the i results outside of london. i know it has been a bad night for the conservatives in london. we have lost colleagues across the capital. london is bit different and in barnett there are three conservative mps and a result tonight does not bode well for them. clearly, mps and a result tonight does not bode well forthem. clearly, if labour are to get a majority in parliament, they have won the council and if they win the parliamentary settings as well, it does not bode well to form a government in a future general

election. we have time to fix that, i genuinely believe we had time to fix it. only a year ago and is very barrow we were winning seats from labour in by—elections and i think a lock in a matter of months. but this is a warning shot and the government needs to listen to it. thank you for joining us this morning. he is acknowledging that they have lost their and labour is to take control of barnet council. hetero; control of barnet council. very experienced — control of barnet council. very experienced leader _ control of barnet council. very experienced leader of - control of barnet council. very experienced leader of the - experienced leader of the conservatives at the grassroots, using the phrase several times perhaps so the national leadership hears this is a warning shot for the national party, clearly unhappy about the direction of tom thumb taxation, a lot of conservatives have been unhappy about tax going up the way it has, acknowledging issues around boris johnson's the way it has, acknowledging issues around borisjohnson's personality. politely saying to the bosses in westminster, listen up, this is not

necessarily going the right way. if you carry on in this trajectory, it feels like we have been up for 100 years, we are quite early in this whole process, but if we carry on along this trajectory, what we would be looking at is a win for labour, a narrow win perhaps with only a few points in it, but that is what we are looking at. will it be something where labour are up at 39, ao%, take it to the majority? signs don't necessarily look like that, but if they carry on this trajectory it would look like perhaps a labour win, a narrow one, buta would look like perhaps a labour win, a narrow one, but a victory of sorts. �* , ., ., win, a narrow one, but a victory of sorts. �*, ., ., ., , ., . sorts. let's go to southampton. we will seak sorts. let's go to southampton. we will speak to — sorts. let's go to southampton. we will speak to the _ sorts. let's go to southampton. we will speak to the leader _ sorts. let's go to southampton. we will speak to the leader of - sorts. let's go to southampton. we will speak to the leader of the - will speak to the leader of the labour group, about to become council leader. it is good to talk to you. can you tell us what has happened there?— to you. can you tell us what has happened there? labour have taken control of the _ happened there? labour have taken control of the council, _ happened there? labour have taken control of the council, so _ happened there? labour have taken control of the council, so i - happened there? labour have taken control of the council, so i will- happened there? labour have taken control of the council, so i will be i control of the council, so i will be becoming the new leader of the council, labour has had a brilliant

night here in the city. congratulations to you, but we will say that because it is clearly a cause for congratulations for you with your supporters. i am looking at the figures here, 26 seats to you in labour, 21 to the tories, under the terms, a majority of four. four games, can sort is made four losses, independence down one. percentage share of the vote, 46% to labour, 36% to the conservatives. it is a four point gain for you on last time, since 2018. so, what were the factors? what do you put it down to? so, i think in local elections and definitely here in southampton, people voted on a variety of different issues. some of them were local and didn't feel as though the conservative administration were delivering southampton residence, so

i am humbled they are putting their trust in labour this time and time again on the doorstep people were really feeling let down ijy people were really feeling let down by this conservative government, whether it was over crime or the cost of living, they did want to send a message.— cost of living, they did want to send a message. cost of living, they did want to sendamessaae. ~ . send a message. when you say crime, ou mean send a message. when you say crime, you mean crime _ send a message. when you say crime, you mean crime locally _ send a message. when you say crime, you mean crime locally or _ send a message. when you say crime, you mean crime locally or what - you mean crime locally or what do you mean crime locally or what do you mean?— you mean? crime, whether it is antisocial— you mean? crime, whether it is antisocial behaviour, _ you mean? crime, whether it is antisocial behaviour, drug - you mean? crime, whether it is antisocial behaviour, drug use, | antisocial behaviour, drug use, hampshire has lost 700 police officers in recent years, and we just haven't had that number back, and crime is really high in southampton and people just do not feel safe in their homes or their neighbourhoods and feel as though it has got worse under this conservative government, and the conservative government, and the conservative pcc. {137i conservative government, and the conservative pcc.— conservative pcc. of the cost of livin: , conservative pcc. of the cost of living. what _ conservative pcc. of the cost of living, what were _ conservative pcc. of the cost of living, what were people - conservative pcc. of the cost of living, what were people saying | conservative pcc. of the cost of. living, what were people saying to you there, and really, what kind of help to people need or want that

they are not getting? what are they saying? they are not getting? what are they sa in: ? they are not getting? what are they sa in? they are not getting? what are they sa inc? i. , ., they are not getting? what are they sa inc? , ., saying? so, you 'ust hear the most heartbreaking _ saying? so, youjust hear the most heartbreaking stories _ saying? so, youjust hear the most heartbreaking stories from - saying? so, youjust hear the most heartbreaking stories from people, i'm talking to them on their doorsteps, people having to decide between heating their homes or feeding the building, they can't put petrol to get to work, pensioners are really struggling and putting on extra cardigans just to stay warm, and actually, they want the government to do more and feel as though they can but i choose not to, and fundamentally, trust in boris johnson hasjust and fundamentally, trust in boris johnson has just completely dissipated. johnson has 'ust completely dissipated._ johnson has 'ust completely dissiated. . ~ , . ., dissipated. thank you very much for 'oinin: us. dissipated. thank you very much for joining us- i— dissipated. thank you very much for joining us. ithink— dissipated. thank you very much for joining us. i think they _ dissipated. thank you very much for joining us. i think they are - dissipated. thank you very much for joining us. i think they are packing l joining us. i think they are packing up joining us. i think they are packing up the hall behind you, so we better let you get going or you will be locked in for the rest of the day. thank you very much indeed. that was interesting. a sense of the blend of local and national, but certainly in terms of, for example,

cost—of—living issues, what, for you, has been the main feature of the campaign? we talk about prime minister and partygate and we have had that discussion, but on cost of living, what do people think? i living, what do people think? i think it is pensioners who have the impact _ think it is pensioners who have the impact that— think it is pensioners who have the impact that all of this is having, because — impact that all of this is having, because many pensioners need to be at home _ because many pensioners need to be at home during the day, the pension has been _ at home during the day, the pension has been scrapped and they are facing _ has been scrapped and they are facing real pressure around the gas and electricity bills, and for families, _ and electricity bills, and for families, impossible choices that they are — families, impossible choices that they are being forced to make. for many— they are being forced to make. for many parents, they have to give up work _ many parents, they have to give up work because i cannot afford childcare. the cost is going through the root _ childcare. the cost is going through the roof. labour has set a clear ptans _ the roof. labour has set a clear plans and — the roof. labour has set a clear plans and people will need to deal with their— plans and people will need to deal with their bills but i am absolutely delighted for the southampton team. i delighted for the southampton team. i have _ delighted for the southampton team. i have been down there campaigning. a lot i have been down there campaigning. a tot of— i have been down there campaigning. a lot of energy, a brilliant local team, — a lot of energy, a brilliant local team, and _ a lot of energy, a brilliant local team, and one of those key targets are that _ team, and one of those key targets are that we — team, and one of those key targets are that we will be focusing on next time around. you heard from the conservative mp earlier, and we are

going _ conservative mp earlier, and we are going to _ conservative mp earlier, and we are going to focus our efforts in places like that _ going to focus our efforts in places like that. making progress in southampton really puts us in a strong — southampton really puts us in a strong position for the next general election. _ strong position for the next general election, sol strong position for the next general election, so i am really delighted. when _ election, so i am really delighted. when you — election, so i am really delighted. when you see southampton going the way it has, what questions does that raise for you in terms of the strategy that you have going forward, let's say to the next election, two years time or whatever it is, what work do you need to do thatis it is, what work do you need to do that is clearly not being done right now? i that is clearly not being done right now? ., �* ., ., , now? i don't want to minimise the loss of council seats _ now? i don't want to minimise the loss of council seats because - now? i don't want to minimise the l loss of council seats because losing a council, a good council like southampton is extremely disappointing. it isn't unexpected to be losing councils at this point in an electoral cycle. some of these councils like southampton were very finely balanced, and if you look at wandsworth, there were 200 votes in the last time, some councils like barnett have been hanging in the balance for some time — lack barnet.

i only stuck with the conservative party because of the discussed with anti—semitism that was right in parts of the labour party at that moment. i think what the government needs to do now, to answer your question, is to focus singularly on the cost of living in the economy. there is obviously a lot of other issues out there in british politics as ever, but this is overriding concern of the british public. it will be, certainly for the whole of this year, bubbly for a couple of years, to come. these are not factors in control of the government, these are global factors, some of which may be getting worse with continuing geopolitical problems in ukraine, the lockdown in shanghai, perhaps exacerbating the international supply chain problems. it is not going to be an easy year or two. the government needs to park other issues which may be important, but a lot is critical to the public, and

focus solely on this. i don't think thatis focus solely on this. i don't think that is easy because there are no simple solutions. it is a global problem that every major economy in the world is facing, and british politics is no different to european or us politics right now because of the public are asking governments to focus on this and try to do what we can to help people through this period. there has been a very substantial package of support already from the chancellor. he is going to be considering what more he can do in august and september time when the energy price gets reassessed, and will be doing a bit in the autumn — lack budget. you reassessed, and will be doing a bit in the autumn - lack budget. you say ma be an in the autumn - lack budget. you say may be an opportunity _ in the autumn - lack budget. you say may be an opportunity when - in the autumn - lack budget. you say may be an opportunity when you - in the autumn - lack budget. you say| may be an opportunity when you know full well that people are expecting you to take advantage... it full well that people are expecting you to take advantage... it probably will be the moment _ you to take advantage... it probably will be the moment to _ you to take advantage... it probably will be the moment to do _ you to take advantage... it probably will be the moment to do that, - you to take advantage... it probably will be the moment to do that, but. will be the moment to do that, but he has got to tread extremely carefully because as much as we want to provide support for the most vulnerable in society, we have got to enter when don't do anything it simply fuels inflation. the task here is rather in the 1970s, it is

to take some difficult decisions to get inflation down quickly. we have seen the rise in interest rates at the bank of england, the big issue now is going to be tackling inflation, ensuring this is something that passes through the economy, not going to pass quickly but over a couple of years rather than become a 1970s style issue which lasts for many years to come. i know that as of the prime minister will be focusing on. the whole government needs to focus on the cost of living in the economy and how we can get economic growth going across the country again.— across the country again. forgive me, i across the country again. forgive me. i would _ across the country again. forgive me, i wouldjust _ across the country again. forgive me, i would just pause _ across the country again. forgive me, i would just pause for - across the country again. forgive me, i would just pause for a - across the country again. forgive - me, i would just pause for a second. i want to bring in stephen hammond who is the conservative mp for wimbledon. good morning. haifa who is the conservative mp for wimbledon. good morning. how are ou? good wimbledon. good morning. how are you? good morning. _ wimbledon. good morning. how are you? good morning. it— wimbledon. good morning. how are you? good morning. it has- wimbledon. good morning. how are you? good morning. it has been - wimbledon. good morning. how are you? good morning. it has been a l you? good morning. it has been a good night at my local council count. ~ . , ., ., m count. what news do you have? well, we have had — count. what news do you have? well, we have had a — count. what news do you have? well, we have had a number— count. what news do you have? well, we have had a number of— count. what news do you have? well, we have had a number of very - we have had a number of very disappointing results in london. we

have seen wonderful counsellors losing their seed, conservatism but they lost nine seats tonight when we have 17 with the major opposition party. we won't be that after tonight and in the next of wandsworth which has been a council which has provided good value for money services and low council tax and has been a shining example to other conservative councils across the country, we have lost that. conservatives in south—west london are in pretty poor heart this morning. are in pretty poor heart this morning-— are in pretty poor heart this mornin.. . ., i. ., are in pretty poor heart this mornin.. ., ., ., morning. can i ask you about your anal sis? morning. can i ask you about your analysis? you _ morning. can i ask you about your analysis? you have _ morning. can i ask you about your analysis? you have talked - morning. can i ask you about your analysis? you have talked to - morning. can i ask you about your analysis? you have talked to so i morning. can i ask you about your - analysis? you have talked to so many people over the last few weeks, and ijust people over the last few weeks, and i just am wondering people over the last few weeks, and ijust am wondering if people over the last few weeks, and i just am wondering if you people over the last few weeks, and ijust am wondering if you can help viewers by pinpointing what you think has influenced voters in your area. what would your list contain? it would contain a few things. you have been listening to my colleague who eloquently set out the bubbles

we have heard time after time on the doorstep about the cost—of—living crisis and the albums of inflation, and i think particularly also from people in my area, a lot of people have small businesses, what will conservatives do for growth and growth in the economy? it is also clear that i am afraid the partygate factor has been a large influence on the voting. there was a lot of analysis done prior to the elections saying the problems with the conservative party in these elections because of low turnout, actually what you see in a number of my wards is high turnout, unfortunately it is angry tories turning out and voting away from where they would normally do so. at ought to be a clarion bell ringing very loudly at number ten downing st to make sure that we are concentrating on the cost of living, make sure we are concentrating on growth in the economy. bringing the

widest talents of the conservative party back into the government to make sure that we are functioning on all cylinders rather than less than all cylinders rather than less than all cylinders. all cylinders rather than less than all cylinders-— all cylinders. you think there are --eole all cylinders. you think there are people who _ all cylinders. you think there are people who really _ all cylinders. you think there are people who really would - all cylinders. you think there are people who really would be - all cylinders. you think there are people who really would be of i people who really would be of benefit to boris johnson people who really would be of benefit to borisjohnson in government who were not there? than? government who were not there? in; government who were not there? in; government that doesn't have government who were not there? jifiy government that doesn't have people like greg clark, jeremy hunt and several others in them clearly isn't using all the talents available to it, and i would have thought that ought to be something the prime minister or to be thinking about very carefully because so far, as i understand, we have seen about half the results or slightly half the results, and there are a number of disappointments, notjust in london. london has had a pretty difficult evening, but i understand that in other parts of the country as well, we have seen some successes, but more disappointments, and we really need to concentrate on what is causing those disappointments and

putting that right very quickly. can i ask ou putting that right very quickly. can i ask you bluntly, do you think that the prime minister's position is secure now or not? has the prime minister's position is secure now or not? shoal the prime minister's position is secure now or not?— the prime minister's position is secure now or not? as i say, i think he has to prove _ secure now or not? as i say, i think he has to prove that _ secure now or not? as i say, i think he has to prove that his _ secure now or not? as i say, i think| he has to prove that his government is concentrating on what people really want, i think he has to prove his integrity to the country again, and i think, as i say, we need is a conservative party to use all our talents. �* . , , ., conservative party to use all our talents. �* . , ., talents. bear with us if you would. it is aood talents. bear with us if you would. it is good to _ talents. bear with us if you would. it is good to have _ talents. bear with us if you would. it is good to have you _ talents. bear with us if you would. it is good to have you with - talents. bear with us if you would. it is good to have you with us. - it is good to have you with us. there with us a second. robert, what is your direct response to that, the fact there are people in government who possibly are not as good as people who are not in government, and the other thing is of course that partygate was, as stephen explained there, a pretty significant factor on the doorstep. not everyone has said that, it is fair to say, but he is saying very clearly. what is the response? j clearly. what is the response? i think stephen is right, that the party— think stephen is right, that the party needs to really gain the trust

of the _ party needs to really gain the trust of the electorate, demonstrate that it is competent and you do that by focusing _ it is competent and you do that by focusing on— it is competent and you do that by focusing on the issue that is most important — focusing on the issue that is most important to the public, which is the cost — important to the public, which is the cost of— important to the public, which is the cost of living and the economy. i the cost of living and the economy. i know _ the cost of living and the economy. i know the — the cost of living and the economy. i know the prime minister understands that, that is not the whole _ understands that, that is not the whole government now needs to be focused _ whole government now needs to be focused around. stephen is right that you — focused around. stephen is right that you have to have the best possible — that you have to have the best possible team. but is a decision the prime _ possible team. but is a decision the prime minister will have to take. i understand — prime minister will have to take. i understand his concern because there are some _ understand his concern because there are some superb counsellors who have lost their— are some superb counsellors who have lost their seats today. it isn't surprising _ lost their seats today. it isn't surprising at this point in an electoral— surprising at this point in an electoral cycle as i said repeatedly on the _ electoral cycle as i said repeatedly on the programme, i think in many respects— on the programme, i think in many respects you might imagine a more difficult _ respects you might imagine a more difficult night for the conservatives and the one we have experienced, but to lose brilliant councils — experienced, but to lose brilliant councils like wandsworth is very disappointing. in stephen's local council, — disappointing. in stephen's local council, merton, there is £900 more than in _ council, merton, there is £900 more than in neighbouring formally conservative in wandsworth. you see the difference the local councils were _ the difference the local councils

were providing. the government needs to regroup, _ were providing. the government needs to regroup, focus on the economy and the cost _ to regroup, focus on the economy and the cost of— to regroup, focus on the economy and the cost of living and rebuild trust with the _ the cost of living and rebuild trust with the public. how the cost of living and rebuild trust with the public.— the cost of living and rebuild trust with the public. how does that sound ofthe with the public. how does that sound of the formula _ with the public. how does that sound of the formula estimate _ with the public. how does that sound of the formula estimate we are - of the formula estimate we are agreeing that we need to concentrate on what is important to people. brute on what is important to people. we need on what is important to people. - need to restore the trust. another thing that ought to be worrying us is up and down the country conservative councils provide a better value for money services, lower council tax and yet we are losing counsellors in a number of them. robert is right that this is, we are in a mid term, so far this evening it probably isn't as bad as some were fearing it might have been, but we shouldn't dismiss that, we shouldn't be complacent. we should take this as a warning called from the electorate to actually get back and gain their trust and get onto the issues that really they worry about rather than one of the issues that we have the conservative

party are obsessed about. if people just say, well, it is a difficulty for a government that has been there for a government that has been there for 12 years and that should be understood in that context, it won't be seen as a warning. it understood in that context, it won't be seen as a warning.— be seen as a warning. it will be seen as a _ be seen as a warning. it will be seen as a clarion _ be seen as a warning. it will be seen as a clarion call. - be seen as a warning. it will be seen as a clarion call. how- be seen as a warning. it will be i seen as a clarion call. how do you make that more clear? i don't think i have said that, i have _ i don't think i have said that, i have made _ i don't think i have said that, i have made it pretty clear that i accept — have made it pretty clear that i accept we _ have made it pretty clear that i accept we are in midterms but there are fundamental factors that is causing — are fundamental factors that is causing us to lose seats to tonight. it is causing us to lose seats to tonight. it is a _ causing us to lose seats to tonight. it is a bit _ causing us to lose seats to tonight. it is a bit more basic, things that we need — it is a bit more basic, things that we need to— it is a bit more basic, things that we need to put right is a government so that— we need to put right is a government so that we _ we need to put right is a government so that we govern in the best interests _ so that we govern in the best interests of the country. we need the principle of offering opportunity but offer it to the whole — opportunity but offer it to the whole country. you cannot have left behind _ whole country. you cannot have left behind london if you want to level ”p behind london if you want to level up the _ behind london if you want to level up the whole country. we need to make _ up the whole country. we need to make sure — up the whole country. we need to make sure doing things for the whole country— make sure doing things for the whole country and _ make sure doing things for the whole country and that is the message that

should _ country and that is the message that should be _ country and that is the message that should be coming through as well. so should be coming through as well. sc .ood of should be coming through as well. good of you should be coming through as well. for good of you to should be coming through as well. 5r good of you to join should be coming through as well. 5r good of you tojoin us, thank you so good of you to join us, thank you so much. stephen hammond, the conservative mp. if this is a warning call, will it be heard in downing street? people who are critical of the prime minister say he is not a good listener, he does not like to be criticised that if it is a warning from the electorate, willie b listening? l is a warning from the electorate, willie b listening?— willie b listening? i am sure he will be. willie b listening? i am sure he will be- all— willie b listening? i am sure he will be. all governments - willie b listening? i am sure he will be. all governments need l willie b listening? i am sure he. will be. all governments need to look at _ will be. all governments need to look at their own performance and listen _ look at their own performance and listen to _ look at their own performance and listen to the voters and as much as you can _ listen to the voters and as much as you can say— listen to the voters and as much as you can say this is mid—term, you expect— you can say this is mid—term, you expect governments to be given a beating. _ expect governments to be given a beating, we do need to be careful of what the _ beating, we do need to be careful of what the root causes are behind this and act _ what the root causes are behind this and act accordingly. the issues like partygate _ and act accordingly. the issues like partygate are important but you have to put _ partygate are important but you have to put them in the context of the challenges people are facing with the economy and as i said a number of times, _ the economy and as i said a number of times, we — the economy and as i said a number of times, we really do feel you have

to focus— of times, we really do feel you have to focus on— of times, we really do feel you have to focus on that. that is a thing that— to focus on that. that is a thing that will— to focus on that. that is a thing that will rely concerning members of the public _ that will rely concerning members of the public. you have seen that already— the public. you have seen that already with the packages support the government has brought forward. the prime _ the government has brought forward. the prime minister has directed the cabinet _ the prime minister has directed the cabinet to— the prime minister has directed the cabinet to focus almost entirely now and how— cabinet to focus almost entirely now and how we — cabinet to focus almost entirely now and how we can ensure that we don't make _ and how we can ensure that we don't make this _ and how we can ensure that we don't make this worse for people, no more increases _ make this worse for people, no more increases in — make this worse for people, no more increases in taxes, policies that will harm — increases in taxes, policies that will harm peoples pocketbooks and how we _ will harm peoples pocketbooks and how we can get growth going in the economies — how we can get growth going in the economies. not an issue unique to this country. — economies. not an issue unique to this country, throughout the entire world _ this country, throughout the entire world from — this country, throughout the entire world from china, united states to ourselves — world from china, united states to ourselves but we want to make sure the uk _ ourselves but we want to make sure the uk get _ ourselves but we want to make sure the uk get through this. we will do. we will— the uk get through this. we will do. we will get through this as well as we possibly can. there are many things— we possibly can. there are many things going well and the upon me, employment, we managed we were able to -et employment, we managed we were able to get through the pandemic without seeing _ to get through the pandemic without seeing the high levels of employment we -- _ seeing the high levels of employment we —— unemployment we feared and it will be _ we —— unemployment we feared and it will be difficult with the inflation.— will be difficult with the inflation. ., ,, . ., inflation. thank you so much for 'oinin: inflation. thank you so much for joining us- _

inflation. thank you so much for joining us. thank _ inflation. thank you so much for joining us. thank you _ inflation. thank you so much for joining us. thank you for - inflation. thank you so much for joining us. thank you forjoining| joining us. thank you forjoining us. i don't know what you have done to deserve this, bridget, you can't go anywhere. you are a prison asked. i love being here! i go anywhere. you are a prison asked. i love being here!— i love being here! i wish i could believe that. _ i love being here! i wish i could believe that. robert, _ i love being here! i wish i could believe that. robert, thank - i love being here! i wish i couldj believe that. robert, thank you i love being here! i wish i could - believe that. robert, thank you for being with us. what i would like to do now isjoin retail again in terms of what she has in terms of latest results — i would like tojoin retail again. results — i would like tojoin retailagain. l results - i would like to 'oin retail maimfi results - i would like to 'oin retail again. results - i would like to 'oin retail aaain. ., , retail again. i thought it might be a aood retail again. i thought it might be a good time _ retail again. i thought it might be a good time to — retail again. i thought it might be a good time to catch _ retail again. i thought it might be a good time to catch up - retail again. i thought it might be a good time to catch up with - retail again. i thought it might be| a good time to catch up with some retail again. i thought it might be - a good time to catch up with some of the key result that we have had overnight and there have been quite a bit of movement, perhaps the most notable is the conservative loss of the london borrower of wandsworth, to labour. it has been conservative for a0 years and it was margaret thatcher's favourite council and thatis thatcher's favourite council and that is a labour gain overnight as

is southampton and barnet, in north london, although they are still counting, the conservative leader there has conceded on the air that there has conceded on the air that the conservatives have lost barnet. more bad news for the conservatives in wistar and west oxfordshire where they have lost control of both councils and they are now hung. in cumberland, a new unitary authority, a shadow authority, actually only starting work in a year's time at the counsellors have been elected. a notional conservative, thought to be the largest party to be in the area but that is a labour win and another notable result is kingston upon hull, which was labour, that has been gained by the lib dems, you have the majority of one in hull.

this is a scoreboard. the state of the parties the moment. 66 of 146 councils declared and as you can see, the one party that is registering a net loss is the conservatives, on —99 counsellors. neighbour is ahead on plus 25 counsellors but actually they are overshadowed by the liberal democrats, gaining a7, and not that far ahead of the greens have 20 councillors overnight. we thought we would have a look at detail at the performance of labour tonight. it'll be interesting to get the thoughts of bridget on this. take a look at this. this is the change in the share of the vote since 2018 and 2018 is when these seats being contested tonight last contested.

look at this part of the screen first of all. this is for england, the performance good overall where labour's performance is up, their share of the vote is up by 1% and the conservatives as you can see down by a% and the lib dems are by 1% and the greens up by a%. compare that to the conservative and labour marginals where labour would really like to be picking up support if it wants to get back into power. they have slipped slightly there, down by 0.1%. the conservatives are down more which is why labour is picking up more which is why labour is picking up some councillors but not doing as well as it would want to or would deem to. . ~ well as it would want to or would deem to. ., ,, i. ., well as it would want to or would deem to. . ~' ,. . . deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit — deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to _ deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to you _ deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to you that _ deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to you that i _ deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to you that i just - deem to. thank you, retail, and i will admit to you that i just had i will admit to you that ijust had some croissant! i'm ashamed you go!

and bridget is still with me, minus the croissant! and i'm wondering whether sirjohn curtis has been helping himself to french patisserie this morning as he isjumping through his data! l’m this morning as he is 'umping through his data!_ this morning as he is 'umping throu~h his data! �* , ., through his data! i'm 'ust wondering if ou are through his data! i'm 'ust wondering if you going _ through his data! i'm 'ust wondering if you going to _ through his data! i'm just wondering if you are going to send _ through his data! i'm just wondering if you are going to send them - through his data! i'm just wondering if you are going to send them up - through his data! i'm just wondering if you are going to send them up to| if you are going to send them up to us! l if you are going to send them up to us! , ., ., ~' ., , ., if you are going to send them up to us! , . ., , ., , us! i shall make a delivery at six o'clock! at _ us! i shall make a delivery at six o'clock! at six _ us! i shall make a delivery at six o'clock! at six o'clock, _ us! i shall make a delivery at six o'clock! at six o'clock, when - us! i shall make a delivery at six o'clock! at six o'clock, when the j o'clock! at six o'clock, when the world descends on you from other parts of the media to what has gone on overnight, what will you say to them in terms of, festival, the conservatives?— them in terms of, festival, the conservatives? the conservatives have suffered _ conservatives? the conservatives have suffered more _ conservatives? the conservatives have suffered more or— conservatives? the conservatives have suffered more or less - conservatives? the conservatives have suffered more or less the i conservatives? the conservatives i have suffered more or less the kind of loss of support that we may have anticipated —— first of all. this is given their standing in the opinion polls, they are on a roll four points down, compared to 2018, where

most of the seats were declaring overnight were last contested, down by about six points, comparing with their performance in last year's local elections. this will probably end up looking up like one of the weaker conservative performances since the party has been in power since the party has been in power since 2010, although not necessarily the worst of all. let's not forget the worst of all. let's not forget the conservatives have lost a lot but in particular, even though we have not yet got quite as many as half of the english councils declared, we already have the conservatives at almost 100 losses, so it will probably be a case that the entirety of their losses will be between 200— 300, which is kind of what the figure many commentators would be the suggested would be the ballpark figure they would suffer if indeed their current position in the polls were reflected in the ballot box. as retail�*s presentation has

just shown, the performance does not necessarily produce enormous headlines —— and if you looked at this election, evenif and if you looked at this election, even if partygate and all the other difficulties facing the conservative party were indeed to affect the party in the local ballot boxes in the way we anticipated, this would not produce lots of conservative losses are all sorts of technical reasons i labour, what would you say about their performance? i would say they are somewhat disappointed. i think they would have wanted clearly to have registered that their vote was up on what it was four years ago. actually, probably marginally. if you look at the wards where

conservative fall, in those words, labour slightly down, doing a bit better in london, probably a point also up there on 2018 but conversely doing worse outside of london. yes, labour has certainly made progress as compared with last year, but last year was a very poor performance. four points on last year was not exactly surprising. therefore, this is certainly not a local election performance that in any sense indicates a party that is on course for winning a general election, with an overall majority. indeed, i'm not sure we can even say at this point it is guaranteed, or necessarily on course to be the largest party in the next parliament. there is still an awful lot of work for labour to do, not least perhaps in more leave voting in england. the

do, not least perhaps in more leave voting in england.— do, not least perhaps in more leave voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken — voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken to _ voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken to quite _ voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken to quite a _ voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken to quite a few - voting in england. the lib dems, we have spoken to quite a few lib - voting in england. the lib dems, wej have spoken to quite a few lib dems over the course of the night, including baroness kramer and others, what would you say about their performance? the others, what would you say about their performance?— their performance? the liberal democrats _ their performance? the liberal democrats would _ their performance? the liberal democrats would certainly - their performance? the liberal democrats would certainly be i their performance? the liberal- democrats would certainly be pleased that so far at least they have picked up more seats then have labour. now, part of the reason for this is that their advance has been strongest in some of england's rural and smaller councils with small awards and that helps to inflate their seat target but even so, their vote is up a couple of points and it was on 2018 and on last year. it more or less matches what they achieved in the 2019 local elections which you may remember occurred in the midst of the drama of theresa may's difficulty in delivering a brexit, and whenjust may's difficulty in delivering a brexit, and when just a few after the local elections, the came second

in the local elections. they don't have the brexit row to lift their vote this time around and they can be pleased they have made modest progress on what was made in 2018, which was not a particularly good performance. they can certainly i think say that their modest rise in opinion polls is confirmed by this creditable performance in the local elections. ., creditable performance in the local elections._ that i creditable performance in the local elections._ that is elections. turned a corner? that is difficult to tell — elections. turned a corner? that is difficult to tell but _ elections. turned a corner? that is difficult to tell but certainly - difficult to tell but certainly anything the liberal democrats managed to do to enhance their local base matters to the party because they are very dependent on activists to be able to get their message across, given that i get that much part published in the media, getting more councillors is the best way to getting more activists and at that extent it may help lay foundations

for the party to make further progress in the parliament. they will have to take up those opportunities to achieve that. figs opportunities to achieve that. as ou opportunities to achieve that. as you are speaking there, john, on one of the straps there was a reminder of the straps there was a reminder of the straps there was a reminder of the gains that the greens have made in some parts of england. your assessment of their performance? the greens assessment of their performance? tie: greens getting assessment of their performance? he greens getting 12% assessment of their performance? t'te: greens getting 12% on assessment of their performance? tte: greens getting 12% on the voting average where they stood, that is four points up on 2018, that is also rather better than what they did last year. it doesn't quite match their performance in 2019, which still stands as their best potential performance at least on what we have declared so far but certainly the greens will be pleased with this and in particular they have managed to convert gains all votes into gains of seats and obviously for a party thatis of seats and obviously for a party that is trying to begin to try to crack the westminster digital beyond

the one said that caroline lucas currently occupies, getting activists and getting councillors is important. again, it may be a further sign that the greens cannot simply be ignored, not because they will win in the way of seats but insofar as they tend to fish successfully in waters and a reminder to both the lib dems and labour party that their hold on britain is potentially at some risk because they will get a challenge from the greens.— because they will get a challenge from the greens. john, really good to talk to you _ from the greens. john, really good to talk to you again. _ from the greens. john, really good to talk to you again. thank- from the greens. john, really good to talk to you again. thank you - from the greens. john, really good to talk to you again. thank you for| to talk to you again. thank you for taking us through the four parties. talk to you later today. i was looking at you whenjohn was talking about labour. it was a blunt

message. i am talking about labour. it was a blunt message. lam paraphrasing... we're not talking the kind of games that make it look as if this is a potential general election winning level of support. not even guaranteed to be the largest party in the next parliament on this kind of trend. i am just wondering, due eitherjust think he is downplaying success, or do you think that there is something more in keir starmer's tank that will take you further than he is suggesting? do you recognise actually that the results you have had overnight are... they are all right, but they are not outstanding? i am very happy with the results we have seen so far. we haven't seen them all yet. i think we had a very good settle results in 2018 but when you look at what we secured and the losses that we saw in 2019 and also in 2021, we are seeing real

improvement, and those key battlegrounds for the next general election, we are making games. i think we have turned a corner, but this is a turning point for the labour party and they are far warmer in their reception, we have more to do and we will set out more closer to the election, but i am really encouraged with the results we are seeing this evening on the progress we have made. when i think back to where we were as a party very recently i think it is remarkable progress. d0 recently i think it is remarkable niroress. ~ recently i think it is remarkable nrooress. ~ ., progress. do you think labour will eot more progress. do you think labour will get more good — progress. do you think labour will get more good news _ progress. do you think labour will get more good news in _ progress. do you think labour will get more good news in london, i progress. do you think labour will- get more good news in london, laura? a labour source has said they are ready— a labour source has said they are ready to — a labour source has said they are ready to say— a labour source has said they are ready to say they have won westminster. there was always an expectation that labour would do well in _ expectation that labour would do well in london, the expectation has been _ well in london, the expectation has been for— well in london, the expectation has been for quite some time. the conservatives were not expecting to lose westminster, labour was not expecting — lose westminster, labour was not expecting to win westminster. the prime _ expecting to win westminster. the prime minister went off with dylan the dog _ prime minister went off with dylan the dog to go and vote this morning. the tory— the dog to go and vote this morning. the tory council athens since196a

answers _ the tory council athens since196a answers on — the tory council athens since196a answers on a postcard, we will have digital _ answers on a postcard, we will have digital postcards in a few seconds, but that— digital postcards in a few seconds, but that is— digital postcards in a few seconds, but that is a big result for the labour— but that is a big result for the labour party, no doubt about it. yes _ labour party, no doubt about it. yes. as— labour party, no doubt about it. yes. as sir— labour party, no doubt about it. yes, as sirjohn was explaining, it is not _ yes, as sirjohn was explaining, it is not the — yes, as sirjohn was explaining, it is not the kind of advance so far labour— is not the kind of advance so far labour is — is not the kind of advance so far labour is sure to be cruising into number— labour is sure to be cruising into number ten~ _ labour is sure to be cruising into numberten. farfrom it. but it would — numberten. farfrom it. but it would be — numberten. farfrom it. but it would be if— numberten. farfrom it. but it would be if the directory continues, as we _ would be if the directory continues, as we expected the first win at a national— as we expected the first win at a national election for some years. that is— national election for some years. that is why — national election for some years. that is why we will hear them saying it is a _ that is why we will hear them saying it is a turning point, maybe not a moment— it is a turning point, maybe not a moment of— it is a turning point, maybe not a moment ofjubilation, but fair to say it— moment ofjubilation, but fair to say it is— moment ofjubilation, but fair to say it is a — moment ofjubilation, but fair to say it is a turning point because they— say it is a turning point because they haven't won the national share for a long _ they haven't won the national share for a long time. they haven't won the national share for a long time-— for a long time. westminster would be ouite a for a long time. westminster would be quite a thing _ for a long time. westminster would be quite a thing to _ for a long time. westminster would be quite a thing to report, - for a long time. westminster would be quite a thing to report, wouldn'tj be quite a thing to report, wouldn't it? ~ be quite a thing to report, wouldn't it? . ., , ., be quite a thing to report, wouldn't it? ., , ,, it? we are seeing great progress in london. i it? we are seeing great progress in london- i am _ it? we are seeing great progress in london. i am delighted. _ it? we are seeing great progress in london. i am delighted. what - it? we are seeing great progress in london. i am delighted. what is . london. i am delighted. what is encouraging as we are making the progress in london and across the country in the key battlegrounds as well. we are doing well right across england in the places where we need to make progress, where we have not been as competitive in recent years.

thank you very much. i willjust bring in polarfrom bristol university. polar, i bring in polarfrom bristol university. polar, lam bring in polarfrom bristol university. polar, i am almost embarrassed to ask you: you have been waiting to talk to us —— paula. i was say interviewers you have been waiting a long time, ok, and we are very to you. you have shown a lot of patience. first of all, let's have your thoughts on where the selection leaves us so far. we have a lot to come, scotland, wales, northern ireland, lots of english authorities as well, 68 local authorities in england overnight out of 1a6, so we are roughly kind of halfway. what is the story so far for you? t thrill the story so far for you? i will come to _ the story so far for you? i will come to the _ the story so far for you? i will come to the store _ the story so far for you? i will come to the store in a - the story so far for you? i will| come to the store in a minute, the story so far for you? i will. come to the store in a minute, i want to make a caveat on everything i say, and i think on everything that has been said so far through the evening and that is in some

places we are seeing very low turnout in these elections. you don't see it on most of the results as they come in, but one or two have seen turnout of five voters. when we talk about the messages electorate is sending, we need to be careful because most of the electorate haven't actually voted. but putting that to one side and looking at the results we have got, what we are seeing is this kind of battle between the long—term restructuring around demographics, which the gentleman, the lady from southampton was talking about, where we see this kind of change in demographics where those more highly educated have turned to labour overtime, and the gains that we are the political weather, the cost of living my crisis and the partygate issue battling against that. in 2019 the political weather was moving in the same direction as that restructuring in that we want, people wanted to get brexit from and there was an unpopular labour party leader. now

we have got the political weather moving along side it to a certain extent along the cost of living that crisis and an unpopular conservative leader. that is what we are seeing play out. you get the stories in different places. labour making some progress in some areas but falling backin progress in some areas but falling back in others. those two factors battle it out within the vote. {line battle it out within the vote. one thino i battle it out within the vote. one thing i wanted — battle it out within the vote. one thing i wanted to _ battle it out within the vote. one thing i wanted to mention... thank you for that overview, but the caveat is obviously important, and including one on the turnout. one thing, because you are in gloucester, aren't you, and you are at the university, there was a referendum on the mare whether people in bristol wanted to carry on with an elected mayor. as i understand it, they voted against, is that right? has understand it, they voted against, is that right? his t understand it, they voted against, is that right?— is that right? as i understand it as well, is that right? as i understand it as well. yeah. _ is that right? as i understand it as well. yeah. i— is that right? as i understand it as well, yeah, i have _ is that right? as i understand it as well, yeah, i have only— is that right? as i understand it as well, yeah, i have only seen - is that right? as i understand it as well, yeah, i have only seen the i well, yeah, i have only seen the news coverage come in on that, but, yes, i understand it, with not a bad

desperately turnout, they voted to scrap the city mare and have committees decision taken by committees decision taken by committee structure.- committee structure. does it sur n rise committee structure. does it surprise you? _ committee structure. does it surprise you? people - committee structure. does it surprise you? people in - committee structure. does it i surprise you? people in bristol committee structure. does it - surprise you? people in bristol do like committees, _ surprise you? people in bristol do like committees, so _ surprise you? people in bristol do like committees, so i— surprise you? people in bristol do like committees, so i don't - surprise you? people in bristol do. like committees, so i don't think... i like them more shared idea of democracy might be a better way of putting it. no, i don't think it necessarily surprises me, although it does cut against some of the trends towards having more mayors in places, so i think there will be something interesting to unpack their in the longer term about what local democracy means to people in the context of devolution and levelling up. tt the context of devolution and levelling up-_ the context of devolution and levelling up. the context of devolution and levellino u-. , ., ., ,, ., levelling up. it is good to talk to ou, and levelling up. it is good to talk to you. and once — levelling up. it is good to talk to you, and once again, _ levelling up. it is good to talk to you, and once again, my - levelling up. it is good to talk to i you, and once again, my apologies for keeping you waiting, but you came on with a smile, which we appreciate. thank you very much indeed. thank you, paula. katie is also waiting to talk to us, deputy political editor of the spectator. we have been discussing certainly

where this leaves borisjohnson and the conservatives, because there has been quite a bit of argument about the level of support for the tories, not just the level of support for the tories, notjust in london, but elsewhere, and what these results in london tell us as well about the state of the conservative party. what is your reading of things at this time given that i readily accept that we have got more than 70 council to declare in england? has got more than 70 council to declare in england?— in england? as you say, we don't have the full _ in england? as you say, we don't have the full picture _ in england? as you say, we don't have the full picture yet, - in england? as you say, we don't have the full picture yet, but - in england? as you say, we don't have the full picture yet, but we | have the full picture yet, but we know a few things. it is looking very grim for the tories in london, if you also look at west oxfordshire, the fact the tories have lost control there, that spells trouble and will raise concerns about the blue wall. yes, the tories are trying to set very low expectations talking about 800 seater losses. no—one believes that, and at the very least, what these

results will do is divide the party when it comes to that north—south divide and raise concerns that boris johnson is not doing enough when it comes to the threat of the lib dems and also in terms of cities as london. ~ ., and also in terms of cities as london. . ., ., , , , london. what would be the response ofthe london. what would be the response of the parliamentary _ london. what would be the response of the parliamentary party, _ london. what would be the response of the parliamentary party, and - london. what would be the response of the parliamentary party, and easy| of the parliamentary party, and easy going to come more pressure? tt is going to come more pressure? it is inevitable going to come more pressure? tt 3 inevitable borisjohnson going to come more pressure? tit 3 inevitable boris johnson will come under inevitable borisjohnson will come under more pressure. the question is, is this the trigger? tory mps often talk about opposing the prime minister but tend to find reasons to delay that. i think if you look at those tory mps who are already quite concerned those who have lib dems as the second party in their seats, this will just the second party in their seats, this willjust add to their worries about borisjohnson, and notjust borisjohnson the leader, but the current direction policy such as the rwanda policy, privatisation of channel a is moving away from the demographic and partygate not helping as well. the hope is there would be enough in terms of the red wall to say, yes, we might be doing

badly, but the realignment of politics is still happening. there is a mixed picture. the best hope is to say keir starmer is not huge enthusiasm. brute to say keir starmer is not huge enthusiasm.— to say keir starmer is not huge enthusiasm. . , ., ,, ., ., enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot more about — enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot more about those _ enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot more about those themes _ enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot more about those themes as - enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot more about those themes as the . enthusiasm. we will be talking a lot | more about those themes as the day goes on. thank you so much. that was a deputy —— political of the spectator. you will be seeing us for previously breakfast. before we go, let's join rita once again for a quick update on where we are at the end of this section of the broadcast.— end of this section of the broadcast. , , , ., ., broadcast. this is the state of play at the moment _ broadcast. this is the state of play at the moment with _ broadcast. this is the state of play at the moment with nearly - broadcast. this is the state of play at the moment with nearly half - broadcast. this is the state of play| at the moment with nearly half the councils declared. you can see labour has gained 29 counsellors, the conservatives has lost 108. the liberal democrats have had a healthy night of it, although admittedly from a considerably lower base labour, but they have gained 53

counsellors and the greens have gained 19, 19 of those 33 counsellors, 19 of those tonight. what does that mean in terms of councils? that you have it, labour has gained control of one council, the conservatives have lost four, two of those in london, and we know that there is more to come in london if what we are hearing from westminster is correct. rita, iwill see ou westminster is correct. rita, iwill see you in — westminster is correct. rita, iwill see you in a _ westminster is correct. rita, iwill see you in a few— westminster is correct. rita, iwill see you in a few hours _ westminster is correct. rita, iwill see you in a few hours time. - westminster is correct. rita, iwill| see you in a few hours time. thank you very much, and thank you for your company overnight. rita and the team there with the more detailed results. bridget, iwill team there with the more detailed results. bridget, i will be very unfair and results. bridget, i will be very unfairand say to results. bridget, i will be very unfair and say to you in 20 seconds as we finish this broadcast, where are you on labour positive performance so far? obs, are you on labour positive performance so far? are you on labour positive enrformance so far? . . , , ., performance so far? a really strong set of results _ performance so far? a really strong set of results making _ performance so far? a really strong set of results making progress - performance so far? a really strong set of results making progress in i set of results making progress in the areas we need to for the next general election. a real turning point. people are looking at labour, they come back to us in a real progress —— for keir starmer. instill

progress -- for keir starmer. will enonle progress -- for keir starmer. will people can _ progress -- for keir starmer. will people can say — progress —— for keir starmer. will people can say this is the time things change?— people can say this is the time thinos chanoe? , ., ., things change? they do, and where ou look things change? they do, and where you look at — things change? they do, and where you look at where _ things change? they do, and where you look at where we _ things change? they do, and where you look at where we are _ things change? they do, and where you look at where we are now, - things change? they do, and where you look at where we are now, we i you look at where we are now, we have made progress. there is more to come and more to do, we recognise that, but i think we can be satisfied with the results and happy with the results we have seen so far. ., ., with the results we have seen so far. ., ~' , ., with the results we have seen so far. . ,, i. ., , , far. thank you for being with us. laura, far. thank you for being with us. laura. thank _ far. thank you for being with us. laura, thank you _ far. thank you for being with us. laura, thank you for _ far. thank you for being with us. laura, thank you for your - far. thank you for being with us. i laura, thank you for your company far. thank you for being with us. - laura, thank you for your company as well. we will see you later on. the news channel, bbc breakfast follows. but from all of the team here, goodbye. going to see wet weather moving south across the uk. before you rub your hands with glee, further south

your hands with glee, further south you are, the system will be weakening and there will not be much rain left you by the time we get into friday night. here is the weather system moving south out of scotland and northern ireland during the day but this is where we will begin with the rain, a stiff breeze and a mild start to the day. it will slowly move away from scotland and northern ireland with brighter skies and a few showers behind. as the rain heads into northern england and wales. ahead of it through wales and england, some low cloud and drizzle around coasts and hills. east and south—east england will stay dry during daylight hours before it actually clouds over. it will be cooler where you have the rain. notice how it does weaken through friday evening, may be something half decent into east anglia, but i splashed and no more. it moves on through to leave, high—pressure building behind it and through to leave, high—pressure building behind itand mainly dry start of the weekend. there will be

some sunny spells around and cloud building. afew some sunny spells around and cloud building. a few showers breaking up through central and southern scotland, and england during the day. very few and far between. it will feel warm in the sunny spells, caller with an onshore breeze around north—eastern coasts before temperatures recover here on sunday. high—pressure keeping most places settle, but whether funds high—pressure keeping most places settle, but whetherfunds make high—pressure keeping most places settle, but whether funds make some progress towards scotland and northern ireland for once again, and it means cloudy skies occasionally, a chance of seeing a little rain on sunday. it doesn't look like anything more than that. it will still feel pleasantly warm where you get to see sunny spells. on monday, greater chance of some wetter weather again in scotland and northern ireland as with the area of low pressure put on a more active with a front in here they strengthening breeze. breezy through wales and england as well.

good morning, welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and victoria derbyshire. our headlines today. local election results coming in across england — the conservative lose seats, including the key london borough of wandsworth, labour make modest gains, and the liberal democrats say they're picking up support. counting will begin later this morning for the local elections in scotland and wales, while in northern ireland's assembly elections, sinn fein are hoping to top the poll for the first time. reacting to the economic warnings — with interest rates rising, inflation expected to peak at 10%, and fears for the economy, i'll explain what's happening and what you can do to protect your personal finances. an incredible night for rangers.

they dance into the night at ibrox, after reaching the final