big losses for the conservatives, gains for labour, liberal democrats, greens and independents. but with three quarters of results still to come, we're with you for the next four and a half hours to give you the verdict of voters in these local elections in england: this is a politics live election special. joining me today, former conservative cabinet minister andrea leadsom, shadow health minister and labour mp liz kendall, daily mirror political editor john stevens and former brexit party candidate and director of the equiano project, inaya folarin iman.

on the programme today: tories lick their wounds as their losses mount — the pm puts on a brave face. we are obviously very disappointed. we are obviously very disappointed. we did expect a slight change, but certainly not before whirlwind gains that labour have made tonight. tories lick their wounds as their losses mount — the pm puts on a brave face. i'm not detecting any massive groundswell of moment towards the labour party or excitement for their agenda. people want us to focus on their priorities. we agenda. people want us to focus on their priorities.— their priorities. we have changed our -a . their priorities. we have changed our party- we — their priorities. we have changed our party. we have _ their priorities. we have changed our party. we have won - their priorities. we have changed our party. we have won the - their priorities. we have changed our party. we have won the trusti their priorities. we have changed - our party. we have won the trust and confidence _ our party. we have won the trust and confidence of voters, and now we can io confidence of voters, and now we can go on _ confidence of voters, and now we can go on to— confidence of voters, and now we can go on to change our country, so possible. — possible. cheering labour are making gains — but does it put them on course to win the next general election?

these results have far exceeded our expectations and those of the independent pundits. it’s expectations and those of the independent pundits.- expectations and those of the independent pundits. it's one of the best ever election _ independent pundits. it's one of the best ever election results _ best ever election results for liberal democrats council elections. an impressive performance by the liberal decmocrats — they are sharing the spoils with labour. greens and independents are also taking seats. counting continues across the country, with more than 100 councils still to declare. we'll bring you those results live. we'll have expert analysis from elections guru professor sirjohn curtice. i'll be crunching the numbers on my big screen, giving you the full picture of these local election results. lots of councils still counting, lots of results still to come. welcome to this politics live —— politics live local election special. it will be a very busy often because we will have results being declared four councils right through the next four and a half

hours. and of course, these elections are important in england, broadly forfour years elections are important in england, broadly for four years ago, in 2019, because they will reflect the public mood and the feeling generally, taking the temperature of these parts of the country in terms of how they feel about the main political parties. and whether and how much we can take in terms of looking ahead to the next general election. first, let's bring you up—to—date with the latest tally in terms of the number of councillors. you can see here, compared to 2019, labour on 746 up 141. the conservatives are on 500 councillors, down 256 the lib dems are up 64, their total so far 367. independents on 236, up 22. the greens up 36, on 68, and local associations are down one. the state of the parties in terms of the number of councils. labour have 25.

they have added three. we will talk about those in a moment. the conservatives are on 13. they have lost 11. the lib dems have added one, in windsor and maidenhead, and they are online. the independently pack —— the independents are on two. let's open a programme today with our guests, starting with you, andrea. that is the verdict so far — up andrea. that is the verdict so far — up bad night for the conservatives. that is the rabbit from the public, what is your verdict?— what is your verdict? incredibly disappointment. _ what is your verdict? incredibly disappointment. it _ what is your verdict? incredibly disappointment. it is _ what is your verdict? incredibly disappointment. it is as - what is your verdict? incredibly i disappointment. it is as expected that we thought we would lose a number of seats. i would like to pay tribute to so many hard—working councillors who will be bitterly disappointed today. at the same time, i don't think we are seeing a huge breakthrough from labour. i think people are saying, we are unhappy with the conservatives, but we are seeing a lot of equal gains amongst opposition parties, which

doesn't suggest to me anything like tony blair are experienced in the run—up to the general election in 1997. i don't think it is a real endorsement of labour, i think people do want us to focus, and as rishi sunak said, he is absolutely focused on dealing with what people care about, which is sorting out the economy, it is cutting waiting lists for the nhs, and vitally stopping the small boats, so i think there was everything to play for. what the small boats, so i think there was everything to play for. what is our was everything to play for. what is your verdict. _ was everything to play for. what is your verdict, there _ was everything to play for. what is your verdict, there is, _ was everything to play for. what is your verdict, there is, particularly | your verdict, there is, particularly following on from andrea saying people may be fed up with the conservatives but not yet in love with labour?— conservatives but not yet in love with labour? labour is back and in eve art with labour? labour is back and in every part of— with labour? labour is back and in every part of the — with labour? labour is back and in every part of the country _ with labour? labour is back and in every part of the country - - with labour? labour is back and in every part of the country - in - with labour? labour is back and in every part of the country - in the l every part of the country — in the north, _ every part of the country — in the north, east— every part of the country — in the north, east and west midlands, the south—west, the southeast. it has been _ south—west, the southeast. it has been a _ south—west, the southeast. it has been a catastrophic night for the tories _ been a catastrophic night for the tories. don't forget, the last time we had _ tories. don't forget, the last time we had this— tories. don't forget, the last time we had this set of elections was their— we had this set of elections was their second worst ever.- their second worst ever. labour didn't perform _ their second worst ever. labour didn't perform very _ their second worst ever. labour didn't perform very well - their second worst ever. labour didn't perform very well eitherl their second worst ever. labour. didn't perform very well either in 2019. ., �* ., ., , 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the oint, jo. 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the point.10- if— 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the point. jo- if you _ 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the point, 10. if you had _ 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the

point, 10. if you had told _ 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the point, 10. if you had told me - 2019. no, we didn't, and that is the point, 10. if you had told me back. point, jo. if you had told me back in 2019— point, jo. if you had told me back in 2019 that — point, jo. if you had told me back in 2019 that we could see such seismic— in 2019 that we could see such seismic movements in the key areas we need _ seismic movements in the key areas we need to— seismic movements in the key areas we need to winter for the next government, you know, victory in medway, — government, you know, victory in medway, what we have seen in plymouth. we medway, what we have seen in plymouth-— medway, what we have seen in pl mouth. ~ , ., ., , plymouth. we will show our viewers the labour gains. _ plymouth. we will show our viewers the labour gains. they _ plymouth. we will show our viewers the labour gains. they are - the labour gains. they are important. these were key targets for labour, medway in kent, stoke—on—trent and staffordshire and plymouth in the south—west, underlining your point about it being spread geographically. that’s being spread geographically. that's absolutely right, _ being spread geographically. that's absolutely right, and _ being spread geographically. that's absolutely right, and if— being spread geographically. that's absolutely right, and if you - being spread geographically. that's absolutely right, and if you look at the scale _ absolutely right, and if you look at the scale of the victory in plymouth and in _ the scale of the victory in plymouth and in medway, it does take us back to that _ and in medway, it does take us back to that 1997 — and in medway, it does take us back to that 1997 level of support. are ou reall to that 1997 level of support. are you really as _ to that 1997 level of support. fife: you really as confident as that? to that 1997 level of support. are i you really as confident as that? can i 'ust sa , you really as confident as that? can i just say. i — you really as confident as that? can i just say. i do _ you really as confident as that? can ijust say, i do believe we are on course _ ijust say, i do believe we are on course to— ijust say, i do believe we are on course to form a majority in the next _ course to form a majority in the next government, but i take absolutely nothing for granted. we said we _ absolutely nothing for granted. we said we had a mountain to climb, that was— said we had a mountain to climb, that was ever rest. we have smashed through— that was ever rest. we have smashed through the _ that was ever rest. we have smashed through the base camp but we have still got _ through the base camp but we have still got to— through the base camp but we have still got to get to the summit. what

is our still got to get to the summit. what is your verdict _ still got to get to the summit. what is your verdict so _ still got to get to the summit. what is your verdict so far, _ still got to get to the summit. lariat is your verdict so far, because there are still an awful lot of results still to come in. is it really true that this candle can say, as keir starmer has said, that they are on course to win an outright majority at the next general election?— general election? that's the difficult thing, _ general election? that's the difficult thing, that - general election? that's the difficult thing, that labour l general election? that's the - difficult thing, that labour clearly now look— difficult thing, that labour clearly now look like _ difficult thing, that labour clearly now look like at _ difficult thing, that labour clearly now look like at the _ difficult thing, that labour clearly now look like at the next - difficult thing, that labour clearly now look like at the next election they could — now look like at the next election they could take _ now look like at the next election they could take power. _ now look like at the next election they could take power. i - now look like at the next election they could take power. i think- now look like at the next election . they could take power. i think there is a question— they could take power. i think there is a question of— they could take power. i think there is a question of whether _ they could take power. i think there is a question of whether that - they could take power. i think there is a question of whether that wouldl is a question of whether that would be a is a question of whether that would he a majority— is a question of whether that would be a majority government - is a question of whether that would be a majority government or - is a question of whether that would be a majority government or not. l be a majority government or not. that— be a majority government or not. that iine — be a majority government or not. that line from _ be a majority government or not. that line from rishi _ be a majority government or not. that line from rishi sunak- be a majority government or not. that line from rishi sunak in - be a majority government or not. that line from rishi sunak in thatj that line from rishi sunak in that clip that line from rishi sunak in that ciiuiust_ that line from rishi sunak in that ciiuiust now— that line from rishi sunak in that clip just now about _ that line from rishi sunak in that clip just now about how - that line from rishi sunak in that clip just now about how there - that line from rishi sunak in that clip just now about how there is i that line from rishi sunak in that. clipjust now about how there is no groundswell — clipjust now about how there is no groundswell of _ clipjust now about how there is no groundswell of support— clipjust now about how there is no groundswell of support for- clipjust now about how there is no groundswell of support for labour, clipjust now about how there is no. groundswell of support for labour, i don't _ groundswell of support for labour, i don't know— groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if— groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if they _ groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if they have _ groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if they have the - groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if they have the tv - groundswell of support for labour, i don't know if they have the tv off. don't know if they have the tv off at headquarters, _ don't know if they have the tv off at headquarters, and _ don't know if they have the tv off at headquarters, and we - don't know if they have the tv off at headquarters, and we have - don't know if they have the tv off. at headquarters, and we have heard andrea _ at headquarters, and we have heard andrea saying — at headquarters, and we have heard andrea saying the _ at headquarters, and we have heard andrea saying the same _ at headquarters, and we have heard andrea saying the same thing - at headquarters, and we have heard andrea saying the same thing here. | andrea saying the same thing here. look at— andrea saying the same thing here. look at the — andrea saying the same thing here. look at the numbers, _ andrea saying the same thing here. look at the numbers, tories - andrea saying the same thing here. look at the numbers, tories down i look at the numbers, tories down 250. _ look at the numbers, tories down 250, they— look at the numbers, tories down 250, they were _ look at the numbers, tories down 250. they were up— look at the numbers, tories down 250, they were up 150. _ look at the numbers, tories down 250, they were up 150. it - look at the numbers, tories down 250, they were up 150. it is - look at the numbers, tories down 250, they were up 150. it is still. 250, they were up 150. it is still very— 250, they were up 150. it is still very early— 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but _ 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but you _ 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but you have - 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but you have a - 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but you have a lot - 250, they were up 150. it is still very early but you have a lot ofl 250, they were up 150. it is still. very early but you have a lot of key councii _ very early but you have a lot of key council is _ very early but you have a lot of key council is coming _ very early but you have a lot of key council is coming later— very early but you have a lot of key council is coming later today, - very early but you have a lot of key council is coming later today, like. council is coming later today, like swindon. — council is coming later today, like swindon. that _ council is coming later today, like swindon, that you _ council is coming later today, like swindon, that you need _ council is coming later today, like swindon, that you need to - council is coming later today, like swindon, that you need to win. i council is coming later today, like i swindon, that you need to win. the? swindon, that you need to win. they are ahead at — swindon, that you need to win. they are ahead at the _ swindon, that you need to win. are ahead at the moment in that. exactly. places like medway, where you only _ exactly. places like medway, where you only win — exactly. places like medway, where you only win if— exactly. places like medway, where you only win if you _ exactly. places like medway, where you only win if you have _ exactly. places like medway, where you only win if you have a _ exactly. places like medway, where you only win if you have a chance i exactly. places like medway, where you only win if you have a chance of getting _ you only win if you have a chance of getting back— you only win if you have a chance of getting back into— you only win if you have a chance of getting back into government. - you only win if you have a chance of getting back into government. at . you only win if you have a chance of i getting back into government. at the moment— getting back into government. at the moment they— getting back into government. at the moment they do _ getting back into government. at the moment they do seem _ getting back into government. at the moment they do seem to _ getting back into government. at the moment they do seem to be -

getting back into government. at the moment they do seem to be doing i moment they do seem to be doing guite _ moment they do seem to be doing quite well— moment they do seem to be doing quite well in — moment they do seem to be doing quite well in those _ moment they do seem to be doing quite well in those places. - moment they do seem to be doing quite well in those places. what i moment they do seem to be doing quite well in those places. what do ou think, quite well in those places. what do you think, inaya? _ quite well in those places. what do you think, inaya? this _ quite well in those places. what do you think, inaya? this has - quite well in those places. what do you think, inaya? this has been - you think, inaya? this has been billed as his first electoral test. the prime minister said the other night, perhaps last night, i'm losing track as the hours merged together, where he said after the box set drama of last year, boris johnson and liz truss, it was always going to be a tough night. there won't be any changes, well they are? did conservatives i don't think i've very surprised about the results. andrea mentioned the key priorities, the economy and also stopping the boats. 0n those fundamental issues, the track record for the conservatives is pretty poor, so in terms of what people will be thinking about and supporting, i don't think they went into those boots very confident in the conservative party. whilst labour has undoubtedly made some gains, i think that after three prime ministers in one year, coronavirus, partygate, all of the huge scandals we have seen over the last 12

months, let alone few years, these are the results we would expect for are the results we would expect for a government in waiting, and labour should be expecting far more success. forthe should be expecting far more success. for the majority of people, it reflects that they are not seeing that transformative alternative that gives them real confidence in voting for a different party. i gives them real confidence in voting for a different party.— for a different party. i would say it is notjust. .. _ for a different party. i would say it is notjust... it— for a different party. i would say it is notjust. .. it really - for a different party. i would say it is notjust. .. it really has - for a different party. i would say| it is notjust. .. it really has been it is notjust... it really has been a seismic— it is notjust... it really has been a seismic change in medway and plymouth — a seismic change in medway and plymouth. if you take seats like worcester, that we last won back in 2001, _ worcester, that we last won back in 2001, look— worcester, that we last won back in 2001, look at what we've done in telford _ 2001, look at what we've done in telford and the wrecking, all of the gains _ telford and the wrecking, all of the gains we _ telford and the wrecking, all of the gains we are making, and places like north— gains we are making, and places like north west _ gains we are making, and places like north west leicestershire. we haven't— north west leicestershire. we haven't taken the council but we've made _ haven't taken the council but we've made hig _ haven't taken the council but we've made big gains there, and in bolsover— made big gains there, and in bolsover and bassetlaw. winning back those redwall places and making progress — those redwall places and making progress in the south—east and south—west as well, seats we haven't held since _ south—west as well, seats we haven't held since 2001. if you look at where — held since 2001. if you look at where the _ held since 2001. if you look at where the battle counts, we are

winning, — where the battle counts, we are winning, but we know we have further to go _ winning, but we know we have further to no. :, winning, but we know we have further to o, :, 4' :, winning, but we know we have further to no. :, ~' :, :, winning, but we know we have further toao. :, ~ :, ., to go. you know you do full stop andrea, to go. you know you do full stop andrea. l _ to go. you know you do full stop andrea, iwill_ to go. you know you do full stop andrea, i will let _ to go. you know you do full stop andrea, i will let you _ to go. you know you do full stop andrea, i will let you reflect - to go. you know you do full stop andrea, i will let you reflect on. andrea, i will let you reflect on this tweet from a conservative mp, justin tomlinson, in the swindon area. after so long, he says, it was always going to be tough, but the party collectively needs to take this as a wake—up call to refresh and renew. we have to once again offer positive reasons to vote for us at every level. what do you think he means by refresh and renew? i he means by refresh and renew? i think he's absolutely right. people were wanting to give the conservatives are kicking but i want to come back to what lizjust said because when i look through all of the conversations between conservative mps over night, there are some fantastic stories of people gaining seats and holding onto seats that they weren't expected to win, so on one hand, yes, the big picture looks dreadful, but on the ground, there are still people who have hung on and who have done well. for example, in peterborough, in sandwell, where we have had really good gains. it seems to me from

talking to colleagues... i think that there have been some very good gains. that there have been some very good rains. :, :, that there have been some very good ains. :, :, ., .. , that there have been some very good rains. :, :, ., .. , ., , gains. you do accept that the big icture is gains. you do accept that the big picture is rrot _ gains. you do accept that the big picture is not positive _ gains. you do accept that the big picture is not positive in - gains. you do accept that the big picture is not positive in any - gains. you do accept that the big picture is not positive in any way| picture is not positive in any way at the moment. i picture is not positive in any way at the moment.— at the moment. i have said it is disastrous _ at the moment. i have said it is disastrous for _ at the moment. i have said it is disastrous for supporters. - at the moment. i have said it is l disastrous for supporters. should there be changes? _ disastrous for supporters. should there be changes? just _ disastrous for supporters. should there be changes? just taking - disastrous for supporters. should . there be changes? just taking that sentiment from justin. if there be changes? just taking that sentiment from justin. iii there be changes? just taking that sentiment from justin.— there be changes? just taking that sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have _ sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is _ sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is that _ sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is that we _ sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is that we had - sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is that we had a - sentiment from justin. if i may, the issue we have is that we had a very | issue we have is that we had a very torrid time over the last 18 months. we have a coronavirus pandemic, which has left people very disappointed and frustrated. we have had putin's aggression in russia, from russia and ukraine. we have a cost of living crisis we are still in the middle of, damaging strikes, enormous headwinds, and as has been said, that does not reflect well on labour that they have not been able to do better. labour that they have not been able to do better-— to do better. does it reflect well on rishi sunak, _ to do better. does it reflect well on rishi sunak, a _ to do better. does it reflect well on rishi sunak, a new— to do better. does it reflect well on rishi sunak, a new prime -

to do better. does it reflect well- on rishi sunak, a new prime minister who are supposed to steady the ship? rishi sunak cannot be blamed. i'm not saying nothing to do with him at all, i'm saying the conservatives have a long way to go. i believe, and the last —— over the last six months on the rishi sunak, we are getting back to being the competent government focused on the people's priorities of getting inflation down, getting the nhs... haste priorities of getting inflation down, getting the nhs... down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back _ down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back to _ down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back to that _ down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back to that in _ down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back to that in a _ down, getting the nhs. .. we will come back to that in a moment, . come back to that in a moment, because you are here for the next hour or so. because you are here for the next hour orso. i because you are here for the next hour or so. i want to dig down a little bit more into some of these results with davis wallace locked —— david wallace lockhart. let's start with a reminder of the current state of the change in seats. remember, we are comparing here to the 2019 local elections, where the conservative did quite badly, labour did not do particularly well, and the lib dems had quite a good night. labour are up had quite a good night. labour are up by 141 seats. the conservatives losing at this point over 250. they have lost around a third of all councils they had been defending.

the lib dems increasing the number of seats by 64. what does that mean for councils changing hands? labour have gained three, the conservatives have gained three, the conservatives have lost 11, and the lib dems have gone up by one. we can have a look at some of those conservative losses. we have mentioned some of them — medway in kent, windsor in berkshire. north west leicestershire, hearts smear, traditional conservative areas, and highlighting the problem the conservatives are facing. the conservatives are facing. the conservatives have lost their majority there. let's go to the kent coast and talk about medway, where sir keir starmer has been this morning, celebrating labour�*s performance so far, and we can see why, because this has been conservative since 2003. labour haven't been in power in this council since 1998, haven't been in power in this councilsince1998, but haven't been in power in this council since 1998, but with 33 seats, that has gone from conservative to being now a labour council. it's worth having a quick look at this number here, the eu

referendum vote. 64% leave in medway in kent. we know the labour party has had problems in recent years in brexit backing areas, so they will be happy with that progress. look at how the seat has changed hands. the conservative down by 13, labour up by 11. labouraren't conservative down by 13, labour up by 11. labour aren't the only party happy at the moment. the lib dems celebrating. 0ne happy at the moment. the lib dems celebrating. one win in particular. if we go to windsor and maidenhead in berkshire, that is where sir ed davey went to celebrate and claim it is time up for rishi sunak. this has been conservative since 2017 when it comes to the house of commons. theresa may is one of the local mps. theresa may is one of the local mp5. theresa may is one of the local mp5. the lib dems on 22 seats there, needing 21 for a majority, so they have taken it from the conservatives, it is now a lib dems heat, conservatives losing 16 of their seats, the lib dems gaining 13. lots of seats still counting and a few we can look out for a head in the programme. stratford and even on

warwickshire, the lib dems hoping to make a dent. dover in kent, labour have their eye on that. we have measured it already, swindon, that was conservative. early wards being announced, the suggestions are there was quite a swing to labour, and it could potentially go to labour, so we will keep a close eye on that one. if i haven't gone through your local area, you can go to the bbc news website, stick in your postcode and find out the latest with local elections what is going on where you are. all of course stick with us, because we will bring you the results. thank you, we will come back to you shortly. let's talk to our elections expert, professor sirjohn curtice. i don't know if you could hear what andrea leadsom and liz kendall were saying, i will broadly paraphrase because there are more conservative losses that have come in over the last few moments or so, certainly prospective ones. andrea leadsom saying it's been a very disappointing night, but that she

couldn't see any huge enthusiasm for sir keir starmer�*s labour party. liz kendall echoing keir starmer by saying they are on course to win the next general election. what say you? those two statements are not necessarily in conflict with each other. if the conservatives are doing very badly, even if labour are not advancing very much, that might still be sufficient to enable labour to win a general election. actually, i would suggest that it may indeed be the case that both statements are true. certainly, one criteria that we can use to argue that perhaps what has happened on thursday is at least as much to do with discontent with the conservatives as it is with enthusiasm for labour, while the conservative vote, in places where we have been collecting detailed results, it is four or five points down on last year, and labour are basically in the same position. i

can also point out that if we go back where to and compare labour's share of the vote now with what it was with ed miliband in 2012, in the ward places where we have been covering the elections, labour's share of the vote are somewhat lower. but we are certainly looking at a situation where the gap between labour and the conservatives is probably significantly wider than it has been in any previous set of local elections. and around 4% or so, the swing from may 2019 in these elections is not that far short of the 5% swing that we would expect from the opinion polls. therefore, it mightjust be enough to take labour passed the house of commons. i would say that unusually fifa opponent position politicians, maybe they have both got a germ of truth in what they say, but perhaps they also need to listen to what their opponent is saying, if they want to

get a rounded picture of where we might be at. we get a rounded picture of where we might be at— get a rounded picture of where we miaht be at. ~ , :, :, might be at. we should mention the liberal democrats, _ might be at. we should mention the liberal democrats, they _ might be at. we should mention the liberal democrats, they are - liberal democrats, they are cock—a—hoop at taking windsor and maidenhead, and we will remember the liberal democrat leader ed davey driving a tractor through what he calls the blue wall of the safe tory seats. he is obviously celebrating so far, they are hoping for more gains, and the greens are also adding to their tally? in gains, and the greens are also adding to their tally?— adding to their tally? in both cases, adding to their tally? in both cases. the — adding to their tally? in both cases, the truth _ adding to their tally? in both cases, the truth is _ adding to their tally? in both cases, the truth is they - adding to their tally? in both cases, the truth is they are l adding to their tally? in both - cases, the truth is they are modest making progress. but it is modest progress on what was relatively good results back in 2019. the liberal democrats, you might say, well, so what? if that pattern were to continue, we would probably conclude that the liberal democrats have recorded their best performance in local government elections in england since 2010, though still nothing like back to the level they

were before that. at least these local elections might mark further progress in the very substantial challenge the party faced five, six, seven years ago, of recovering the quite considerable local government baseit quite considerable local government base it once enjoyed, but was seriously damaged by the experience of the coalition. the greens, defending a record performance in 2019. again, it is up a bit. particularly up in places where they were stronger already. i think we can see in terms of seat gains, the greens are also strengthening their toehold in local government. what we do have to remember about all of this is that while the politics of westminster, at least in england and wales, might be dominated by conservative and labour, the politics of local government in england is not dominated by those two parties to anything like the same degree. the liberal democrats have long done better in local

govern at elections, the greens are beginning tojoin them. it makes it more difficult for conservative and labour, simply to be able to say that we are doing as well in the local elections as were doing in the opinion polls. frankly, that is a tall order for opinion polls. frankly, that is a tall orderfor both of opinion polls. frankly, that is a tall order for both of them. thank ou ve tall order for both of them. thank you very much. — tall order for both of them. thank you very much, we _ tall order for both of them. thank you very much, we will _ tall order for both of them. thank you very much, we will come - tall order for both of them. thank| you very much, we will come back tall order for both of them. thank i you very much, we will come back to you very much, we will come back to you later in the programme. let me bring you this important result in maidstone, in kent. the conservatives have lost. there are still some seats to declare, but they can't hold onto it. they are on 22 seats, independents are on ten, liberal democrats, ten, five to labour and three to the greens. it's going to no overall control. you can see the conservatives lost five, they were down by five, and independence, labourand they were down by five, and independence, labour and greens have added to their tally. you can see the vote share, but let's look at how this has actually changed since 2019. there is the drop, a 9% drop

by the conservatives in a part of the country that is certainly considered to be one of their strongholds, in kent. labour have gained the most, they have gone up by 6%. they have taken medway, of course, in the same part of the world. let's get... andrea, do you want to say anything about maidstone? abs, want to say anything about maidstone?— want to say anything about maidstone? : , ., , maidstone? a huge disappointment, as i said maidstone? a huge disappointment, as i said earlier. — maidstone? a huge disappointment, as i said earlier, for _ maidstone? a huge disappointment, as i said earlier, for hard-working - i said earlier, for hard—working councillors to lose their seats. who councillors to lose their seats. who or what is to _ councillors to lose their seats. who or what is to blame? _ councillors to lose their seats. who or what is to blame? exactly - councillors to lose their seats. who or what is to blame? exactly as - or what is to blame? exactly as professor _ or what is to blame? exactly as professor sir _ or what is to blame? exactly as professor sirjohn _ or what is to blame? exactly as professor sirjohn curtice - or what is to blame? exactly as professor sirjohn curtice just l professor sirjohn curtice just said, local elections are very much more an open race. we saw there have been some independent gains.- been some independent gains. labour had been the — been some independent gains. labour had been the biggest... _ been some independent gains. labour had been the biggest... they - been some independent gains. labour had been the biggest... they are - had been the biggest... they are very much _ had been the biggest... they are very much about _ had been the biggest. .. they are very much about local— had been the biggest... they are very much about local issues, . had been the biggest... they are - very much about local issues, issues such as potholes, planning, house building. all of the sort of areas that obviously mps are very concerned about, but local elections are very much more on the local issues. i think it's very hard to

say for sure. clearly, the conservatives are still the biggest party. but very disappointing to have lost overall control. interestingly, the outgoing tory leader in medway said it was about the cost of living, it was about housing targets, it was about not being able to get a gp appointment. i would say those are local issues, but they are also big national issues. before i get more reaction from our guests, let's talk to the bbc deputy political editor vicki young. give us your thoughts so far. no doubt about it, the conservatives are talking about it being a disappointing night, ijust spoke to one cabinet minister who said it is definitely the upper end of disappointing. if you remember, we talked about management of acceptation, greg hands, the chairman, talking about losing 1006. at the time, a couple of cabinet minister said, at the time, a couple of cabinet ministersaid, if at the time, a couple of cabinet minister said, if he is saying 1000 publicly, that means about 700, not too bad. i think it is going to be nearer the 1000 mark, a devastating result for the conservatives, based

on terrible results time round. the question is, what are they going to do about that? one particular minister saying to me, look, this is not about the prime minister, it's about the party. those close to rishi sunak want to distance him from this and say it is not surprising after everything that has happened over the last year, that he has inherited that negativity from the liz truss regime, from the problems in the borisjohnson. even though in westminster there is a sense that things have calmed down, rishi sunak is getting on with the job, clearly it has not been easily forgotten or forgiven elsewhere in the country. for the conservatives, a terrible night, a terrible set of results. the problem is, people are using either the green party, they are voting labour or lib dem, and thatis are voting labour or lib dem, and that is the anti—tory sentiment, if you like. the liberal democrats, they are very, very optimistic about what is still to come for them, and even predicting a big upset in surrey heath, which is michael

gove's constituency area, rock—solid conservative area, the lib dems are now saying they are making big gains there and it is really up in the air about who will control that council, which would be a pretty outstanding result if it were to happen. bz�*icki result if it were to happen. vicki youn: , result if it were to happen. vicki young. thank — result if it were to happen. vicki young, thank you _ result if it were to happen. vicki young, thank you very - result if it were to happen. vicki young, thank you very much. we are going to go to swindon in a moment. the issues that have been raised, cost of living, housing, gp appointments, these are things that the national government, that rishi sunak said he will tackle. certainly when it comes to inflation on the economy? i when it comes to inflation on the econom ? ., , when it comes to inflation on the economy?— when it comes to inflation on the econom ? ~ , :, economy? i think it is easy to say that it is focused _ economy? i think it is easy to say that it is focused on _ economy? i think it is easy to say that it is focused on local- economy? i think it is easy to say that it is focused on local issues, | that it is focused on local issues, but national issues have a huge importance in the local elections. i grew up in maidstone and i went to school in medway, they are strong conservative areas but they have a lot of poverty in those areas as well. the losses that the conservatives are having to labour, i think it is a big demonstration that the cost of living is a massive issue for these people. the nhs, and over the last few years, all of those things have got substantially

worse for ordinary people. i those things have got substantially worse for ordinary people.- worse for ordinary people. i think, havin: worse for ordinary people. i think, having been _ worse for ordinary people. i think, having been doorknocking - worse for ordinary people. i think, having been doorknocking in - worse for ordinary people. i think, having been doorknocking in areas that we _ having been doorknocking in areas that we need to win back from the conservatives, what you are seeing is that _ conservatives, what you are seeing is that conservative rhetoric has been _ is that conservative rhetoric has been trumped by conservative reality — been trumped by conservative reality in _ been trumped by conservative reality. in some of the so—called blue _ reality. in some of the so—called blue wall— reality. in some of the so—called blue wall seats, you have a lot of lifelong _ blue wall seats, you have a lot of lifelong tory voters who are furious with what _ lifelong tory voters who are furious with what happened with boris johnson, — with what happened with boris johnson, his lying, with liz trussm _ johnson, his lying, with liz truss- - -— johnson, his lying, with liz truss... �* , ., truss... but there is a new prime minister, — truss... but there is a new prime minister, things _ truss... but there is a new prime minister, things have _ truss... but there is a new prime minister, things have changed? l truss... but there is a new prime - minister, things have changed? they feel it was rrot _ minister, things have changed? they feel it was not conservative, how the economy was crushed. does that indicate it is — the economy was crushed. does that indicate it is temporary? _ the economy was crushed. does that indicate it is temporary? let - the economy was crushed. does that indicate it is temporary? let me - indicate it is temporary? let me finish with _ indicate it is temporary? let me finish with this, _ indicate it is temporary? let me finish with this, areas _ indicate it is temporary? let me finish with this, areas that - indicate it is temporary? let me finish with this, areas that borisj finish with this, areas that boris johnson — finish with this, areas that boris johnson won in the so—called redwall seats, _ johnson won in the so—called redwall seats, they— johnson won in the so—called redwall seats, they were told things would -et seats, they were told things would get better and nothing seems to work _ get better and nothing seems to work. people can't pay their bills, they can't— work. people can't pay their bills, they can't get a passport, let alone a gp appointment, and they are worried — a gp appointment, and they are worried about crime. this is the problem — worried about crime. this is the problem for rishi sunak, whatever

they say — problem for rishi sunak, whatever they say, including on the green benches, — they say, including on the green benches, the reality is that people want to _ benches, the reality is that people want to change and that is what they are voting _ want to change and that is what they are voting for. want to change and that is what they are voting for-— are voting for. let's go to swindon and talk to — are voting for. let's go to swindon and talk to the _ are voting for. let's go to swindon and talk to the bbc _ are voting for. let's go to swindon and talk to the bbc reporter- are voting for. let's go to swindon| and talk to the bbc reporter there, danny 0'brien. i think we are expecting that result in soon. this is where labour launched their local election campaign. this will be a key target. we have heard from one of the region's mps, the conservative mp, very disappointed, justin tomlinson, saying it is time to refresh and renew?— justin tomlinson, saying it is time to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to him and — to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to him and he _ to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to him and he is— to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to him and he is here _ to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke to him and he is here today, - to refresh and renew? yes, i spoke| to him and he is here today, feeling very glam, as well as several of his colleagues here. —— feeling very glum. this is a town the conservatives have run for 20 years. we are only part way through the results but we expect them to come thick and fast in the next hour. the move from the conservatives is that they have already lost, to be quite honest with you. to quote one over them, they feel they have been

decimated, they take the feeling of where things are at here. they put the blame for that at the door of national politics. we got a clue local issue to talk about as well. but national politics is where they are putting the blame for her mood here today. labour, as you say, have thrown the kitchen sink at taking swindon back. notjust launching a campaign here, we have had pretty much every big name labour politician come to visit swindon in the last few weeks. they have put so much stock in taking this town back. they have given the local party an awful lot of physical support. but actually financial support as well, because they see it as a key town to win back if they are going to get back into government. that is not reflected on the conservative side, i have to say. the conservatives are rather frustrated, i have to say. the conservatives are ratherfrustrated, that i have to say. the conservatives are rather frustrated, that is the mood i am picking up here, that they have not had the support they felt that labour had from national colleagues. we will bring you that result as soon as we have it. i think there are ten or so seats still to

declare. let's test the temperature in north warwickshire with shelley phelps. what is happening there? welcome accounting is under way, we are still waiting for a lot of those seats that are key seats that might decide which way the council goes. a key labour target, held by the conservative since 2015. speaking to labour party sources, when i first arrived they told me they were feeling very confident of a narrow win here. when i checked in with their earlier, we have been hearing a lot about recounts, and quite a few seats had ten or 20 bouts in it. they were saying they thought now that maybe things could go to no overall control. forthe overall control. for the conservatives, there overall control. forthe conservatives, there are a lot of their activists and campaigners looking quite nervous. they know that they are having less good of a night tonight. it sounds like they are about to make another declaration now. but all eyes are on

this council as well, because two mps here, they both have large majorities. at the midlands is bellwether territory, people are watching these results closely to see what clues might lie ahead for the next general election. iltrul’eiiii the next general election. well done, battling _ the next general election. well done, battling against the loud speaker behind you, but we could hear you. shelley phelps in north warwickshire. let's pick up something with you, andrea, that our reporter dan 0'brien was saying, that local conservatives in swindon feel decimated, and that it was national politics that had resulted in losses? i national politics that had resulted in losses? ,., , national politics that had resulted in losses? _ ., ., national politics that had resulted in losses? ,, ., ., , national politics that had resulted in losses? . ., , ., in losses? i will say again, it is a disappointing — in losses? i will say again, it is a disappointing night _ in losses? i will say again, it is a disappointing night for _ in losses? i will say again, it is a disappointing night for the - disappointing night for the conservatives. there is no doubt that it conservatives. there is no doubt thatitis conservatives. there is no doubt that it is national politics, it is the difficulties over the last year and a half. but over the last six months, in rishi sunak, we had a prime minister who is really focused on the priorities of halving inflation, cutting debt, growing the

economy, cutting a&e and nhs waiting lists on stopping the small boats. but the delivery is not there, he might have focused on it, but the delivery is not there, you are a conservatives that believes in low taxation? �* , conservatives that believes in low taxation? , :, , :, , taxation? don't put words into my mouth. taxation? don't put words into my mouth- but _ taxation? don't put words into my mouth- but you — taxation? don't put words into my mouth. but you do. _ taxation? don't put words into my mouth. but you do. inflation - taxation? don't put words into my mouth. but you do. inflation was. mouth. but you do. inflation was created by _ mouth. but you do. inflation was created by external _ mouth. but you do. inflation was created by external shocks, - mouth. but you do. inflation was l created by external shocks, energy prices, the cost of food as a result of the breakdown of sme supply chains and food supply chains post pandemic. so the huge inflation was a global problem. i'm not disputing the reasons. someone said there was no delivery. there isn't yet. someone said there was no delivery. there isn't yet-— there isn't yet. even in new zealand, — there isn't yet. even in new zealand, where _ there isn't yet. even in new zealand, where we - there isn't yet. even in new zealand, where we had - there isn't yet. even in new zealand, where we had an l there isn't yet. even in new- zealand, where we had an incredibly popular prime minister, her ratings sank like a stone as a result of the cost of living crisis. i am saying, this. we are looking at the verdict ofthe this. we are looking at the verdict of the voters. _ this. we are looking at the verdict of the voters, andrea. _ this. we are looking at the verdict of the voters, andrea. and - this. we are looking at the verdict of the voters, andrea. and that i this. we are looking at the verdict of the voters, andrea. and that is| of the voters, andrea. and that is totally disappointing, _

of the voters, andrea. and that is totally disappointing, as - of the voters, andrea. and that is totally disappointing, as i - of the voters, andrea. and that is totally disappointing, as i say, . of the voters, andrea. and that is| totally disappointing, as i say, and i am trying to explain why there isn't delivery yet to your point. the reason is because there is a global inflation issue. but andrea, hanu on, global inflation issue. but andrea, hang on. you _ global inflation issue. but andrea, hang on. you may _ global inflation issue. but andrea, hang on, you may feel— global inflation issue. but andrea, hang on, you may feel that - global inflation issue. but andrea, hang on, you may feel that voters| hang on, you may feel that voters think after 13 years of conservative rule, for the reasons you've said, there isn't delivery on those key priorities. there isn't delivery on those key riorities. ., , �* there isn't delivery on those key riorities. . , �* ., . there isn't delivery on those key riorities. . , �* ., :, priorities. there wasn't a cost of livin: priorities. there wasn't a cost of living crisis _ priorities. there wasn't a cost of living crisis in _ priorities. there wasn't a cost of living crisis in 2010. _ priorities. there wasn't a cost of living crisis in 2010. labour- priorities. there wasn't a cost of living crisis in 2010. labour left| living crisis in 2010. labour left us with no money. i conservative government had to come actually fix our economy. after massive debts were incurred by poor labour management. 0verthat were incurred by poor labour management. 0ver that ten year period, so much of the story has been about trying to fix the economy. if had had the pandemic hit without having fix the economy, there will is no way we could have afforded the furlough scheme. —— there is no way. history has consequences, and actually, last night is a devastating result for the conservatives, but there are

things... the prime minister's focus is in a good way on tackling the problems that face our people. andrea sounds worried and she should be. andrea sounds worried and she should be the _ andrea sounds worried and she should be. the problem for the conservatives is, we can have a debate — conservatives is, we can have a debate about the fact that inflation is much _ debate about the fact that inflation is much worse in other countries, even _ is much worse in other countries, even though— is much worse in other countries, even though they also had a pandemic and faced _ even though they also had a pandemic and faced problems with russia and ukraine _ and faced problems with russia and ukraine. the issue is that after 13 ukraine. the issue is that after13 years— ukraine. the issue is that after 13 years people are asking themselves if they— years people are asking themselves if they feel better off and i don't. they— if they feel better off and i don't. they can't— if they feel better off and i don't. they can't pay their bills, let alone — they can't pay their bills, let alone go— they can't pay their bills, let alone go on holiday. they can't see alone go on holiday. they can't see a gp _ alone go on holiday. they can't see a gp you — alone go on holiday. they can't see a gp. you have people so worried about— a gp. you have people so worried about being able to get an ambulance they are _ about being able to get an ambulance they are sorting out with friends and neighbours to be able to do that _ and neighbours to be able to do that that— and neighbours to be able to do that. that is the reality. the challenge now... that. that is the reality. the challenge now. . ._ that. that is the reality. the challenge now... what will you do about a cost _ challenge now. .. what will you do about a cost of— challenge now... what will you do about a cost of living _ challenge now... what will you do about a cost of living crisis - challenge now... what will you do about a cost of living crisis that i about a cost of living crisis that will probably, sadly, still be in place at the time of the next election, or people will still be feeling it? i haven't yet heard from labour politicians how you are going

to change the weather on that. we have said how we will take immediate action— have said how we will take immediate action to _ have said how we will take immediate action to help people with a cost of their bills, — action to help people with a cost of their bills, through having a much more _ their bills, through having a much more effective windfall tax on the energy— more effective windfall tax on the energy companies. we have said that we will— energy companies. we have said that we will long term help people... hang _ we will long term help people... hang on. — we will long term help people... hang on, andrea, let loose finish. long term, we will help keep those costs _ long term, we will help keep those costs low _ long term, we will help keep those costs low by properly insulating people's — costs low by properly insulating people's homes, and we have a plan to grow— people's homes, and we have a plan to grow the — people's homes, and we have a plan to grow the economy long term. we have a _ to grow the economy long term. we have a clear— to grow the economy long term. we have a clear plan to get more staff into the _ have a clear plan to get more staff into the nhs, to bring the waiting times— into the nhs, to bring the waiting times down, and promote police and pcs 0s— times down, and promote police and pcs 0s on— times down, and promote police and pcs 0s on the beat to tackle crime. but you _ pcs 0s on the beat to tackle crime. but you are — pcs 0s on the beat to tackle crime. but you are right to say, and our biggest — but you are right to say, and our biggest challenges that people want change _ biggest challenges that people want change and we have to absolutely convince — change and we have to absolutely convince people change is possible. which _ convince people change is possible. which you _ convince people change is possible. which you are not —— but you are not promising to, for instance, cut taxes. you complain about the highest tax burden, as many people do, and may be many of the voters in

the selection, but you are not planning to cut taxes. if it is still a global shock in terms of inflation, it will still be difficult to keep it down under a labour government. the country's fundamental— labour government. the country's fundamental challenge _ labour government. the country's fundamental challenge is - labour government. the country's fundamental challenge is that - labour government. the country's fundamental challenge is that the | fundamental challenge is that the economy— fundamental challenge is that the economy has had at best anaemic growth _ economy has had at best anaemic growth for— economy has had at best anaemic growth for 13 years, and people's wagers _ growth for 13 years, and people's wagers are — growth for 13 years, and people's wagers are not rising. if you don't have _ wagers are not rising. if you don't have a _ wagers are not rising. if you don't have a proper plan for growth, people — have a proper plan for growth, people will feel these impacts and we will— people will feel these impacts and we will not have the money for our public— we will not have the money for our public services. i am under no illusions— public services. i am under no illusions about how far we've come since _ illusions about how far we've come since 2019 — illusions about how far we've come since 2019. ijust cannot tell you how awful— since 2019. ijust cannot tell you how awful that election was. you were _ how awful that election was. you were talking about the general election — were talking about the general election. i am. were talking about the general election. lam. keirstarmer were talking about the general election. i am. keir starmer has got us back— election. i am. keir starmer has got us back onto — election. i am. keir starmer has got us back onto the pitch.— us back onto the pitch. well, that is a aood us back onto the pitch. well, that is a good point- — us back onto the pitch. well, that is a good point. these _ us back onto the pitch. well, that is a good point. these results - is a good point. these results certainly show that the election is backin certainly show that the election is back in play, the general election. the polls nationally were showing it already, putting labour 14—16 points ahead. and now they are back in play. these local elections, it is

difficult to extrapolate how people would respond in a general election, and people can vote differently, and we are still possibly 18 months away from a general election. so do you think that for rishi sunak the hope is fading, or has keir starmer yet to seal the deal? we is fading, or has keir starmer yet to seal the deal?— is fading, or has keir starmer yet to seal the deal? we know things can ruickl to seal the deal? we know things can quickly change _ to seal the deal? we know things can quickly change ended _ to seal the deal? we know things can quickly change ended after— to seal the deal? we know things can quickly change ended after the - to seal the deal? we know things can quickly change ended after the local i quickly change ended after the local council— quickly change ended after the local council elections _ quickly change ended after the local council elections in _ quickly change ended after the local council elections in 2017, _ quickly change ended after the local council elections in 2017, where - council elections in 2017, where theresa — council elections in 2017, where theresa may _ council elections in 2017, where theresa may was _ council elections in 2017, where theresa may was trying - council elections in 2017, where theresa may was trying not - council elections in 2017, where theresa may was trying not to l council elections in 2017, where - theresa may was trying not to beam with smiling — theresa may was trying not to beam with smiling. she _ theresa may was trying not to beam with smiling. she knew— theresa may was trying not to beam with smiling. she knew the - theresa may was trying not to beam with smiling. she knew the general. with smiling. she knew the general election— with smiling. she knew the general election was — with smiling. she knew the general election was coming _ with smiling. she knew the general election was coming up _ with smiling. she knew the general election was coming up and - with smiling. she knew the general election was coming up and she - election was coming up and she wanted — election was coming up and she wanted to— election was coming up and she wanted to manage _ election was coming up and she. wanted to manage expectations, election was coming up and she - wanted to manage expectations, and we know— wanted to manage expectations, and we know it _ wanted to manage expectations, and we know it went— wanted to manage expectations, and we know it went totally— wanted to manage expectations, and we know it went totally wrong, - wanted to manage expectations, and we know it went totally wrong, so . we know it went totally wrong, so things _ we know it went totally wrong, so things can — we know it went totally wrong, so things can change _ we know it went totally wrong, so things can change around - we know it went totally wrong, so things can change around quite i things can change around quite quickly — things can change around quite quickly there _ things can change around quite quickly. there is _ things can change around quite quickly. there is this _ things can change around quite quickly. there is this problem i things can change around quite l quickly. there is this problem for the tories — quickly. there is this problem for the tories that _ quickly. there is this problem for the tories that there _ quickly. there is this problem for the tories that there is _ quickly. there is this problem for the tories that there is now- quickly. there is this problem for the tories that there is now a - the tories that there is now a general— the tories that there is now a general feeling _ the tories that there is now a general feeling in _ the tories that there is now a general feeling in the - the tories that there is now aj general feeling in the country the tories that there is now a - general feeling in the country that things— general feeling in the country that things are — general feeling in the country that things are broken _ general feeling in the country that things are broken and _ general feeling in the country that things are broken and the - general feeling in the country that things are broken and the time i general feeling in the country that| things are broken and the time for the tories — things are broken and the time for the tories is — things are broken and the time for the tories is up _ things are broken and the time for the tories is up. how— things are broken and the time for the tories is up. how do— things are broken and the time for the tories is up. how do you - things are broken and the time for the tories is up. how do you shiftl the tories is up. how do you shift that? _ the tories is up. how do you shift that? they— the tories is up. how do you shift that? they tried _ the tories is up. how do you shift that? they tried chucking - the tories is up. how do you shift that? they tried chucking boris . that? they tried chucking boris johnson — that? they tried chucking boris johnson over— that? they tried chucking boris johnson over the _ that? they tried chucking boris johnson over the side - that? they tried chucking boris johnson over the side of- that? they tried chucking boris johnson over the side of the i that? they tried chucking boris - johnson over the side of the better that didn't — johnson over the side of the better that didn't work, _ johnson over the side of the better that didn't work, getting _ johnson over the side of the better that didn't work, getting rid - johnson over the side of the better that didn't work, getting rid of- johnson over the side of the better that didn't work, getting rid of liz. that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss— that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and — that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and that _ that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and that didn't _ that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and that didn't work. - that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and that didn't work. to - that didn't work, getting rid of liz truss and that didn't work. to go| truss and that didn't work. to go back— truss and that didn't work. to go back to _ truss and that didn't work. to go back to the — truss and that didn't work. to go back to the point _ truss and that didn't work. to go back to the point on _ truss and that didn't work. to go back to the point on delivery - truss and that didn't work. to go back to the point on delivery and j back to the point on delivery and the economy— back to the point on delivery and the economy and _ back to the point on delivery and the economy and how _

back to the point on delivery and the economy and how other- back to the point on delivery and - the economy and how other countries are struggling, — the economy and how other countries are struggling, look— the economy and how other countries are struggling, look at _ the economy and how other countries are struggling, look at the _ the economy and how other countries are struggling, look at the economic. are struggling, look at the economic growth _ are struggling, look at the economic growth figures — are struggling, look at the economic growth figures for— are struggling, look at the economic growth figures for the _ are struggling, look at the economic growth figures for the rest _ are struggling, look at the economic growth figures for the rest of - are struggling, look at the economic growth figures for the rest of the - growth figures for the rest of the g7. growth figures for the rest of the g7~ look— growth figures for the rest of the g7~ look at — growth figures for the rest of the g7. look at the _ growth figures for the rest of the g7. look at the figures _ growth figures for the rest of the g7. look at the figures for - growth figures for the rest of the g7. look at the figures for otherl g7. look at the figures for other countries — g7. look at the figures for other countries around _ g7. look at the figures for other countries around the _ g7. look at the figures for other countries around the world. - g7. look at the figures for other countries around the world. the j countries around the world. the tories _ countries around the world. the tories and — countries around the world. the tories and rishi _ countries around the world. the tories and rishi sunak - countries around the world. the tories and rishi sunak said - countries around the world. the j tories and rishi sunak said they would _ tories and rishi sunak said they would grow— tories and rishi sunak said they would grow our— tories and rishi sunak said they would grow our economy - tories and rishi sunak said they would grow our economy and i tories and rishi sunak said they would grow our economy and it. tories and rishi sunak said they. would grow our economy and it is tories and rishi sunak said they i would grow our economy and it is 0% growth _ would grow our economy and it is 0% growth. inflation _ would grow our economy and it is 0% growth. inflation is _ would grow our economy and it is 0% growth. inflation is still— would grow our economy and it is 0% growth. inflation is still high. - growth. inflation is still high. look— growth. inflation is still high. look at— growth. inflation is still high. look at all— growth. inflation is still high. look at all the _ growth. inflation is still high. look at all the other - growth. inflation is still high. i look at all the other promises. stopping — look at all the other promises. stopping the _ look at all the other promises. stopping the boats, _ look at all the other promises. stopping the boats, people i look at all the other promises. j stopping the boats, people are look at all the other promises. i stopping the boats, people are still coming _ stopping the boats, people are still coming strikes— stopping the boats, people are still coming. strikes are _ stopping the boats, people are still coming. strikes are still— stopping the boats, people are still coming. strikes are still going i stopping the boats, people are still coming. strikes are still going on. i coming. strikes are still going on. rishi _ coming. strikes are still going on. rishi sunak's _ coming. strikes are still going on. rishi sunak's personal— coming. strikes are still going on. rishi sunak's personal poll- coming. strikes are still going on. j rishi sunak's personal poll ratings are quite good, relatively speaking. it's the conservative party that is not doing well. its brand in the polls, obviously with all the caveats that polls have, it is the opposite for the labour party, who are doing quite well. keir starmer is still trying to improve his personal appeal, so is andrea right that rishi sunak needs more time, or is it reallyjust a case of managing decline? is it really 'ust a case of managing decline? :, , decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric— decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is _ decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is not _ decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is not going _ decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is not going to - decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is not going to cut - decline? even if he does need time, that rhetoric is not going to cut it i that rhetoric is not going to cut it for a _ that rhetoric is not going to cut it for a lot— that rhetoric is not going to cut it for a lot of— that rhetoric is not going to cut it for a lot of people. the view is that—

for a lot of people. the view is that they— for a lot of people. the view is that they take the conservative party— that they take the conservative party since 2010 and it would be wrong _ party since 2010 and it would be wrong for — party since 2010 and it would be wrong for rishi sunak to completely dissociate _ wrong for rishi sunak to completely dissociate himself from that legacy. if we dissociate himself from that legacy. if we are _ dissociate himself from that legacy. if we are going to talk about the deep _ if we are going to talk about the deep issues within the economy, i think— deep issues within the economy, i think the — deep issues within the economy, i think the public can see through the idea that _ think the public can see through the idea that it— think the public can see through the idea that it isjust to do think the public can see through the idea that it is just to do with the invasion— idea that it is just to do with the invasion of— idea that it is just to do with the invasion of ukraine or covid. there are long—term problems in the way our economy is organised and that's partly— our economy is organised and that's partly what — our economy is organised and that's partly what caused the great majority that the tories won back in 2019. _ majority that the tories won back in 2019. that — majority that the tories won back in 2019, that people were concerned about _ 2019, that people were concerned about the — 2019, that people were concerned about the fact that the gains over the last— about the fact that the gains over the last 20 years were not being equally— the last 20 years were not being equally spread across the country. even _ equally spread across the country. evenjust— equally spread across the country. evenjust a — equally spread across the country. evenjust a question of house—building, that is not to do with the — house—building, that is not to do with the global energy crisis. the fact that — with the global energy crisis. the fact that a — with the global energy crisis. the fact that a generation is locked out of housing — fact that a generation is locked out of housing is a really big issue for the conservative party. it�*s of housing is a really big issue for the conservative party.— the conservative party. it's a really good _ the conservative party. it's a really good point, _ the conservative party. it's a really good point, and - the conservative party. it's a i really good point, and actually i do think that the commitment to levelling up has been really important to the conservative government, to actually investing in key parts of the country where the talent is all equal but the

opportunity isn't there. on house—building, i mean, iabsolutely agree, it's a huge challenge, and all of these things, they are almost not left and right issues, they are who has got the best ideas. let’s who has got the best ideas. let's look at levelling _ who has got the best ideas. let's look at levelling up, _ who has got the best ideas. let's look at levelling up, one - who has got the best ideas. let's look at levelling up, one example, stoke—on—trent. look at levelling up, one example, stoke-on-trent._ look at levelling up, one example, stoke-on-trent. let's take walsall. we will start — stoke-on-trent. let's take walsall. we will start with _ stoke-on-trent. let's take walsall. we will start with mine _ stoke-on-trent. let's take walsall. we will start with mine first, - we will start with mine first, indulge me. stoke—on—trent is a pretty symbolic part of the world, with three conservative mps that the council has gone. in with three conservative mps that the council has gone.— council has gone. in walsall it hasn't. andrea, _ council has gone. in walsall it hasn't. andrea, let _ council has gone. in walsall it hasn't. andrea, let me - council has gone. in walsall it hasn't. andrea, let me finishl council has gone. in walsall it i hasn't. andrea, let me finish the oint, hasn't. andrea, let me finish the point. because — hasn't. andrea, let me finish the point, because levelling - hasn't. andrea, let me finish the point, because levelling up- hasn't. andrea, let me finish the point, because levelling up was. point, because levelling up was supposed to transform that part of the world and the verdict from stoke—on—trent is that it hasn't materialised. would you accept that thatis materialised. would you accept that that is the problem with, yes, rhetoric, but if the delivery doesn't come, maybe it is taking too long for a lot of voters, from the promises that were made from boris johnson through to rishi sunak on housing. rishi sunak has dropped the

mandatory housing targets. maybe you thought that was a good idea? i thought that was a good idea? i think there is a profound issue here. if you could talk about the specifics rather than the politics of it. where house—building is concerned, people don't want insensitive development in their area. some people call it nimbyism, others call it listening carefully to what your local gay community once, and the problem with top—down housing targets is that they do end “p housing targets is that they do end up putting housing where communities don't want them. all political parties have wrestled with this. i think there should be housing targets but they should absolutely focus on those areas... white might let me put that to liz. i will come back to you about young people in a moment. . ,:, . , back to you about young people in a moment. . ., , moment. labour has said it will reimpose _ moment. labour has said it will reimpose those _ moment. labour has said it will reimpose those mandatory - moment. labour has said it will i reimpose those mandatory housing targets, and we heard from medway but those were the very targets that people had reacted against before the tories dropped them. we need clear targets _

the tories dropped them. we need clear targets to _ the tories dropped them. we need clear targets to increase _ the tories dropped them. we need clear targets to increase the - the tories dropped them. we need i clear targets to increase the number of housing — clear targets to increase the number of housing. we need to make sure councils— of housing. we need to make sure councils can — of housing. we need to make sure councils can work together in groups to get— councils can work together in groups to get that _ councils can work together in groups to get that housing. 0ne councils can work together in groups to get that housing. one of the things— to get that housing. one of the things i— to get that housing. one of the things i think... we see this in my own city, — things i think... we see this in my own city, extremely frustrating, if we were _ own city, extremely frustrating, if we were able to work more closely with the _ we were able to work more closely with the county, we could get those developments. thirdly, the big thing i developments. thirdly, the big thing i -et developments. thirdly, the big thing i get within my own constituency, if the housing — i get within my own constituency, if the housing is going to be there, what _ the housing is going to be there, what about the pressure on gp services — what about the pressure on gp services i_ what about the pressure on gp services. i can't even see the gp, or services. ican't even see the gp, or on— services. ican't even see the gp, or on local— services. i can't even see the gp, or on local schools. we have a plan to increase — or on local schools. we have a plan to increase the number of housing, to increase the number of housing, to make _ to increase the number of housing, to make sure young people are able to make sure young people are able to get— to make sure young people are able to get a _ to make sure young people are able to get a first shot, and that by getting — to get a first shot, and that by getting councils to work together and the _ getting councils to work together and the housing developers to make sure those _ and the housing developers to make sure those extra services... how and the housing developers to make sure those extra services. . .- sure those extra services... how do ou make sure those extra services... how do you make the _ sure those extra services... how do you make the housing _ sure those extra services... how do you make the housing developers i sure those extra services... how do| you make the housing developers do it? :, :, you make the housing developers do it? :, :. :, :, it? you can have it where a proportion _ it? you can have it where a proportion has _ it? you can have it where a proportion has to _ it? you can have it where a proportion has to be - it? you can have it where a i proportion has to be contributed towards — proportion has to be contributed towards making sure the other public services _ towards making sure the other public services are — towards making sure the other public services are there. it is not beyond the wit _ services are there. it is not beyond the wit of— services are there. it is not beyond the wit of man to make it happen, but i _ the wit of man to make it happen, but i do _ the wit of man to make it happen, but i do believe in those targets because — but i do believe in those targets because that is what will work to -et because that is what will work to get the — because that is what will work to get the housing that we need. let�*s get the housing that we need. let's catch u- get the housing that we need. let's catch up with _ get the housing that we need. let's catch up with the _ get the housing that we need. let's catch up with the lib _ get the housing that we need. let�*s catch up with the lib dems, because we can talk to the party's deputy

leader, daisy cooper. congratulations to you on windsor and maidenhead. we saw ed davey, the lib dems leader, there. do you think you will win stratford—upon—avon? well, it looks at the moment as though it is neck and neck, and we could be up for an upset, particularly in that part of the world, possibly also in surrey heath in parts of hertfordshire as well. dacorum included in that. you think your prospects are good as well? neck and neck. also potentially in surrey. in michael gove's back yard and nadhim zahawi's back yard, and across parts of hertfordshire as well, we are in for some upsets, i think. is well, we are in for some upsets, i think. , :, ., , :, well, we are in for some upsets, i think. , :, ., :, , think. is it more a case of people bein: fed think. is it more a case of people being fed up _ think. is it more a case of people being fed up with _ think. is it more a case of people being fed up with the _ think. is it more a case of people i being fed up with the conservatives as these results so far seem to indicate overnight and this morning, rather than a rush of enthusiasm for the liberal democrats? i rather than a rush of enthusiasm for the liberal democrats?— the liberal democrats? i think it's a bit of both- _ the liberal democrats? i think it's a bit of both. there _ the liberal democrats? i think it's a bit of both. there is _ the liberal democrats? i think it's

a bit of both. there is no - the liberal democrats? i think it's a bit of both. there is no doubt i a bit of both. there is no doubt that people are really sick to the back teeth of this conservative government. people raised with me on the doorstep the issue of the nhs being perpetually in crisis, the enormous cost of living crisis, the cost of energy bills and food, as well as the fact they see the conservatives allowing water companies to pump sewage into our waterways with impunity. at the same time, on top of those issues, they see that local lib dems have a plan in their local areas, we work hard, listen to people, don't take votes for granted, and we set out clearly what we will do. when we run councils and services very well, i think people vote for us but also event the government to send them a very clear message. in event the government to send them a very clear message.— very clear message. in local politics. _ very clear message. in local politics. as _ very clear message. in local politics, as you _ very clear message. in local politics, as you know, - very clear message. in local politics, as you know, lib. very clear message. in local i politics, as you know, lib dems very clear message. in local - politics, as you know, lib dems tend to outperform their national polls. would you agree that this could turn out to be a strong performance for the lib dems overall? you had quite a strong performance in 2019, so we have yet to see the full picture. at

a national level, that won't necessarily translate into the same strong performance? we necessarily translate into the same strong performance?— necessarily translate into the same strong performance? we will never take any votes _ strong performance? we will never take any votes for _ strong performance? we will never take any votes for granted, - strong performance? we will never take any votes for granted, and i strong performance? we will never take any votes for granted, and of. take any votes for granted, and of course every election is very different, but i am speaking to you from st albans, where we won the local council in 2018 and i was elected as the constituency mp. i hope when we see the results from today, this set of local elections, it will be clear that there are many more parts of the country where we can oust conservative mps at the next general election.— can oust conservative mps at the next general election. daisy cooper, thank ou next general election. daisy cooper, thank you very _ next general election. daisy cooper, thank you very much. _ next general election. daisy cooper, thank you very much. john, - next general election. daisy cooper, thank you very much. john, there i next general election. daisy cooper, thank you very much. john, there is | thank you very much. john, there is this blue wool, redwall, using this term, traditional conservative areas, the sorts of areas that daisy cooper is talking about for the lib dems, and of course labour have been trying to regain some of their former strongholds in territory, with some success. it will be difficult for those conservatives in the area areas the lib dems are targeting. they will be feeling nervous, the mps there, if those councils go to the lib dems? it councils go to the lib dems? it

doesn't take much to spook tory mps, or any— doesn't take much to spook tory mps, or any mps _ doesn't take much to spook tory mps, orany mps we — doesn't take much to spook tory mps, or any mps. we haven't— doesn't take much to spook tory mps, or any mps. we haven't had _ doesn't take much to spook tory mps, or any mps. we haven't had much- doesn't take much to spook tory mps,| or any mps. we haven't had much blue on blue _ or any mps. we haven't had much blue on blue infighting — or any mps. we haven't had much blue on blue infighting since _ or any mps. we haven't had much blue on blue infighting since rishi _ or any mps. we haven't had much blue on blue infighting since rishi sunak- on blue infighting since rishi sunak came _ on blue infighting since rishi sunak came in _ on blue infighting since rishi sunak came in even— on blue infighting since rishi sunak came in. even liz— on blue infighting since rishi sunak came in. even liz truss— on blue infighting since rishi sunak came in. even liz truss supportersl came in. even liz truss supporters who were — came in. even liz truss supporters who were annoyed _ came in. even liz truss supporters who were annoyed she _ came in. even liz truss supporters who were annoyed she got - came in. even liz truss supporters who were annoyed she got kicked. came in. even liz truss supporters i who were annoyed she got kicked out of downing _ who were annoyed she got kicked out of downing street _ who were annoyed she got kicked out of downing street haven't _ who were annoyed she got kicked out of downing street haven't had - who were annoyed she got kicked out of downing street haven't had much. of downing street haven't had much to say— of downing street haven't had much to say about — of downing street haven't had much to say about rishi _ of downing street haven't had much to say about rishi sunak, _ of downing street haven't had much to say about rishi sunak, but - of downing street haven't had much to say about rishi sunak, but i i to say about rishi sunak, but i think— to say about rishi sunak, but i think after— to say about rishi sunak, but i think after these _ to say about rishi sunak, but i think after these results, i to say about rishi sunak, but i think after these results, you. to say about rishi sunak, but i i think after these results, you will have _ think after these results, you will have people _ think after these results, you will have people starting _ think after these results, you will have people starting to _ think after these results, you will have people starting to panic- think after these results, you will. have people starting to panic about their seats — have people starting to panic about their seats and _ have people starting to panic about their seats and thinking, _ have people starting to panic about their seats and thinking, hang i have people starting to panic about| their seats and thinking, hang on... did you _ their seats and thinking, hang on... did you see — their seats and thinking, hang on... did you see johnny— their seats and thinking, hang on... did you see johnny mercer's - their seats and thinking, hang on... did you see johnny mercer's face? i did you see johnny mercer's face? exactly _ did you see johnny mercer's face? exactly. you might be out of a job. you start _ exactly. you might be out of a job. you start to — exactly. you might be out of a job. you start to see _ exactly. you might be out of a job. you start to see more _ exactly. you might be out of a job. you start to see more debates i exactly. you might be out of a job. i you start to see more debates about which _ you start to see more debates about which way— you start to see more debates about which way you — you start to see more debates about which way you go _ you start to see more debates about which way you go forward. _ you start to see more debates about which way you go forward. we - you start to see more debates about which way you go forward. we werei which way you go forward. we were talking _ which way you go forward. we were talking about — which way you go forward. we were talking about housing. _ which way you go forward. we were talking about housing. 0n - which way you go forward. we were talking about housing. 0n the - which way you go forward. we were talking about housing. 0n the radioi talking about housing. 0n the radio and tv— talking about housing. 0n the radio and tv this — talking about housing. 0n the radio and tv this morning, _ talking about housing. 0n the radio and tv this morning, one _ talking about housing. 0n the radio and tv this morning, one of- talking about housing. 0n the radio. and tv this morning, one of andrea's colleagues _ and tv this morning, one of andrea's colleagues were _ and tv this morning, one of andrea's colleagues were saying, _ and tv this morning, one of andrea's colleagues were saying, we - and tv this morning, one of andrea's colleagues were saying, we are - and tv this morning, one of andrea'si colleagues were saying, we are being punished _ colleagues were saying, we are being punished by— colleagues were saying, we are being punished by voters _ colleagues were saying, we are being punished by voters because _ colleagues were saying, we are being punished by voters because we - colleagues were saying, we are being punished by voters because we are i punished by voters because we are not punished by voters because we are hot building — punished by voters because we are not building enough— punished by voters because we are not building enough housing, - punished by voters because we are not building enough housing, and. not building enough housing, and another— not building enough housing, and another was — not building enough housing, and another was on _ not building enough housing, and another was on a _ not building enough housing, and another was on a different - not building enough housing, andl another was on a different channel saying. _ another was on a different channel saying. we — another was on a different channel saying. we are _ another was on a different channel saying, we are being _ another was on a different channel saying, we are being punished - saying, we are being punished because — saying, we are being punished because we _ saying, we are being punished because we have _ saying, we are being punished because we have targets - saying, we are being punished because we have targets to i saying, we are being punished . because we have targets to build housing~ — because we have targets to build housina. ., , ., ., , housing. housing to one side generally- — housing. housing to one side generally- it _ housing. housing to one side generally. it is _ housing. housing to one side generally. it is important. . housing. housing to one side i generally. it is important. these local elections affect morale, momentum and the mood within

political parties. i hope i'm not being rude by saying you are obviously being defensive about these election result because they don't look good for the conservatives. are you worried, panicking, nervous? what i see from the chats with conservative colleagues through the night and in the morning is an absolute commitment to sticking with what we are doing, which is rishi sunak's commitment to the five key points about halving inflation, cutting debt, growing the economy, improving nhs waiting times and stopping the small boats. that really galvanises conservative colleagues with a real target that we want to focus on. you are right, people are incredibly disappointed. some are, you know, clutching at the good news, we held this seat or we gain some seats, or, indeed, the labour gains have been a dispense of independence. d0 labour gains have been a dispense of independence-— independence. do you think rishi sunak should _ independence. do you think rishi sunak should change _ independence. do you think rishi sunak should change tack, -

independence. do you think rishi| sunak should change tack, should there be a refresh and renew in the cabinet, something that will reflect off i think you said devastating, these devastating losses? i’m these devastating losses? i'm absolutely _ these devastating losses? i“n absolutely sure that the prime minister will be looking to see how he can really renew the efforts of the conservatives.— he can really renew the efforts of the conservatives.- it - he can really renew the efforts of the conservatives.- it is - the conservatives. how? it is difficult. _ the conservatives. how? it is difficult, we _ the conservatives. how? it is difficult, we have _ the conservatives. how? it is difficult, we have been - the conservatives. how? it is difficult, we have been in - difficult, we have been in government for 13 years, we have had enormous headwinds, the most appalling period of politics in our party, that makes things very difficult. however, we have a prime minister who is seriously smart, who is, as you said yourself, doing incredibly well in the polls as an individual leader.— incredibly well in the polls as an individual leader. well, doing well. we have to — individual leader. well, doing well. we have to build _ individual leader. well, doing well. we have to build on _ individual leader. well, doing well. we have to build on that. - we have to build on that. conservative colleagues are keeping the faith. �* ., _, ., conservative colleagues are keeping the faith. �* ., ., i. the faith. before i come to you, liz, i the faith. before i come to you, liz. i want _ the faith. before i come to you, liz. i want to — the faith. before i come to you, liz, i want to talk— the faith. before i come to you, liz, i want to talk to _ the faith. before i come to you, liz, i want to talk to adam - the faith. before i come to you, i liz, i want to talk to adam stokes, the former deputy leader of the district council that went from conservative to no overall control. welcome to you, both you and the leader, you both lost seats, as he

lost control of the council. what is your explanation, what do you think the reason is?— your explanation, what do you think the reason is? mainly what we found was it was to — the reason is? mainly what we found was it was to do _ the reason is? mainly what we found was it was to do with _ was it was to do with government issues. locally, we were getting very positive feedback, people were concerned about the cost of living, fuel, price of the mortgage, immigration, they feel like the government isn't actually on their side. i'm saying as a conservative. and i do think we are missing a massive trick. we should be returning back to our basic strategy, which is low tax, pro—growth. at the moment, we have jeremy hunt as chancellor, putting up jeremy hunt as chancellor, putting up corporation tax to 26%. how is that encouraging low tax?- that encouraging low tax? andrea leadsom is _ that encouraging low tax? andrea leadsom is here _ that encouraging low tax? andrea leadsom is here in _ that encouraging low tax? andrea leadsom is here in the _ that encouraging low tax? andrea leadsom is here in the studio. . that encouraging low tax? andrea i leadsom is here in the studio. what do you say to that, returning to core issues, which i put to you? i core issues, which i put to you? i absolutely agree. i am a low tax conservative, pro—growth. if we had the time _ conservative, pro—growth. if we had the time to— conservative, pro—growth. if we had the time to go into it, i could give

you a _ the time to go into it, i could give you a whole — the time to go into it, i could give you a whole narrative about why we have ended — you a whole narrative about why we have ended up with higher taxes. but there is— have ended up with higher taxes. but there is absolutely no doubt that any conservative government will want _ any conservative government will want to _ any conservative government will want to reduce taxes. i would certainly— want to reduce taxes. i would certainly prefer to be reducing them now _ certainly prefer to be reducing them now the _ certainly prefer to be reducing them now. the reality is that, you know, liz mentioned that labour would have a realistic— liz mentioned that labour would have a realistic windfall tax. already, energy— a realistic windfall tax. already, energy firms are paying enormous windfall— energy firms are paying enormous windfall taxes. there is a limit to the amount you can raise the money, soak the _ the amount you can raise the money, soak the rich, — the amount you can raise the money, soak the rich, the labour narrative. what _ soak the rich, the labour narrative. what conservatives want to see as lower— what conservatives want to see as lower taxes, what conservatives want to see as lowertaxes, but what conservatives want to see as lower taxes, but to encourage growth — lower taxes, but to encourage growth. until such time as you have resolved _ growth. until such time as you have resolved some of the fiscal problems, we have the credibility of the economy... problems, we have the credibility of the economy- - -_ problems, we have the credibility of the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you — the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you need _ the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you need to _ the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you need to do _ the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you need to do it _ the economy... adam thinks it is too late and you need to do it right - late and you need to do it right now. is that what you would do? taste now. is that what you would do? we have now. is that what you would do? , have been clear where we want to see taxes raised, we want to scrap the non—dom tax status, to put it into the nhs and get the staff that we need. we have said we will get rid of the private school breaks and put

that into... but of the private school breaks and put that into... �* . . of the private school breaks and put that int0- - -— that into... but this is tinkering around the _ that into... but this is tinkering around the edges, _ that into... but this is tinkering around the edges, we - that into... but this is tinkering around the edges, we are - that into... but this is tinkering i around the edges, we are talking about significant brilliance, but it will not transform public services. if it is possible to get a word in, if you think 10,000 more nurses and doubling the number of medical school places will not make a difference to the nhs, you are living in cloud cuckoo land. the problem for the conservatives is this. you have one part of their party screaming for lower taxes. you've gotjeremy hunt and the treasury saying no because it would mean cuts to public services. they don't know what they are for. labour is clear that we will make choices on taxes, and we will put that money into our public services.— into our public services. before i come to you. — into our public services. before i come to you. i— into our public services. before i come to you. i am _ into our public services. before i come to you, i am going - into our public services. before i come to you, i am going to - into our public services. before i come to you, i am going to go i into our public services. before i i come to you, i am going to go back to adam. listening to andrea leadsom, does it reassure you in any way that the tories are going to return to the strategy you would like to see? if return to the strategy you would like to see?— return to the strategy you would like to see? �* , . , ., , like to see? if i'm brutally honest,

no. i like to see? if i'm brutally honest, no- i have — like to see? if i'm brutally honest, no- i have huge — like to see? if i'm brutally honest, no. i have huge concerns - like to see? if i'm brutally honest, no. i have huge concerns that - like to see? if i'm brutally honest, no. i have huge concerns that we i like to see? if i'm brutally honest, i no. i have huge concerns that we do focus on westminster politics, and mp5 need to get back out on the mps need to get back out on the doorstep far more than they do presently, to understand the real concerns of residents. this has been a very brutal election for quite a lot of my colleagues. it is time that the conservative party as a whole reassess is where we are going. whole reassess is where we are anoin. ~ . whole reassess is where we are oiiin,. ., ., , ., whole reassess is where we are iaoin.~ . ., , . . going. what does that mean, reassessing _ going. what does that mean, reassessing it? _ going. what does that mean, reassessing it? are _ going. what does that mean, reassessing it? are you - going. what does that mean, i reassessing it? are you talking about a change of leader, are you happy with rishi sunak? think what we need to do _ happy with rishi sunak? think what we need to do is _ happy with rishi sunak? think what we need to do is reassess _ happy with rishi sunak? think what we need to do is reassess the - we need to do is reassess the conservative principles and make sure that we are following our core party beliefs. if sure that we are following our core party beliefs-— party beliefs. if that doesn't ha en party beliefs. if that doesn't happen and _ party beliefs. if that doesn't happen and there _ party beliefs. if that doesn't happen and there is - party beliefs. if that doesn't happen and there is not - party beliefs. if that doesn't happen and there is not a i party beliefs. if that doesn't - happen and there is not a change in strategy, in other words, at the next autumn statement taxes are being cut, or the corporation hike is cancelled, what you think will be the end result of the conservative party? i the end result of the conservative pa ? .. . the end result of the conservative pa ? ,, ~ , party? i think we are getting very similar to 1997 _ party? i think we are getting very similar to 1997 scenario, - party? i think we are getting very similar to 1997 scenario, where l party? i think we are getting very|

similar to 1997 scenario, where we will be out of power. it's a simple equation. we need to take the message the voters gave us last night very seriously. and understand that they are very angry with the party at present. that they are very angry with the party at present-— that they are very angry with the -a at resent. ~ . ,, , . ,, party at present. adam stokes, thank ou ve party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much- _ party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much. inaya? _ party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much. inaya? i— party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much. inaya? ithink- party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much. inaya? i think it- party at present. adam stokes, thank you very much. inaya? i think it is- you very much. inaya? i think it is true that the _ you very much. inaya? i think it is true that the burden _ you very much. inaya? i think it is true that the burden of _ you very much. inaya? i think it is true that the burden of tax - you very much. inaya? i think it is true that the burden of tax on - true that the burden of tax on businesses, there is an argument that it _ businesses, there is an argument that it is — businesses, there is an argument that it is hampering innovation and entrepreneurship in this country. i do think— entrepreneurship in this country. i do think when we have this conversation about lower or higher taxesi _ conversation about lower or higher taxes. i_ conversation about lower or higher taxes, i think it is missing the point — taxes, i think it is missing the point i— taxes, i think it is missing the point. i think most people accept that if— point. i think most people accept that if we — point. i think most people accept that if we have a bit of higher taxes — that if we have a bit of higher taxes it— that if we have a bit of higher taxes it would be fine, if it genuinely goes to things that are improving society. there is a lack of political — improving society. there is a lack of political imagination of what the realignment of 2019 meant. people want infrastructure projects that connect — want infrastructure projects that connect up the country, radical house—building, as we have talked about, _ house—building, as we have talked about, building, potentially, nuclear _ about, building, potentially, nuclear power stations that actually reduce _ nuclear power stations that actually reduce energy bills. things that actually— reduce energy bills. things that actually make a material difference. the long—term future of the country. surety. _ the long—term future of the country. surely, inaya, you would agree that

is what the conservatives are doing, the commitment to building power stations, railand road stations, rail and road infrastructure.- stations, rail and road infrastructure. there was a moratorium _ infrastructure. there was a moratorium on _ infrastructure. there was a moratorium on nuclear. i infrastructure. there was a i moratorium on nuclear. that infrastructure. there was a - moratorium on nuclear. that was under labour- — moratorium on nuclear. that was under labour. it _ moratorium on nuclear. that was under labour. it was _ moratorium on nuclear. that was under labour. it was continued. i moratorium on nuclear. that was i under labour. it was continued. can i ask under labour. it was continued. can i ask you. — under labour. it was continued. can i ask you. on _ under labour. it was continued. can i ask you. on the — under labour. it was continued. can i ask you, on the realignment, - i ask you, on the realignment, andrea, inaya raises an important point, that realignment, as many political commentators saw it, and borisjohnson was then able to win back a very big majority at the end of 2019, do you think that has now, and is crumbling? brexit and the consequences of the leave vote. you are a brexiteer. it is now beginning to fade into the past. to some extent, that was a unifying campaign for part of the country, for the conservatives. it is either going or it is gone? in conservatives. it is either going or it is one? , ., conservatives. it is either going or it is gone?— it is gone? in my opinion, we eventually — it is gone? in my opinion, we eventually left _ it is gone? in my opinion, we eventually left the _

it is gone? in my opinion, we eventually left the european | it is gone? in my opinion, we - eventually left the european union in 2020, almost minutes before covid locked us down. if you like, there has been a large in terms of being able to benefit from what was known as the brexit dividend. —— a lag. now we are seeing the uk joining the transpacific trade agreement, that will realign global trade and puts the uk at the forefront of being able to influence the way that trade... ., .. , able to influence the way that trade... ., , , , trade... politically, is the support aioin to trade... politically, is the support going to go? _ trade... politically, is the support going to go? i'm _ trade... politically, is the support going to go? i'm going _ trade... politically, is the support going to go? i'm going to - trade... politically, is the support going to go? i'm going to give - trade... politically, is the support| going to go? i'm going to give you trade... politically, is the support i going to go? i'm going to give you a result the bbc is calling, east staffordshire. conservative, with a majority of seven, it has been conservative since 2003, and it looks as if they have lost it. that would be another example of an area that might have been in favour of leaving the eu, and again, all of these years later, taking into account the pandemic happened in 2020, politically it is not a

galvanising force? i 2020, politically it is not a galvanising force? 2020, politically it is not a aaalvanisin force? , , . ,, galvanising force? i completely take what adam has _ galvanising force? i completely take what adam has said _ galvanising force? i completely take what adam has said earlier - galvanising force? i completely take what adam has said earlier as - galvanising force? i completely take what adam has said earlier as the i what adam has said earlier as the need for the conservatives to re—evaluate, to refresh, to look very carefully at are we absolutely doing what the people want is to do? i think in terms of rishi sunak's five priorities, we are absolutely in the right place. i think the big question for us is how do we get there? is it by, as inaya says, cutting taxes for certain sectors? does that galvanise growth? the problem we have had since 2010 has been low productivity, which has been low productivity, which has beenin been low productivity, which has been in baked. the reason for that was because of the financial crisis, meaning that... was because of the financial crisis, meaning that. . ._ meaning that... this is 13 years on. you are giving _ meaning that... this is 13 years on. you are giving a — meaning that... this is 13 years on. you are giving a bit _ meaning that. .. this is 13 years on. you are giving a bit of— meaning that... this is 13 years on. you are giving a bit of history. - meaning that... this is 13 years on. you are giving a bit of history. butl you are giving a bit of history. but i am trying to bring it up to date, because 2019 was a whole different landscape. theresa may, i'm talking about at the time of the local elections. jeremy corbyn, theresa

may, vince cable. if elections. jeremy corbyn, theresa may, vince cable. if i elections. jeremy corbyn, theresa may, vince cable.— may, vince cable. if i think about what has happened _ may, vince cable. if i think about what has happened over - may, vince cable. if i think about what has happened over the - may, vince cable. if i think about what has happened over the lastl what has happened over the last seven— what has happened over the last seven years. _ what has happened over the last seven years, people... - what has happened over the last seven years, people... we - what has happened over the last seven years, people... we haven't ot that seven years, people... we haven't got that long- _ seven years, people... we haven't got that long. if _ seven years, people... we haven't got that long. if i _ seven years, people... we haven't got that long. if i think— seven years, people... we haven't got that long. if i think about - seven years, people... we haven't got that long. if i think about the i got that long. if i think about the big seismic _ got that long. if i think about the big seismic changes _ got that long. if i think about the big seismic changes we - got that long. if i think about the big seismic changes we have - got that long. if i think about the l big seismic changes we have seen, people _ big seismic changes we have seen, people do— big seismic changes we have seen, people do want— big seismic changes we have seen, people do want change. _ big seismic changes we have seen, people do want change. people - big seismic changes we have seen, i people do want change. people need an immediate — people do want change. people need an immediate difference _ people do want change. people need an immediate difference to— people do want change. people need an immediate difference to help - people do want change. people needl an immediate difference to help them with their— an immediate difference to help them with their bills. — an immediate difference to help them with their bills. they— an immediate difference to help them with their bills. they need _ an immediate difference to help them with their bills. they need to - with their bills. they need to tackle — with their bills. they need to tackle the _ with their bills. they need to tackle the root _ with their bills. they need to tackle the root causes - with their bills. they need to tackle the root causes of- with their bills. they need to tackle the root causes of the| tackle the root causes of the problem _ tackle the root causes of the problem. whether— tackle the root causes of the problem. whether that- tackle the root causes of the problem. whether that is. tackle the root causes of the| problem. whether that is the economy, _ problem. whether that is the economy, with _ problem. whether that is the economy, with a _ problem. whether that is the economy, with a shift - problem. whether that is thel economy, with a shift towards problem. whether that is the - economy, with a shift towards clean energy. _ economy, with a shift towards clean energy. whether— economy, with a shift towards clean energy, whether in _ economy, with a shift towards clean energy, whether in the _ economy, with a shift towards clean energy, whether in the nhs, - economy, with a shift towards cleani energy, whether in the nhs, shifting the focus _ energy, whether in the nhs, shifting the focus to— energy, whether in the nhs, shifting the focus to prevention, _ energy, whether in the nhs, shifting the focus to prevention, to _ energy, whether in the nhs, shifting the focus to prevention, to help- the focus to prevention, to help people — the focus to prevention, to help people stay— the focus to prevention, to help people stay living _ the focus to prevention, to help people stay living healthy- the focus to prevention, to help people stay living healthy at - the focus to prevention, to help- people stay living healthy at home. they need — people stay living healthy at home. they need immediate _ people stay living healthy at home. they need immediate help, - people stay living healthy at home. they need immediate help, but- people stay living healthy at home. they need immediate help, but we| they need immediate help, but we need _ they need immediate help, but we need to— they need immediate help, but we need to tackle _ they need immediate help, but we need to tackle the _ they need immediate help, but we need to tackle the longer - they need immediate help, but we need to tackle the longer term - need to tackle the longer term challenges _ need to tackle the longer term challenges. the _ need to tackle the longer term challenges. the problem - need to tackle the longer term challenges. the problem for. need to tackle the longer term. challenges. the problem for the conservatives _ challenges. the problem for the conservatives is, _ challenges. the problem for the conservatives is, after- challenges. the problem for the conservatives is, after 13 - challenges. the problem for the conservatives is, after 13 years, | conservatives is, after13 years, they— conservatives is, after13 years, they don't— conservatives is, after 13 years, they don't have _ conservatives is, after 13 years, they don't have a _ conservatives is, after 13 years, they don't have a plan. - conservatives is, after 13 years, they don't have a plan.— they don't have a plan. that's obviously _ they don't have a plan. that's obviously not _ they don't have a plan. that's obviously not correct. - they don't have a plan. that's obviously not correct. well, i they don't have a plan. that's i obviously not correct. well, they have their _ obviously not correct. well, they have their five _ obviously not correct. well, they have their five pledges. - obviously not correct. well, they have their five pledges. but i obviously not correct. well, they have their five pledges. but we i obviously not correct. well, they i have their five pledges. but we have to do more to _ have their five pledges. but we have to do more to convince _ have their five pledges. but we have to do more to convince people, i have their five pledges. but we have to do more to convince people, just| to do more to convince people, just as we _ to do more to convince people, just as we have — to do more to convince people, just as we have changed _ to do more to convince people, just as we have changed our— to do more to convince people, just as we have changed our party, i to do more to convince people, just as we have changed our party, we i to do more to convince people, just i as we have changed our party, we can change _ as we have changed our party, we can change the _ as we have changed our party, we can change the country. _ as we have changed our party, we can change the country. that _ as we have changed our party, we can change the country.— change the country. that is what keir starmer _ change the country. that is what keir starmer has _ change the country. that is what keir starmer has said _ change the country. that is what keir starmer has said he - change the country. that is what keir starmer has said he has i change the country. that is what i keir starmer has said he has done, change the party sincejeremy

corbyn. welwyn hatfield, grant shapps, the energy and security secretary of state, conservatives have lost that are no overall control. solihull, the conservatives have held solihull, you will be pleased to know, andrea leadsom. at the moment, that is a pretty rare hold for now in a metropolitan area. but we are going to talk to zach lenski, deputy leader of the green party. they have improved their tally of seats. they are waiting for the opportunity to be a majority party on a council, because they have not been up until now. mid suffolk, you have three green gains there, you have made massive gains in east hertfordshire. why is that? it is a phenomenal set of results for the green party. pundits a few weeks ago saying this would be a very difficult selection for the green party because in 2019 we had our best results in troubled the

number of councillors since then. the fact we are holding councillors and adding more is amazing. let's look at east hertfordshire. we had to michael green councillors. overnight, we had 15 gains, and we will shortly be hearing from the rest of the results. it could be the largest party in the council. white matter what has won that for you? a lot of things, mainly it is the result of people absolutely fed up with 13 years of tory austerity, and then looking to labour, offering no inspiration and no practical solutions. when we've been on the ground, we've been talking about in selecting homes, saving local services, stopping bus cuts, these have been resonating with people. the thing i care more and more is when people see a green candidate to become a council and get elected, they want more green councillors. i'm really hoping in the future we continue to see this build. you have added a significant _ continue to see this build. you have added a significant number - continue to see this build. you have added a significant number of i added a significant number of councillors in east hertfordshire, you haven't actually had a majority on a counsellor. in brighton and

hope you have been running it, but as a minority administration. why not? maybe peoplejust don't like you running the council as a majority party, despite the fact that you have added quite a number of councillors in places like east hertfordshire?— hertfordshire? think that is contrary to _ hertfordshire? think that is contrary to all _ hertfordshire? think that is contrary to all of _ hertfordshire? think that is contrary to all of the - hertfordshire? think that is i contrary to all of the evidence, as the results come in. i think it's things like we want to have a wealth tax, a 1% tax on the wealthiest 1%. that would raise about £75 billion per year. you would think that is something that labour would be all over, but they are not brave enough to see say that. people are seeing the green party as a brave party thatis the green party as a brave party that is willing to speak for the mood of the party and stand up against the conservative government, and how much better policies on the labour party and implement them. if you look somewhere like bristol, one of our target seats, it is an example of where there are 20 seats were councillors. 17 of those are already green. you can see if people vote in the same way locally as do nationally, i realise that is a challenge and i am ready to face that, then carla will be the next mp

for bristol west.— for bristol west. what do you say to daisy cooper. _ for bristol west. what do you say to daisy cooper. the — for bristol west. what do you say to daisy cooper, the liberal _ for bristol west. what do you say to daisy cooper, the liberal democratl daisy cooper, the liberal democrat deputy leader, he says it is all very well at a local level, the greens are putting in a relatively strong performance, but at a national level you have had one mp four years, caroline lucas, she took that seat off labour. if you want to kick the tories out, you vote liberal democrat at a national level. i liberal democrat at a national level. .. . liberal democrat at a national level. ,, . , . , , level. i think that is absurd, there are lots of — level. i think that is absurd, there are lots of places _ level. i think that is absurd, there are lots of places we _ level. i think that is absurd, there are lots of places we are - are lots of places we are extending the ministrations, where we have had a green councillors and we are getting more green councillors. the wide apart as this. we know the difference caroline lucas has made in parliament, and we see the difference it makes to have an elected green in the room. someone speaking powerfully and compulsion italy, holding truth to power. —— powerfully and compassionately. green politicians are not necessarily professional politicians, they are cleaners, doctors, nurses, people embedded in their communities and people want more of that kind of

coming in, validating that. zack polanski, sounding _ coming in, validating that. zack polanski, sounding and looking very upbeat. the mayor of mansfield, first time for the first past the post system, just as in westminster. before, it was a supplementary vote system. andy abrahams, a labour hold. congratulations, but perhaps wasn't completely unexpected that he would hold it. nearly10,000. completely unexpected that he would hold it. nearly 10,000. the completely unexpected that he would hold it. nearly 10,000.— hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time, hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time. they _ hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time. they won _ hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time, they won buy _ hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time, they won buy two - hold it. nearly 10,000. the last time, they won buy two votes. i hold it. nearly 10,000. the last. time, they won buy two votes. we will have a — time, they won buy two votes. we will have a look at the chain. a 45% share there for labour. let's have a look at the change since 2019, and liz is right, it has gone up by 16% since 2019. you can see there, the swing. conservatives to labour, 2.il%. obviously they will be very pleased there in mansfield. we will take a breath, because it hasjust

gone one o'clock. let's get the latest news. thanks, jo. early results have seen gains for labour and the liberal democrats at the expense of the conservatives. the prime minister, rishi sunak, admits the results are disappointing for the tories. it's still early. we've just had a quarter of the results in, but i will carry on delivering on the people's priorities.— will carry on delivering on the people's priorities. well, that was the prime minister _ people's priorities. well, that was the prime minister giving - people's priorities. well, that was the prime minister giving his i the prime minister giving his response to those disappointing

results for the conservatives earlier this morning. labour, meanwhile, say the results set a strong course for the party at the next general election.— strong course for the party at the next general election. these are the key battlegrounds _ next general election. these are the key battlegrounds as _ next general election. these are the key battlegrounds as we _ next general election. these are the key battlegrounds as we go - next general election. these are the key battlegrounds as we go into i next general election. these are the key battlegrounds as we go into the | key battlegrounds as we go into the next election, and make no mistake, this means that we are on course for a labour majority at the next election, a very good set of results for us. �* , election, a very good set of results for us. . , election, a very good set of results forus.�* , , for us. and ed davey has been celebrating — for us. and ed davey has been celebrating the _ for us. and ed davey has been celebrating the lib _ for us. and ed davey has been celebrating the lib dems i for us. and ed davey has been - celebrating the lib dems successors. he is also looking ahead. i celebrating the lib dems successors. he is also looking ahead.— he is also looking ahead. i think there's a chance _ he is also looking ahead. i think there's a chance now— he is also looking ahead. i think there's a chance now that - he is also looking ahead. i think there's a chance now that we i he is also looking ahead. i think| there's a chance now that we can have _ there's a chance now that we can have that — there's a chance now that we can have that general election within the next — have that general election within the next year. and i think the message _ the next year. and i think the message is clear — the time is up for rishi — message is clear — the time is up for rishi sunak and his appalling conservative government. cheering the electoral commission — the body which regulates elections — has said that some people were unable to vote yesterday because they didn't have photo id. some campaigners say the new voter identity rules had

brought about a "dark day" for democracy. the requirement was introduced as part of the elections act 2022, and requires voters in great britain — england, wales and scotland — to provide photo id before voting. it has been in place in northern ireland since 2007. final prepartions are under way, ahead of tomorrow's coronation of king charles. the king and queen consort, had their last rehearsal at westminster abbey this morning. charles iii will also host a reception today for world leaders attending the crowning. along the mall, crowds of loyal royalists have been growing. tomorrow's ceremony will be the first coronation of a british monarch in 70 years. meanwhile, one of the king's close friends says the monarch wouldn't like the idea of people paying homage to him during the coronation. the public are being invited to swear allegiance to the king, as a new part of the ancient

ceremony. the archbishop of canterbury says the oath is voluntary, but the move has been criticsed by some. broadcaster and friend of king charlesjonathan dimbleby says it would be out of character for the king. ican think i can think of nothing that he would find more abhorrent. he i can think of nothing that he would find more abhorrent.— find more abhorrent. he has never wanted to be _ find more abhorrent. he has never wanted to be revealed. _ find more abhorrent. he has never wanted to be revealed. he - find more abhorrent. he has never wanted to be revealed. he has - find more abhorrent. he has never. wanted to be revealed. he has never wanted, as far as i know, to have anyone pay homage to him except in mock terms, is a joke. i think he wants to feel that people will share in the event, and i don't quite know how this might have happened. police in serbia have — how this might have happened. police in serbia have arrested _ how this might have happened. police in serbia have arrested a _ how this might have happened. police in serbia have arrested a man who is suspected of shooting dead eight people in a town south of belgrade. it is the country's second mass shooting in as many days after a boy killed nine people at a school in belgrade on wednesday. the country's president has promised to tighten rules on possessing weapons.

authorities have released an image of the 21—year—old suspect. police believe he shot the victims from his car shortly after midnight. the head of russia's wagner mercenary group has threatened to pull his front line forces out of the fiercely contested town of bakhmut in eastern ukraine. yevgeny prigozhin claims he'll pull his forces out next wednesday, saying his men lack ammunition. he's also slammed russia's defence minister. moscow has been trying to capture the town since last year, with wagner's fighters central in the assault. prigozhin is known for his savage attacks on the top brass, and it's unclear if the latest isn't just an empty threat. the world food programme has said that millions of dollars' worth of food aid destined for sudan has been looted since fighting broke out last month. the wfp said pillaging in the country was rampant. meanwhile, president biden has issued an executive order

authorising sanctions against sudan, saying the fighting must end. the latest ceasefire has failed to hold, with heavy fighting continuing in the capital khartoum and in nearby cities. the streets of the italian city of naples were flooded with street parties after their football team, napoli, won their first serie a title for 33 years. the last time napoli were champions was 1990, when they were captained by diego maradona. this time round they've secured the title with five matches still left to play. and just a reminder, you can find out the election results in your area by going to the bbc news website and typing in your postcode. that's it from me. jo, back to you.

thank you. our results right away, because it is a bad one for the conservatives. east staffordshire, we were talking about it before, we didn't have the full set of results. labour have gained it from the conservatives. i think we can show you the number of seats that the labour party now has on east staffordshire council. they have 21 seats, to the conservatives' 15. it was a straightforward conservative— labour fight, was a straightforward conservative— labourfight, but was a straightforward conservative— labour fight, but that is a bad result in an area like that, andrea? as i say, so disappointing for hard—working counsellors, and ha rd—working counsellors, and really, hard—working counsellors, and really, i'm incredibly sorry to them. and i think it does demonstrate that, as the prime minister has said, he wants to really focus on delivering for what people have said they want, which is cutting inflation and growing the economy, and cutting nhs waiting lists and stopping the small boats. and that is absolutely his focus. its, and that is absolutely his focus. a good win for labour, liz. i don't

know if labour was really expecting to gain that from the conservatives, may be to take some seats, but yes, you've got it. may be to take some seats, but yes, you've got it— you've got it. really positive, and we are hearing — you've got it. really positive, and we are hearing about _ you've got it. really positive, and we are hearing about making - you've got it. really positive, and l we are hearing about making gains you've got it. really positive, and - we are hearing about making gains in swindon_ we are hearing about making gains in swindon and erewash, north east derbyshire, all areas we have to win back to _ derbyshire, all areas we have to win back to form — derbyshire, all areas we have to win back to form the next government. i'm so_ back to form the next government. i'm so proud — back to form the next government. i'm so proud of all of our counsellors and our candidates, but we also _ counsellors and our candidates, but we also know that there is no such thing _ we also know that there is no such thing as— we also know that there is no such thing as a — we also know that there is no such thing as a coronation in politics. well, _ thing as a coronation in politics. welt, n0~ — thing as a coronation in politics. well, no. that's tomorrow. solihull, we mentioned itjust before the news, and conservatives have held that, and i think they increase the number of councillors they have got. there are areas where labour is not doing well. in a sense, we use this benchmark of 1995, because it was two years before that landslide election victory by tony blair. and you are still not at that sort of level, which did indicate that labour was on the path to a

majority. labour was on the path to a majority-— labour was on the path to a ma'ori . �* ., ., ., , majority. although, in the areas that we need — majority. although, in the areas that we need to _ majority. although, in the areas that we need to win _ majority. although, in the areas that we need to win back - majority. although, in the areas that we need to win back to - majority. although, in the areas| that we need to win back to form majority. although, in the areas - that we need to win back to form the next government, as you look at, if we have _ next government, as you look at, if we have already talked about, medway and plymouth, we are absolutely there. _ and plymouth, we are absolutely there. and — and plymouth, we are absolutely there, and in other seats, we are back— there, and in other seats, we are back to _ there, and in other seats, we are back to where we were in 2001, which is a huge _ back to where we were in 2001, which is a huge step up. but we know there is a huge step up. but we know there is more _ is a huge step up. but we know there is more to— is a huge step up. but we know there is more to do— is a huge step up. but we know there is more to do to convince people, and i_ is more to do to convince people, and i would — is more to do to convince people, and i would say, for all of those people — and i would say, for all of those people who underestimated keir starmer, — people who underestimated keir starmer, when you see how much he has changed — starmer, when you see how much he has changed the party it such a short— has changed the party it such a short period of time. i mean, when i was growing — short period of time. i mean, when i was growing up, might big political hero was— was growing up, might big political hero was neil kinnock, and everything that he did to change the labour— everything that he did to change the labour party, to get us back... but he never did _ labour party, to get us back... emit he never did win a general election. actually, if you look at what keir starmer — actually, if you look at what keir starmer has done injust a couple of years. _ starmer has done injust a couple of years. it _ starmer has done injust a couple of years, it took us three or more electorat— years, it took us three or more electoral cycles... years, it took us three or more electoral cycles. . ._ years, it took us three or more electoral cycles... why are people not more enthusiastic _ electoral cycles... why are people not more enthusiastic about - electoral cycles... why are people not more enthusiastic about it. . not more enthusiastic about it. there are endless reports on the airwaves about fed up with the conservatives, but they are still

not convinced by keir starmer. the polls bear it out. maybe it doesn't matter, but why do you think that is? ., , ., , ., is? from my conversations on the doorstep. — is? from my conversations on the doorstep. where _ is? from my conversations on the doorstep, where people _ is? from my conversations on the doorstep, where people tell - is? from my conversations on the doorstep, where people tell you l doorstep, where people tell you their— doorstep, where people tell you their gut— doorstep, where people tell you their gut reactions, they do believe he is _ their gut reactions, they do believe he is a _ their gut reactions, they do believe he is a man— their gut reactions, they do believe he is a man of integrity, they believe — he is a man of integrity, they believe he has change the party, but icannot— believe he has change the party, but i cannot explain how catastrophic 2019 was, — i cannot explain how catastrophic 2019 was, and how people thought we had left _ 2019 was, and how people thought we had left the values of the british people. — had left the values of the british people, and that takes time to turn it round _ people, and that takes time to turn it round. and the fact that we have -ot it round. and the fact that we have got to— it round. and the fact that we have got to this — it round. and the fact that we have got to this stage now, i think, is a huge _ got to this stage now, i think, is a huge testament. keir starmer would be the _ huge testament. keir starmer would be the first _ huge testament. keir starmer would be the first person to say he is proud — be the first person to say he is proud but _ be the first person to say he is proud but he is not satisfied, and we have — proud but he is not satisfied, and we have further to go. we proud but he is not satisfied, and we have further to go.— proud but he is not satisfied, and we have further to go. we want to go to stratford-upon-avon, _ we have further to go. we want to go to stratford-upon-avon, but - we have further to go. we want to go to stratford-upon-avon, but did - we have further to go. we want to go to stratford-upon-avon, but did you| to stratford—upon—avon, but did you want to comment? it is to stratford-upon-avon, but did you want to comment?— want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer _ want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer has _ want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer has done _ want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer has done a - want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer has done a lot - want to comment? it is clear that keir starmer has done a lot for. want to comment? it is clear that l keir starmer has done a lot for the labour— keir starmer has done a lot for the labour party. _ keir starmer has done a lot for the labour party, particularly- keir starmer has done a lot for the labour party, particularly on - labour party, particularly on anti—semitism, _ labour party, particularly on anti—semitism, but - labour party, particularly on anti—semitism, but closer. labour party, particularly on| anti—semitism, but closer to labour party, particularly on - anti—semitism, but closer to the general— anti—semitism, but closer to the general election— anti—semitism, but closer to the general election and _ anti—semitism, but closer to the general election and a _ anti—semitism, but closer to the general election and a lot - anti—semitism, but closer to the general election and a lot more i general election and a lot more scrutiny— general election and a lot more scrutiny wilt _ general election and a lot more scrutiny will be _ general election and a lot more scrutiny will be made _ general election and a lot more scrutiny will be made of- general election and a lot more scrutiny will be made of how i general election and a lot morej scrutiny will be made of how he completely— scrutiny will be made of how he completely you _ scrutiny will be made of how he completely you turned - scrutiny will be made of how he completely you turned on - scrutiny will be made of how he i completely you turned on brexit, trying _ completely you turned on brexit, trying to — completely you turned on brexit, trying to get _ completely you turned on brexit, trying to get jeremy _ completely you turned on brexit, trying to get jeremy corbyn - completely you turned on brexit, trying to get jeremy corbyn intoi trying to get jeremy corbyn into government, _ trying to get jeremy corbyn into government, but— trying to get jeremy corbyn into government, but also _ trying to get jeremy corbyn into government, but also tuition i trying to get jeremy corbyn into i government, but also tuition fees, the fact— government, but also tuition fees, the fact that — government, but also tuition fees, the fact that he _ government, but also tuition fees, the fact that he dropped _ government, but also tuition fees, the fact that he dropped that. -

government, but also tuition fees, the fact that he dropped that. for. government, but also tuition fees, | the fact that he dropped that. for a lot of— the fact that he dropped that. for a lot of young — the fact that he dropped that. for a lot of young people. _ the fact that he dropped that. for a lot of young people, they _ the fact that he dropped that. for a lot of young people, they could - lot of young people, they could finatty — lot of young people, they could finally say _ lot of young people, they could finally say that _ lot of young people, they could finally say that was _ lot of young people, they could finally say that was going - lot of young people, they could finally say that was going to - lot of young people, they could i finally say that was going to be... he said _ finally say that was going to be... he said he — finally say that was going to be... he said he would _ finally say that was going to be... he said he would scrap _ finally say that was going to be... he said he would scrap tuition- finally say that was going to be... i he said he would scrap tuition fees and now says he will not do that. exactly. j and now says he will not do that. exactl . . ., and now says he will not do that. exactl . _, . ~ ., ., exactly. i will come back to that issue in a _ exactly. i will come back to that issue in a moment _ exactly. i will come back to that issue in a moment because - exactly. i will come back to that issue in a moment because he l exactly. i will come back to that i issue in a moment because he has dropped many if not all of the pledges he made when he campaigned to be leader. we will come back to that perhaps later. i want to go to stratford—upon—avon, because we are waiting for a result there. simon gilbert is there for the bbc. simon, the lib democrats about —— the lib dems very hopeful and confident even that they are going to take this? absolutely, and at this moment in time, 15 seats for the lib dems, to the conservatives' seven, two greens. they need 21 in this new boundary council to secure power here in stratford. stratford, of course, is the home of nadhim zahawi, and that has been a big election issue here. we have seen

that there might have been a bitter blow back to the conservatives locally, their decision to have their reselection of the parliamentary candidate nadhim zahawi here. it is all to play for at the minute but it looks like the lib dems are certainly making big strides at the moment. [30 lib dems are certainly making big strides at the moment.— lib dems are certainly making big strides at the moment. do you know an idea of strides at the moment. do you know any idea of a — strides at the moment. do you know any idea of a time _ strides at the moment. do you know any idea of a time when _ strides at the moment. do you know any idea of a time when we - strides at the moment. do you know any idea of a time when we might i strides at the moment. do you know| any idea of a time when we might get that result? i will make a note. we should be that result? i will make a note. , should be done in the next hour, really. a big result i should let you know about is that the leader of stratford district council lost his seat to the lib dems here in quite spectacularfashion. you seat to the lib dems here in quite spectacular fashion. you mentioned nadhim zahawi. _ spectacular fashion. you mentioned nadhim zahawi, the _ spectacular fashion. you mentioned nadhim zahawi, the former - nadhim zahawi, the former chancellor, and he resigned, quit over questions about his tax affairs. you say that was quite a big factor. any other factors that have come into play in stratford—upon—avon? i have come into play in stratford-upon-avon? i think it is re stratford-upon-avon? i think it is pretty much _ stratford-upon-avon? i think it is pretty much a _ stratford-upon-avon? i think it is pretty much a reflection _ stratford-upon-avon? i think it is pretty much a reflection of- stratford-upon-avon? i think it is pretty much a reflection of what l stratford-upon-avon? i think it is. pretty much a reflection of what we are seeing nationally, isn't it? any government that has been in power as

long as the conservatives will always struggle to hold onto that power in local elections. it's the only way people can express their displeasure, isn't it? here in stratford, it is unprecedented. we have never had any other party in control of this council other than the conservatives, since it was formed in the mid—19 705, so it would be quite an upset of the lib dems were to wrestle control from the conservatives here.— the conservatives here. simon gilbert, thank— the conservatives here. simon gilbert, thank you _ the conservatives here. simon gilbert, thank you very - the conservatives here. simon gilbert, thank you very much. | the conservatives here. simon i gilbert, thank you very much. we will probably come back to you within the hour if you have that result. we will announce it here first. let's get a more general overview and dig down a little into what has been happening across the midlands. david wallace lockhart i5 midlands. david wallace lockhart is at the touch screen for us. david. jo. at the touch screen for us. david. jo, here we have the conservative losses so far when it comes to councils, and you can see them flashing on the map, so a real geographical spread. we can delve into a few midlands seats and see what is going on there. starting off in east staffordshire, that when we just heard about — it is a labour

gain from the conservatives. this council had been conservative since 2003, but19 council had been conservative since 2003, but 19 seats needed for a majority, labour getting 21. once again, this fits in with a pattern we are seeing in a number of councils, or big lever voting areas in 2016, labour making gains here. —— leave voting. we can have a look at what has changed in terms of seats there, conservative down by eight, labour gaining 11. we are expecting some more results shortly. let's go to swindon in wiltshire, also conservative since 2003, but it looks like labour are making good gains here. 12 out of 19 seats counted so far, 29 needed for a majority. labour getting close to

that, and there are still a few to 90, that, and there are still a few to go, but they have increased their share compared to 2019 by eight, whereas the conservatives are down nine. this is where sir keir starmer launched labour's local election campaign. you would obviously love to turn it read and see the council become a labour council. looking ahead to any potential general election, swindon is the sort of area where labour would have to return in peace, you would imagine, if they want to do for the next government. we can have a look at share of the vote. 48% for labour compo 30% for the conservatives. —— for labour, 30% for the conservatives. the conservatives are down by 11%. where there is perhaps more positive news for the conservatives is in solly hole in the west midlands, which has been conservative since 2008. —— saw the whole. they got 29 out of 26 seats. any changes there, the conservatives

are added to their seat how they compare to 2019, taking two seats, the greens losing one, labour losing one as well, but let's look at where we stand currently in terms of seats. we are comparing to 2019, labour up by over 160, the conservatives down by 285. they had predicted potential losses of 1000. with that number goes higher than 1000, even their own expectation management it would appear most too optimistic. the lib dems had a good overnight period and they have continued making gains throughout today, up by 75 seats. council changing hands, that means labour are up by four and conservative down by 1a councils. the lib dems up by one. plenty of seats still to be declared, councils to be declared, plenty of churn still to happen, you would imagine, and we will get a clearer and clearer picture is the day goes on. i think we can show you bromsgrove.

on the seats that have played so far, it is a conservative loss, going to no overall control. you can see that the conservatives are on ten, labour on six, independence on six, lib dems on four. we can see that the conservatives have dropped by five, labour, independence and the lib dems have gained seats. bromsgrove is sajid javid �*5 parliamentary seat. he is standing down, of course. very safe, presumably from a parliamentary point of view. what do you make of that, a conservative loss at a local council? that will be making people nervous, if you are the conservative mp in areas where your council has slipped away from control, and it has been under tory control for some time, it would make you nervous. i know sajid javid is going. figs time, it would make you nervous. i know sajid javid is going. fissi know sa'id javid is going. as i said, know sajid javid is going. as i said, it's know sajid javid is going. as i said. it's an — know sajid javid is going. rsi said, it's an incredibly disappointing night. my heart goes out to those councillors who have lost their seats. quite justifiably,

they will be angry and upset at the impact of the national picture on the local council elections. totally justifiably. what we need to do as conservatives come as a result of that, is to re—galvanise our actions and stick together. that, is to re-galvanise our actions and stick together.— and stick together. except it does reduce your _ and stick together. except it does reduce your capacity, _ and stick together. except it does reduce your capacity, from - and stick together. except it does reduce your capacity, from a - reduce your capacity, from a campaigning point of view. the liberal democrats have always talked about the bedrock of their party. it was decimated after the coalition with the conservatives, but being the bedrock of your campaign and, of your foot soldiers the bedrock of your campaign and, of yourfoot soldiers going the bedrock of your campaign and, of your foot soldiers going out there and leafleting, doing all of that, and leafleting, doing all of that, and there are going to be so far fewer of them.— and there are going to be so far fewer of them. that is true, but that is to _ fewer of them. that is true, but that is to assume _ fewer of them. that is true, but that is to assume it _ fewer of them. that is true, but that is to assume it is _ fewer of them. that is true, but that is to assume it is only - that is to assume it is only councillors who do the work. the networks are huge. in fact, in lots of areas, i have recently been campaigning in bedford, milton keynes, north warwickshire, young people out in their droves, getting around the patch, speedily, which is fantastic. , ., ., ., ,

fantastic. they are going to be even busier. fantastic. they are going to be even busier- you — fantastic. they are going to be even busier. you are _ fantastic. they are going to be even busier. you are getting _ fantastic. they are going to be even busier. you are getting your- fantastic. they are going to be even busier. you are getting your steps l busier. you are getting your steps in. thank busier. you are getting your steps in- thank you _ busier. you are getting your steps in. thank you for _ busier. you are getting your steps in. thank you for reminding - busier. you are getting your steps in. thank you for reminding me. l busier. you are getting your steps - in. thank you for reminding me. 3000 ste s. you in. thank you for reminding me. 3000 steps- you have _ in. thank you for reminding me. 3000 steps. you have been _ in. thank you for reminding me. 3000 steps. you have been quite _ in. thank you for reminding me. 3000 steps. you have been quite sedentary| steps. you have been quite sedentary for the last hour. _ steps. you have been quite sedentary for the last hour. to _ steps. you have been quite sedentary for the last hour. to get _ steps. you have been quite sedentary for the last hour. to get back- steps. you have been quite sedentary for the last hour. to get back to - for the last hour. to get back to the serious issue of politics, on this issue of leave areas, that voted leave, we talked about east staffordshire, 63% voted to leave. do you think you have neutralised that issue? it was difficult, as inaya said, for sir keir starmer, and the idea of a second referendum, going back in history. do you think the labour party could have perhaps have been warmer to the idea of closer relations with the eu, now it seems that is... closer relations with the eu, now it seems that is. . ._ closer relations with the eu, now it seems that is... think that question is over, it seems that is... think that question is over. it is — seems that is... think that question is over, it is done. _ seems that is. .. think that question is over, it is done. i— seems that is... think that question is over, it is done. i think _ seems that is... think that question is over, it is done. i think keir - is over, it is done. i think keir has been very clear about that, and it's very important. we have shown where we want to try to fix problems, with the deal that will try to make things easier for

businesses in this country, but we are not going back on that. to be winning back in areas that voted leave is hugely important for us. what i would say is, let's come back to the issue raised before, about people wanting change, they do want to see the economy working for them, that the benefits come to ordinary working people, notjust a few at the top. we have made big strides, rachel reeves, pat mcfadden, keir starmer, in making sure that people understand, we don't think it is our money, it is their money, and people trust labour with their money. {line trust labour with their money. one ofthe trust labour with their money. one of the unresolved _ trust labour with their money. one of the unresolved issues for brexit that i_ of the unresolved issues for brexit that i think— of the unresolved issues for brexit that i think labour and labour have problems— that i think labour and labour have problems on is the issue of immigration. it is still a thorny issue — immigration. it is still a thorny issue but _ immigration. it is still a thorny issue. but the boats issue is not 'ust issue. but the boats issue is not just what— issue. but the boats issue is not just what people are concerned about, — just what people are concerned about, migration is at 700,000, which _ about, migration is at 700,000, which is — about, migration is at 700,000, which is double. the about, migration is at 700,000, which is double.— about, migration is at 700,000, which is double. the last figure was about 540,000- — which is double. the last figure was about 540,000. substantially - which is double. the last figure was | about 540,000. substantially higher than when the _

about 540,000. substantially higher than when the conservatives - about 540,000. substantially higher than when the conservatives got - about 540,000. substantially higherj than when the conservatives got into government, the promise of cutting into tens _ government, the promise of cutting into tens of— government, the promise of cutting into tens of thousands is out of the water, _ into tens of thousands is out of the water, the — into tens of thousands is out of the water, the labour party don't talk about— water, the labour party don't talk about the — water, the labour party don't talk about the issue. when we talk about brexit— about the issue. when we talk about brexit is— about the issue. when we talk about brexit is closed, it was still a massive _ brexit is closed, it was still a massive question around brexit, how do we _ massive question around brexit, how do we control our borders? brexit was such a _ do we control our borders? brexit was such a defining _ do we control our borders? brexit was such a defining issue, - do we control our borders? brexit was such a defining issue, both i do we control our borders? brexit was such a defining issue, both in the local elections and the general election in 2019, but this is interesting. keyboard analysis on high leave vote, the change since 2019, you can see labour have added 8% since 2019 in those areas that voted strongly to leave, a bit like the areas of east staffordshire, the tees valley, and the tories are down. independents are down, that will be ukip, as was, then the brexit party, the reform party. it's

changed? brexit party, the reform party. it's chanced? , . ii" changed? yes, after 2019, there were those results — changed? yes, after 2019, there were those results and _ changed? yes, after 2019, there were those results and lots _ changed? yes, after 2019, there were those results and lots of _ changed? yes, after 2019, there were those results and lots of people - those results and lots of people saying they had never voted anything other than labour in their lives, and they had voted tory for the first time. it felt like there had been some sort of realignment, it would be really hard for labour to in those areas back. but if you look at the vote figures, some of the individual seats come in brexit supporting areas, where a lot of people may have voted ukip last time, a lot of those voters that left ukip, left labour and went to ukip or the tories, now they do seem to be coming back again. i struggle to be coming back again. i struggle to see how the tories really kind of bring the brexit issue back onto the table. fora bring the brexit issue back onto the table. for a lot of people it feels quite irrelevant now, and i struggle to see how you make that a live issue in an election campaign. andrea, let's look at the high remain vote, changes since 2019. labour are up remain vote, changes since 2019. labourare up 4%, remain vote, changes since 2019. labour are up 4%, lib dems down 1%, and you can see the figures, the

conservatives down by 2%. if you have a look at something like the projected national share from 2021, following on from 2019, this is the national share, following on from 2019, this is the nationalshare, if following on from 2019, this is the national share, if everyone was voting on the day in local elections. the conservatives were ahead then, but that has all changed. i ahead then, but that has all chan . ed. ~ ahead then, but that has all changed-— ahead then, but that has all chanced. ~ .,, i. changed. i think, as you said earlier, brexit _ changed. i think, as you said earlier, brexit is _ changed. i think, as you said earlier, brexit is now- changed. i think, as you said earlier, brexit is now quite i changed. i think, as you said earlier, brexit is now quite a| earlier, brexit is now quite a distance away.— distance away. that is a disadvantage _ distance away. that is a disadvantage for - distance away. that is a disadvantage for the . distance away. that is a - disadvantage for the tories? of course, there is no doubt that the 2019 general election was because people were sick and tired of the fact they told the government, they have been asked what do you want to do, they said leave the eu and then we didn't do it. find do, they said leave the eu and then we didn't do it.— we didn't do it. and that is gone now. we didn't do it. and that is gone now- the _ we didn't do it. and that is gone now. the reason _ we didn't do it. and that is gone now. the reason we _ we didn't do it. and that is gone now. the reason we didn't - we didn't do it. and that is gone now. the reason we didn't do i we didn't do it. and that is gone now. the reason we didn't do it| we didn't do it. and that is gone i now. the reason we didn't do it is because we _ now. the reason we didn't do it is because we had _ now. the reason we didn't do it is because we had a _ now. the reason we didn't do it is because we had a hung _ now. the reason we didn't do it is i because we had a hung parliament. and as inaya rightly points out, it was keir starmer, layers and the labour party that were preventing... but that has changed. it will make it hard for the conservatives. makes

it hard for the conservatives. makes it harder for — it hard for the conservatives. makes it harder for us. _ it hard for the conservatives. makes it harder for us. nevertheless, - it harder for us. nevertheless, there are still the fact that we have left the european union, there is that opportunity of that brilliant free trading relationship around the world that will be the future for growth for the uk, whether it is in green, industrial sectors, whether it is in financial sectors. ., ., , , sectors. put in areas where they voted heavily — sectors. put in areas where they voted heavily for _ sectors. put in areas where they voted heavily for leave. - sectors. put in areas where they voted heavily for leave. brexit i voted heavily for leave. brexit itself is not _ voted heavily for leave. brexit itself is not an _ voted heavily for leave. brexit itself is not an issue, - voted heavily for leave. brexit itself is not an issue, as - voted heavily for leave. brexit itself is not an issue, as a - voted heavily for leave. brexit l itself is not an issue, as a result of the time lag between is voting to leave the eu and us leaving the eu, what we haven't seen yet has the advantage, the sunlit uplands of leaving the eu. and that is going to take time. ., ., ., ., ~ take time. you want to make it work too? what is — take time. you want to make it work too? what is labour _ take time. you want to make it work too? what is labour going _ take time. you want to make it work too? what is labour going to - take time. you want to make it work too? what is labour going to do? i take time. you want to make it work| too? what is labour going to do? we definitely have not seen many sunlit uplands _ definitely have not seen many sunlit uplands. fire definitely have not seen many sunlit ulands. �* , ., definitely have not seen many sunlit ulands. �* i. ., ., definitely have not seen many sunlit ulands. �* ., ., .,~' uplands. are you going to make them ha--en? uplands. are you going to make them happen? there _ uplands. are you going to make them happen? there are _ uplands. are you going to make them happen? there are definitely - uplands. are you going to make them happen? there are definitely things i happen? there are definitely things that we need _ happen? there are definitely things that we need to _ happen? there are definitely things that we need to sort _ happen? there are definitely things that we need to sort out, _ happen? there are definitely things that we need to sort out, whether. happen? there are definitely things| that we need to sort out, whether it is on _ that we need to sort out, whether it is on access— that we need to sort out, whether it is on access for the creative industry. _

is on access for the creative industry, which is hugely important. do you _ industry, which is hugely important. do you support the windsor framework? lode do you support the windsor framework?— do you support the windsor framework? ~ ., ., ., ., framework? we want to sort out what has happened — framework? we want to sort out what has happened in _ framework? we want to sort out what has happened in northern _ framework? we want to sort out what has happened in northern ireland, - framework? we want to sort out what has happened in northern ireland, on| has happened in northern ireland, on professional services, which we are world _ professional services, which we are world leaders in, we think we could -et world leaders in, we think we could get mutual— world leaders in, we think we could get mutual recognition. that world leaders in, we think we could get mutual recognition.— world leaders in, we think we could get mutual recognition. that is what we are working _ get mutual recognition. that is what we are working on _ get mutual recognition. that is what we are working on at _ get mutual recognition. that is what we are working on at the _ get mutual recognition. that is what we are working on at the moment. l get mutual recognition. that is what i we are working on at the moment. you are working — we are working on at the moment. you are working on a lot of things, but not delivering on them.— are working on a lot of things, but not delivering on them. would labour aet a better not delivering on them. would labour get a better deal? _ not delivering on them. would labour get a better deal? we _ not delivering on them. would labour get a better deal? we are _ not delivering on them. would labour get a better deal? we are focused - not delivering on them. would labour get a better deal? we are focused on | get a better deal? we are focused on the reality on — get a better deal? we are focused on the reality on the _ get a better deal? we are focused on the reality on the details _ get a better deal? we are focused on the reality on the details of— get a better deal? we are focused on the reality on the details of a - the reality on the details of a negotiation, not political posturing. negotiation, not political posturing-— negotiation, not political osturinu. h , , posturing. it's 'ust not credible. the posturing. it'sjust not credible. the parliamentary _ posturing. it'sjust not credible. l the parliamentary partnership... posturing. it'sjust not credible. - the parliamentary partnership... can ou come the parliamentary partnership... can you come in? the _ the parliamentary partnership... can you come in? the reality _ the parliamentary partnership... can you come in? the reality is, - the parliamentary partnership... can you come in? the reality is, we - the parliamentary partnership... can you come in? the reality is, we have| you come in? the reality is, we have not not you come in? the reality is, we have not got growth _ you come in? the reality is, we have not got growth in — you come in? the reality is, we have not got growth in our _ you come in? the reality is, we have not got growth in our economy. - not got growth in our economy. andrea — not got growth in our economy. andrea is — not got growth in our economy. andrea is not promising anything different — andrea is not promising anything different. and even as a result of what _ different. and even as a result of whatjeremy hunt said at different. and even as a result of what jeremy hunt said at the last budget, — what jeremy hunt said at the last budget, the predicted growth is, at best, _ budget, the predicted growth is, at best, anaemic. it is not good enough _ best, anaemic. it is not good enough. we have a plan on clean energy. — enough. we have a plan on clean

energy, creating the jobs we need for the _ energy, creating the jobs we need for the future, sorting out the problems. we for the future, sorting out the problems-— for the future, sorting out the roblems. ~ ., , ., ., . ., problems. we have 'ust announced a [an on problems. we have 'ust announced a plan on clean _ problems. we have just announced a plan on clean energy. _ problems. we have just announced a plan on clean energy. half— problems. we have just announced a plan on clean energy. half the - plan on clean energy. half the world's offshore deployed wind. that is half the entire world's deployed already. the uk has cut co2 emissions by more than any advanced economy. if emissions by more than any advanced econom . y ., emissions by more than any advanced econom . , ., ., , economy. if you would 'ust let... your denying * economy. if you would 'ust let... your denying me _ economy. if you would 'ust let... your denying me a _ economy. if you would just let... your denying me a chance - economy. if you would just let... your denying me a chance to - economy. if you would just let... | your denying me a chance to talk, you think— your denying me a chance to talk, you think you can talk over me and shut me _ you think you can talk over me and shut me down. the conservatives announced — shut me down. the conservatives announced an awful lot of plans that don't _ announced an awful lot of plans that don't work — announced an awful lot of plans that don't work. we see that on the nhs. their— don't work. we see that on the nhs. their flagship programme to cut waiting — their flagship programme to cut waiting times, £750 million to tackle — waiting times, £750 million to tackle delayed discharges. hardly any people out of hospital as a result— any people out of hospital as a result of— any people out of hospital as a result of that. but any people out of hospital as a result of that.— any people out of hospital as a result of that. �* , ., ., ., result of that. but you would admit that ou result of that. but you would admit that you do — result of that. but you would admit that you do not _ result of that. but you would admit that you do not have _ result of that. but you would admit that you do not have a _ result of that. but you would admit that you do not have a plan, - result of that. but you would admit that you do not have a plan, a - that you do not have a plan, a transformative plan for the nhs in terms of money. it may not always be about money. you certainly talked about money. you certainly talked about the money you would raise to recruit more doctors and nurses. but i've had colleagues of you here, chris bryant was the most recent

one, the labour mp, saying maybe we have to raise more money from taxation to put into public services, to transform them. if taxation to put into public services, to transform them. if you think money _ services, to transform them. if you think money alone _ services, to transform them. if you think money alone is _ services, to transform them. if you think money alone is the _ services, to transform them. if you | think money alone is the solution... but you _ think money alone is the solution... but you admit it is important to the nhs? ., , but you admit it is important to the nhs? . , , ., but you admit it is important to the nhs? y ., nhs? that is why we have said we will scrap the _ nhs? that is why we have said we will scrap the non-dom _ nhs? that is why we have said we will scrap the non-dom tax - will scrap the non—dom tax status. the reform — will scrap the non—dom tax status. the reform programme is how you keep people _ the reform programme is how you keep people fit— the reform programme is how you keep people fit and healthy for longer, living _ people fit and healthy for longer, living in— people fit and healthy for longer, living in their own homes so they don't _ living in their own homes so they don't end — living in their own homes so they don't end up in hospital. that is about— don't end up in hospital. that is about reforming services around people — about reforming services around people i— about reforming services around people. i don't believe that the key to tackling — people. i don't believe that the key to tackling all the problems in our public— to tackling all the problems in our public services is money alone. its investment— public services is money alone. its investment and reform. and our reform _ investment and reform. and our reform plans are what people are supporting, to help keep people, whether— supporting, to help keep people, whether it is the nhs, in our schools. _ whether it is the nhs, in our schools, breakfast clubs, vital to giving _ schools, breakfast clubs, vital to giving kids— schools, breakfast clubs, vital to giving kids the best start in life. investment and reform is where we will be _ investment and reform is where we will be focusing over the coming months — will be focusing over the coming months. we will be focusing over the coming months. ~ ., , ., , months. we have understandably talked a lot _ months. we have understandably talked a lot about _ months. we have understandably talked a lot about the _ months. we have understandably talked a lot about the economy i talked a lot about the economy because the cost of living is probably the number—one concern for most voters. to bring it back to

local elections and local people voting in these elections in england, there a big discussion before they were held about voter id. it's the first set of elections where you need to have some photographic identity to bring along before you cast your vote. labour were worried that it might disenfranchise groups of people that didn't have photo id. now, it's very difficult, because it is anecdotal to some extent. but we do have some firm figures, maidstone, a returning officer said 137 people turned up without the right requisite photo id, 122 of them, i think, came back with the right id, but that's 20 or so without. will this be a big issue? i so without. will this be a big issue? ~ �* , ., so without. will this be a big issue? ~' �*, ., ., ,, so without. will this be a big issue? ~ �*, ., ., ,, , ., issue? i think it's a massive shame, if somebody — issue? i think it's a massive shame, if somebody has _ issue? i think it's a massive shame, if somebody has bothered _ issue? i think it's a massive shame, if somebody has bothered to - issue? i think it's a massive shame, if somebody has bothered to leave i if somebody has bothered to leave their house, especially in a local election campaign, if people have been willing to leave the house and go to a polling station, turn up to vote and they were turned away, i think that is a real tragedy. and

you look at some of the anecdotal stories from overnight, one of labour's candidate in milton keynes was tweeting about how a nurse had turned up at the end of her long shift, she tried to use her nhs id and she was told that was not acceptable. i think that is a real shame. there are real questions about why travel cards for young people were not accepted, but they were accepted for over 605. what people were not accepted, but they were accepted for over 60s. what do ou think, were accepted for over 60s. what do you think. inaya? — were accepted for over 60s. what do you think, inaya? the _ were accepted for over 60s. what do you think, inaya? the electoral- you think, inaya? the electoral commission wants to wait and see what they get. they recommended it. they recommended it, there will undoubtedly— they recommended it, there will undoubtedly be _ they recommended it, there will undoubtedly be teething - they recommended it, there will. undoubtedly be teething problems. the voter— undoubtedly be teething problems. the voter id — undoubtedly be teething problems. the voter id is _ undoubtedly be teething problems. the voter id is a _ undoubtedly be teething problems. the voter id is a solution _ pockets in particular areas that we can focus on— pockets in particular areas that we can focus on and _ pockets in particular areas that we can focus on and deal— pockets in particular areas that we can focus on and deal with, - pockets in particular areas that we can focus on and deal with, but i pockets in particular areas that we i can focus on and deal with, but the idea that _ can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this — can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this is _ can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this is needed _ can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this is needed and - can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this is needed and was. can focus on and deal with, but the idea that this is needed and was an urgent _ idea that this is needed and was an urgent think— idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i— idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i think _ idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i think it— idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i think it is— idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i think it is not- idea that this is needed and was an urgent think i think it is not true. i urgent think i think it is not true. ithink— urgent think i think it is not true. i think it — urgent think i think it is not true. i think it is — urgent think i think it is not true. i think it is more _

urgent think i think it is not true. i think it is more than _ urgent think i think it is not true. i think it is more than a - urgent think i think it is not true. i think it is more than a shame, i i think it is more than a shame, it is disenfranchisement, and that is un—british. but is disenfranchisement, and that is un-british. �* , is disenfranchisement, and that is un-british-— un-british. but it is in northern ireland. un-british. but it is in northern ireland- lt _ un-british. but it is in northern ireland. it has _ un-british. but it is in northern ireland. it has been _ un-british. but it is in northern ireland. it has been in - un-british. but it is in northern ireland. it has been in for - un-british. but it is in northern ireland. it has been in for quite j ireland. it has been in for quite some time- _ ireland. it has been in for quite some time. a _ ireland. it has been in for quite some time. a woman - ireland. it has been in for quite some time. a woman who - ireland. it has been in for quite j some time. a woman who does ireland. it has been in for quite - some time. a woman who does not drive, some time. a woman who does not drive. she — some time. a woman who does not drive. she can't _ some time. a woman who does not drive, she can't afford _ some time. a woman who does not drive, she can't afford to _ some time. a woman who does not drive, she can't afford to have - drive, she can't afford to have a car, she can't afford to renew her passport and does not need to because she can't afford to go on holiday, she has three kids. she did not apply online, she could not vote. that is wrong. that is wrong, and it needs to be sorted out. the numbers at the moment perhaps wouldn't change the results. i'm speculating. i take your point, but the point that you might not be able to vote and you have bothered to go, andrea, what do you think of this? i think it is exactly right, it is a tragedy if you can't vote. however, i don't agree that it's a solution looking for a problem. the reality is, by definition, we don't know how

big a problem voterfraud is. we big a problem voter fraud is. we think it's quite small. we - big a problem voter fraud is. we think it's quite small. we don't i think it's quite small. we don't know, because _ think it's quite small. we don't know, because definition, - think it's quite small. we don't know, because definition, how| think it's quite small. we don't - know, because definition, how can you know? the know, because definition, how can you know?— know, because definition, how can ou know? . ., ., ., ,, ., you know? the electoral commission has done something. _ you know? the electoral commission has done something. the _ you know? the electoral commission has done something. the key - you know? the electoral commission has done something. the key point i has done something. the key point is, if ou has done something. the key point is. if you have _ has done something. the key point is, if you have voter— has done something. the key point is, if you have voter id, _ has done something. the key point is, if you have voter id, you - has done something. the key point is, if you have voter id, you create| is, if you have voter id, you create confidence in the system. now you are talking over me... when i am out on the street. you have done it a lot, liz. mi on the street. you have done it a lot, liz. �* , , ., lot, liz. all right, finish your oint. lot, liz. all right, finish your point- the — lot, liz. all right, finish your point. the point _ lot, liz. all right, finish your point. the point is, - lot, liz. all right, finish your. point. the point is, doorsteps, eo - le point. the point is, doorsteps, people who — point. the point is, doorsteps, people who care _ point. the point is, doorsteps, people who care about - point. the point is, doorsteps, people who care about voteri point. the point is, doorsteps, | people who care about voter id point. the point is, doorsteps, - people who care about voter id have said to me, anecdotes absolutely, that actually the confidence of the system is what is critical, and we have seen after lots of general elections as well as local elections, stories about people being encouraged to vote twice, people collecting all of the postal votes in their household and putting all those through. actually, creating confidence in the system. tony blair introduced it only for

northern ireland in 2003, an extraordinary thing to do. most european countries use voter id. it seems to be something that is essential. d0 seems to be something that is essential. , ., ~ , , essential. do you think it is 'ust the time now, it is i essential. do you think it is 'ust the time now, it is going i essential. do you think it is 'ust the time now, it is going to h essential. do you think it isjust i the time now, it is going to come, it is an inevitability. it has, —— on this occasion, but it is going to stay? on this occasion, but it is going to sta ? , stay? even david davies said there has been one _ stay? even david davies said there has been one prosecution - stay? even david davies said there has been one prosecution in - stay? even david davies said there has been one prosecution in the i stay? even david davies said there i has been one prosecution in the last decade _ has been one prosecution in the last decade i— has been one prosecution in the last decade. ~ , , ., ., decade. i think it is your right to vote. i decade. i think it is your right to vote- i don't _ decade. i think it is your right to vote. i don't think _ decade. i think it is your right to vote. i don't think there - decade. i think it is your right to vote. i don't think there has i decade. i think it is your right to | vote. i don't think there has been decade. i think it is your right to i vote. i don't think there has been a bil vote. idon't think there has been a big concern— vote. i don't think there has been a big concern about the lack of confidence in the system. and what i worry— confidence in the system. and what i worry about, — confidence in the system. and what i worry about, from what i have seen myself _ worry about, from what i have seen myself and — worry about, from what i have seen myself and from other candidates in the east _ myself and from other candidates in the east midlands, often older women, — the east midlands, often older women, maybe unwell, poorly, frail, don't— women, maybe unwell, poorly, frail, don't know— women, maybe unwell, poorly, frail, don't know about the internet. that's — don't know about the internet. that's interesting, because i remember when we talked about it on politics live when the idea was first mooted, that there was worry that actually, younger people wouldn't be able to vote. traditionally they are not the highest voter turnout to vote in

local elections, unfortunately, but there weren't so many forms of photo id that young people have compared to other people, whereas you think that it to other people, whereas you think thatitis to other people, whereas you think that it is older people.— that it is older people. people don't. people _ that it is older people. people don't. people have _ that it is older people. people don't. people have to - that it is older people. people don't. people have to go i that it is older people. people don't. people have to go on i that it is older people. people| don't. people have to go on to that it is older people. people i don't. people have to go on to the electoral roll _ don't. people have to go on to the electoral roll in _ don't. people have to go on to the electoral roll in the _ don't. people have to go on to the electoral roll in the first _ don't. people have to go on to the electoral roll in the first place. i electoral roll in the first place. that is very quick. it is different from _ that is very quick. it is different from knowing _ that is very quick. it is different from knowing what _ that is very quick. it is different from knowing what on - that is very quick. it is different from knowing what on earth i that is very quick. it is different from knowing what on earth are that is very quick. it is different i from knowing what on earth are voter authority— from knowing what on earth are voter authority certificate _ from knowing what on earth are voter authority certificate is _ from knowing what on earth are voter authority certificate is and _ from knowing what on earth are voter authority certificate is and how- from knowing what on earth are voter authority certificate is and how you i authority certificate is and how you apply _ authority certificate is and how you apply for _ authority certificate is and how you apply for it — authority certificate is and how you apply for it i— authority certificate is and how you apply for it— apply for it. i don't think it's unreasonable _ apply for it. i don't think it's unreasonable for _ apply for it. i don't think it's unreasonable for people i apply for it. i don't think it's unreasonable for people to | apply for it. i don't think it's i unreasonable for people to have apply for it. i don't think it's _ unreasonable for people to have some form of— unreasonable for people to have some form of id _ unreasonable for people to have some form of id. there are so many different— form of id. there are so many different ways we need it, whether it is a _ different ways we need it, whether it is a driving licence or whatever, so i don't — it is a driving licence or whatever, so i don't think it is such a marginalisation to ask for. the biggest — marginalisation to ask for. the biggest problem is that voter fraud is not _ biggest problem is that voter fraud is not a _ biggest problem is that voter fraud is not a massive problem in this country — is not a massive problem in this country i'm _ is not a massive problem in this country. i'm not saying this is what the conservatives are doing, but in america _ the conservatives are doing, but in america there has been a lot of rhetoric— america there has been a lot of rhetoric around voter fraud and trying — rhetoric around voter fraud and trying to — rhetoric around voter fraud and trying to suggest that this is a big issue. _ trying to suggest that this is a big issue. and — trying to suggest that this is a big issue, and i worry about that kind of rhetoric, — issue, and i worry about that kind of rhetoric, which seems to bolster particular— of rhetoric, which seems to bolster particular political parties. we of rhetoric, which seems to bolster particular political parties.- particular political parties. we had a 93-year-old _ particular political parties. we had a 93-year-old in _ particular political parties. we had a 93-year-old in leinster - particular political parties. we had

a 93-year-old in leinster in i particular political parties. we had a 93-year-old in leinster in the i a 93—year—old in leinster in the paper— a 93—year—old in leinster in the paper this — a 93—year—old in leinster in the paper this week _ a 93—year—old in leinster in the paper this week. she _ a 93—year—old in leinster in the paper this week. she has- a 93—year—old in leinster in the| paper this week. she has cancer a 93—year—old in leinster in the i paper this week. she has cancer and didn't— paper this week. she has cancer and didn't know— paper this week. she has cancer and didn't know about _ paper this week. she has cancer and didn't know about the _ paper this week. she has cancer and didn't know about the change. i paper this week. she has cancer and didn't know about the change. do i paper this week. she has cancer and. didn't know about the change. do you think it _ didn't know about the change. do you think it is _ didn't know about the change. do you think it is reasonable _ didn't know about the change. do you think it is reasonable to— didn't know about the change. do you think it is reasonable to expect - didn't know about the change. do you think it is reasonable to expect her. think it is reasonable to expect her to get— think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo— think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id _ think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so _ think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so she _ think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so she can - think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so she can go i think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so she can go to. think it is reasonable to expect her to get photo id so she can go to al to get photo id so she can go to a polling _ to get photo id so she can go to a polling station _ to get photo id so she can go to a polling station and _ to get photo id so she can go to a polling station and vote? - to get photo id so she can go to a polling station and vote? she i to get photo id so she can go to a polling station and vote? she has| polling station and vote? she has voted _ polling station and vote? she has voted every — polling station and vote? she has voted every time _ polling station and vote? she has voted every time she _ polling station and vote? she has voted every time she could - polling station and vote? she has voted every time she could since| polling station and vote? she has. voted every time she could since she was voted every time she could since she wa518~ _ voted every time she could since she was18. we _ voted every time she could since she was 18. ~ l, voted every time she could since she was 18. ~ t, l, _, t, voted every time she could since she was 18. ~ t, l, t, , was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should _ was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should the _ was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should the forms _ was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should the forms of- was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should the forms of id - was 18. we want to encourage people to vote. should the forms of id be - to vote. should the forms of id be expanded? _ to vote. should the forms of id be expanded? yes. _ to vote. should the forms of id be expanded? yes. the _ to vote. should the forms of id be expanded? yes. the issue - to vote. should the forms of id be expanded? yes. the issue with i to vote. should the forms of id be - expanded? yes. the issue with young eo - le expanded? yes. the issue with young peeple boss — expanded? yes. the issue with young peeple boss mike _ expanded? yes. the issue with young people boss mike id _ expanded? yes. the issue with young people boss mike id is _ expanded? yes. the issue with young people boss mike id is that _ expanded? yes. the issue with young people boss mike id is that it - expanded? yes. the issue with young people boss mike id is that it is - people boss mike id is that it is quite easy to fake. there are genuine problems with certain forms of id. mi genuine problems with certain forms of id. �* , ., , genuine problems with certain forms ofid.�* , genuine problems with certain forms ofid. , , genuine problems with certain forms ofid. , of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? _ of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? its _ of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? its the _ of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? its the same - of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? its the same thing. l of id. all people boss mike id, you can't fake it? its the same thing. i | can't fake it? its the same thing. totally agree with you. —— old people's id, you can't fake it? it does need to be reviewed. a, people's id, you can't fake it? it does need to be reviewed. a poll showed the _ does need to be reviewed. a poll showed the public _ does need to be reviewed. a poll showed the public agreed - does need to be reviewed. a poll showed the public agreed with i does need to be reviewed. a poll showed the public agreed with the idea of voter id by two to one. it

seems to show public support. she wanted to vote and her right was taken _ wanted to vote and her right was taken away. it wanted to vote and her right was taken away-— taken away. it sounds like there should be a _ taken away. it sounds like there should be a further— taken away. it sounds like there should be a further discussion i taken away. it sounds like there | should be a further discussion as taken away. it sounds like there i should be a further discussion as a result of having used it in the first place. i will bring you an overall tally are just first place. i will bring you an overall tally arejust a first place. i will bring you an overall tally are just a moment, but the councils we have been watching this afternoon, and we are watching them all, of course, but swindon, key target for the labour party, looks like it will be a labour again. we can't confirm thatjust at the moment. although itjust seems to have popped up as a labour gain. it has literallyjust dropped as i speak. that result has come in. labour has got swindon. throwing the kitchen sink at it, where keir starmer launched the labour campaign. a whole list of councils. we can see the labour gain from the conservatives has put labour on 29 council seats there, the

conservatives on 22. it was a straightforward fight and it has gone to labour, flipped from the conservatives to labour. an increase of eight, and the conservatives lost nine. still fourto of eight, and the conservatives lost nine. still four to declare but it it is labour. the lib dems have got one. brilliant, says liz. how important do you think something like swindon is, key target, where they launched, in the psyche of the labour party? it is they launched, in the psyche of the labour party?— labour party? it is clearly one of those bellwether _ labour party? it is clearly one of those bellwether seats. - labour party? it is clearly one of those bellwether seats. labour i labour party? it is clearly one of i those bellwether seats. labour has obviously— those bellwether seats. labour has obviously been _ those bellwether seats. labour has obviously been very— those bellwether seats. labour has obviously been very strong - those bellwether seats. labour has obviously been very strong across i obviously been very strong across many _ obviously been very strong across many parts — obviously been very strong across many parts of _ obviously been very strong across many parts of the _ obviously been very strong across many parts of the country - obviously been very strong across many parts of the country for - obviously been very strong across many parts of the country for a i obviously been very strong across . many parts of the country for a long time, _ many parts of the country for a long time, but _ many parts of the country for a long time, but you— many parts of the country for a long time, but you look— many parts of the country for a long time, but you look at _ many parts of the country for a long time, but you look at those - many parts of the country for a long time, but you look at those maps, i time, but you look at those maps, when _ time, but you look at those maps, when you — time, but you look at those maps, when you see _ time, but you look at those maps, when you see all _ time, but you look at those maps, when you see all the _ time, but you look at those maps, when you see all the seats - time, but you look at those maps, when you see all the seats acrossi when you see all the seats across the country. _ when you see all the seats across the country, and _ when you see all the seats across the country, and there _ when you see all the seats across the country, and there has- when you see all the seats across the country, and there has been. when you see all the seats across i the country, and there has been an absence _ the country, and there has been an absence of— the country, and there has been an absence of seats _ the country, and there has been an absence of seats in _ the country, and there has been an absence of seats in the _ the country, and there has been an absence of seats in the south - absence of seats in the south outside — absence of seats in the south outside of _ absence of seats in the south outside of london, _ absence of seats in the south outside of london, so - absence of seats in the south outside of london, so if- absence of seats in the south outside of london, so if they| absence of seats in the south . outside of london, so if they can start— outside of london, so if they can start to — outside of london, so if they can start to pick— outside of london, so if they can start to pick up _ outside of london, so if they can start to pick up places _ outside of london, so if they can start to pick up places like - outside of london, so if they can start to pick up places like this, i start to pick up places like this, many— start to pick up places like this, many other— start to pick up places like this, many other councils _ start to pick up places like this, many other councils we - start to pick up places like this, many other councils we expectl start to pick up places like this, i many other councils we expect the votes _ many other councils we expect the votes tater, — many other councils we expect the votes later, like _ many other councils we expect the votes later, like norwich, - many other councils we expect the votes later, like norwich, dover, i| votes later, like norwich, dover, i think— votes later, like norwich, dover, i thinkthat— votes later, like norwich, dover, i think that will _ votes later, like norwich, dover, i think that will be _ votes later, like norwich, dover, i think that will be a _ votes later, like norwich, dover, i think that will be a real— votes later, like norwich, dover, i think that will be a real test. - think that will be a real test. peoute — think that will be a real test. people keep— think that will be a real test. people keep saying - think that will be a real test. people keep saying on - think that will be a real test. people keep saying on tv, . think that will be a real test. | people keep saying on tv, on think that will be a real test. -

people keep saying on tv, on this programme — people keep saying on tv, on this programme and _ people keep saying on tv, on this programme and others, _ people keep saying on tv, on this programme and others, there - people keep saying on tv, on this programme and others, there is. people keep saying on tv, on this programme and others, there is aj programme and others, there is a groundswett — programme and others, there is a groundswett of _ programme and others, there is a groundswell of support— programme and others, there is a groundswell of support for- programme and others, there is a groundswell of support for keir. groundswell of support for keir starmen — groundswell of support for keir starmen you _ groundswell of support for keir starmer. you just _ groundswell of support for keir starmer. you just need - groundswell of support for keir starmer. you just need to- groundswell of support for keir| starmer. you just need to start looking — starmer. you just need to start looking at— starmer. you just need to start looking at these _ starmer. you just need to start looking at these results. - starmer. you just need to start looking at these results. look. starmer. you just need to starti looking at these results. look at these _ looking at these results. look at these councils _ looking at these results. look at these councils going _ looking at these results. look at these councils going up - looking at these results. look at these councils going up and - looking at these results. look at these councils going up and up. i looking at these results. look at - these councils going up and up. what are those _ these councils going up and up. what are those people _ these councils going up and up. what are those people voting _ these councils going up and up. what are those people voting for— these councils going up and up. what are those people voting for if- these councils going up and up. what are those people voting for if it - are those people voting for if it isn't _ are those people voting for if it isn't for— are those people voting for if it isn't for a — are those people voting for if it isn't for a groundswell- are those people voting for if it isn't for a groundswell of - are those people voting for if it l isn't for a groundswell of support for keir— isn't for a groundswell of support for keir starmer. _ isn't for a groundswell of support for keir starmer. you _ isn't for a groundswell of support for keir starmer. you just - isn't for a groundswell of support for keir starmer. you just need l isn't for a groundswell of support| for keir starmer. you just need to start— for keir starmer. you just need to start looking _ for keir starmer. you just need to start looking at _ for keir starmer. you just need to start looking at these _ for keir starmer. you just need to start looking at these results. - for keir starmer. you just need to. start looking at these results. look at these _ start looking at these results. look at these councils _ start looking at these results. look at these councils going _ start looking at these results. look at these councils going up - start looking at these results. look at these councils going up and - start looking at these results. look at these councils going up and up. i at these councils going up and up. what _ at these councils going up and up. what are — at these councils going up and up. what are those _ at these councils going up and up. what are those people _ at these councils going up and up. what are those people voting - at these councils going up and up. what are those people voting for. at these councils going up and up.| what are those people voting for if it isn't_ what are those people voting for if it isn't from — what are those people voting for if it isn't from if— what are those people voting for if it isn't from if the _ what are those people voting for if it isn't from if the labour- what are those people voting for if it isn't from if the labour vote - what are those people voting for if it isn't from if the labour vote is l it isn't from if the labour vote is going _ it isn't from if the labour vote is going up. — it isn't from if the labour vote is going up. you _ it isn't from if the labour vote is going up. you have _ it isn't from if the labour vote is going up, you have to _ it isn't from if the labour vote is going up, you have to assume . it isn't from if the labour vote is i going up, you have to assume they are voting — going up, you have to assume they are voting for — going up, you have to assume they are voting for labour— going up, you have to assume they are voting for labour as— going up, you have to assume they are voting for labour as led - going up, you have to assume they are voting for labour as led by- going up, you have to assume they| are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, _ are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, but— are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, but the _ are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, but the polls _ are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, but the polls also - are voting for labour as led by cure starmer, but the polls also show. starmer, but the polls also show that rishi — starmer, but the polls also show that rishi sunak— starmer, but the polls also show that rishi sunak is— starmer, but the polls also show that rishi sunak is a _ starmer, but the polls also show that rishi sunak is a leader- starmer, but the polls also show that rishi sunak is a leader is i starmer, but the polls also show. that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular— that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than — that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than cure _ that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than cure starmer- that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than cure starmer is. - that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than cure starmer is. this. that rishi sunak is a leader is more popular than cure starmer is. as you said, 10, popular than cure starmer is. as you said. jo. there _ popular than cure starmer is. as you said, 10, there will— popular than cure starmer is. as you said, 10, there will be _ popular than cure starmer is. as you said, 10, there will be much - popular than cure starmer is. as you said, 10, there will be much more i said, jo, there will be much more scrutiny on labour and the labour leadership, and i do want to raise the point about this lifetime allowance for pensions, where labour were absolutely clutching their throats over that lifetime allowance being lifted, only to find, hey ho, there was an actual law passed... passed by whom was mike who was in government? — passed by whom was mike who was in government? the _ passed by whom was mike who was in government? the tories. _ passed by whom was mike who was in government? the tories. passed i passed by whom was mike who was in government? the tories. passed by. government? the tories. passed by you, government? the tories. passed by

you. andrea — government? the tories. passed by you. andrea do _ government? the tories. passed by you. andrea-— you, andrea. do you think this is a very pertinent _ you, andrea. do you think this is a very pertinent issue _ you, andrea. do you think this is a very pertinent issue at _ you, andrea. do you think this is a very pertinent issue at these i very pertinent issue at these elections very pertinent issue at these election ., , ., elections not in these local elections. _ elections not in these local elections, no, _ elections not in these local elections, no, but- elections not in these local elections, no, but the i elections not in these local| elections, no, but the point elections not in these local- elections, no, but the point is, as we get closer a general election, you are saying this is a precursor to a general election. latte you are saying this is a precursor to a general election.— you are saying this is a precursor to a general election. we are not, and we have _ to a general election. we are not, and we have to _ to a general election. we are not, and we have to be _ to a general election. we are not, and we have to be careful- to a general election. we are not, and we have to be careful about i and we have to be careful about saying it is. it has reminded me, there is, of what i said earlier, actually, which is cure starmer�*s campaign pledges. 2020, following from the resignation ofjeremy corbyn, but he has moved away or dropped key pledges, and there have certainly been howls from the left of the labour party and many activist, the idea that he is no longer going to oppose tuition fees, that he isn't going to nationalise some of the main utilities, that he isn't going to increase taxes on the top 5% of earners. these are key principles. you could be a trust

issue here. i principles. you could be a trust issue here-— principles. you could be a trust issue here. ., �* ~ ., ., issue here. i don't think at all he has changed _ issue here. i don't think at all he has changed his _ issue here. i don't think at all he has changed his key _ issue here. i don't think at all he has changed his key principles, i issue here. i don't think at all he i has changed his key principles, not at atl _ has changed his key principles, not at all. . ., , ., , ., has changed his key principles, not at all. . .,, ., , ., at all. tax the top earners to pay for ublic at all. tax the top earners to pay for public services. _ at all. tax the top earners to pay for public services. nationalise i for public services. nationalise major utilities.— for public services. nationalise major utilities. and tuition fees. scra -|n~ major utilities. and tuition fees. scrapping the — major utilities. and tuition fees. scrapping the non-dom - major utilities. and tuition fees. scrapping the non-dom tax i major utilities. and tuition fees. i scrapping the non-dom tax status. scrapping the non—dom tax status. that was— scrapping the non—dom tax status. that was a — scrapping the non—dom tax status. that was a promise that he made. i think that was a promise that he made. think he is right to say if the circumstances have changed and the state of _ circumstances have changed and the state of the economy is trust, we are careful— state of the economy is trust, we are careful with people boss make ntonev _ are careful with people boss make money. the language of priorities is the religion — money. the language of priorities is the religion of socialism, and we have _ the religion of socialism, and we have to — the religion of socialism, and we have to take different decisions. the public— have to take different decisions. the public do want to know what your priorities— the public do want to know what your priorities are, and he is saying the circumstances of change. i do want a fairer— circumstances of change. i do want a fairer deat— circumstances of change. i do want a fairer deal for students but we are going _ fairer deal for students but we are going to _ fairer deal for students but we are going to have a different approach. i do going to have a different approach. i do want _ going to have a different approach. i do want to see the very top earners, _ i do want to see the very top earners, like non—doms, if you come and live _ earners, like non—doms, if you come and live in— earners, like non—doms, if you come and live in this — earners, like non—doms, if you come and live in this country, you should pay your— and live in this country, you should pay your taxes here. we and live in this country, you should pay your taxes here.—

and live in this country, you should pay your taxes here. we have about 20 seconds- — pay your taxes here. we have about 20 seconds. if _ pay your taxes here. we have about 20 seconds. if the _ pay your taxes here. we have about 20 seconds. if the reality _ pay your taxes here. we have about 20 seconds. if the reality changes, | 20 seconds. if the reality changes, ou need 20 seconds. if the reality changes, you need to _ 20 seconds. if the reality changes, you need to change. _ 20 seconds. if the reality changes, you need to change. the _ 20 seconds. if the reality changes, | you need to change. the manifesto was a promise _ you need to change. the manifesto was a promise to _ you need to change. the manifesto was a promise to voters _ you need to change. the manifesto was a promise to voters not - you need to change. the manifesto was a promise to voters not kept. i was a promise to voters not kept. the labour— was a promise to voters not kept. the labour party— was a promise to voters not kept. the labour party are _ was a promise to voters not kept. the labour party are benefiting i was a promise to voters not kept. i the labour party are benefiting from the dissatisfaction of the tory party. actually, when there is scrutiny about the kinds of policies the labour party want to advocate for, there will be much more questions on cure starmer�*s leadership. 50 questions on cure starmer's leadership-— questions on cure starmer's leadershi. . ., ,. ,, , leadership. so much to discuss, but sadl not leadership. so much to discuss, but sadly not with _ leadership. so much to discuss, but sadly not with this _ leadership. so much to discuss, but sadly not with this wonderful i leadership. so much to discuss, but sadly not with this wonderful panell sadly not with this wonderful panel of guests. i am going to think andrea, liz, jon and inaya. we are going to go to david wallace locked out for more analysis. we've been talking about what has happened in areas with a high leave vote in 2019 full about the conservatives and the labour party had a bad conservatives and the labour party had a had set of elections, and it was often the independents are benefited. we can see independents down 14% and labour benefiting from

that quite a bit. some seats and a bit more detail. stoke—on—trent and staffordshire, of course, labour have one like this council. it is a labour gain. when we talk about the house of commons, this would be that red wolf territory, traditional labour seats that went conservative in 2019's general election. for the council, labour have got it back, 29 seats, a 69% cap might leave vote in the referendum in stoke—on—trent. the labour vote has gone up by m seats, and the independent seats seem to have fallen away. we can go to medway, different geographically, on the kent coast, but similar in terms of brexit vote — 64% cap leave. this is where cure starmer has been celebrating, labour taking the council from the conservatives. it had been a conservative council since 2003. labour haven't been in power since 1998. they gained 11

councillors, the conservatives lost 13. we were talking about swindon, a key battleground in these local elections. labour have taken it from the conservatives. once again this has been a conservative council since 2003. it will be a big battleground, you would imagine, at the next general election, they were getting 29 seats. there is still counting going on there but they have got the 29 you need to get a majority on the council. they have gone up by eight councillors so far, the conservatives going down by nine. vote share, labour 51%, the conservatives 35. perhaps an area where labour haven't done as well, a leave voting area, would be peterborough, somewhere rishi sunak has been holding up as one of the areas he is trying to say labour have underperformed, but he would have underperformed, but he would have to say that when he is dealing with this bad have to say that when he is dealing with this had set of results. it was

a leave area, a hung council there, just one short of the 31 needed for a majority. the reason rishi sunak is pointing to this council is the conservatives have gone up by one and labourare conservatives have gone up by one and labour are down by two. if we have a look at vote share, 35% for the conservatives, 32 for the labour party. if we look at the change in share, although the conservatives may have gained a seat, they have gone up by 3% on 2019, whereas the labour party have gone up by four percent. this is what rishi sunak is having to point to as perhaps some conservative success. we get an idea of how difficult a position he is trying to sell. this is where a councillor number six currently, looking bad for the conservatives, quite good for labour, and the lib dems so far. david, thank you. we will come back later in the programme. it has been a busy afternoon so far. results have come tumbling in. it has been a bad night

and continued to be bad for the conservatives. we will bring you more later on as more key results come in. the politics live special continues until lt:30pm. hello and welcome back to westminster abbey. you are seeing pictures of buckingham palace. there is some blue sky and a bit of cloud. it is very temperamental, i think the right word to use. we have seen thunderstorms but there is a bitter blue sky. we will focus on what has been happening inside buckingham palace. we have some pictures of the special lunch just a while ago of the leaders of the commonwealth where 1a

the leaders of the commonwealth where11t countries were coral trout is monarch were invited to buckingham palace. it is a little bit dark. the prince of wales, princess kate is there, the duke and duchess of edinburgh, prince hassan, too. lto attendees, including the british prime minister. rishi sunak had quite a busy morning, meeting with the australian prime minister and the new zealand prime minister, as well. you can see the entering here in the drawing room, then a drinks reception in the music room, followed by lunch in the blue drawing room. iwilljust followed by lunch in the blue drawing room. i willjust post a let that ambulance could buy. very noisy. lots of central london is shutdown to traffic but of course emergency traffic allowed through. sarah campbell, you are seeing these

pictures were the first time. what a day the king has