. late in blackpool because they won blackpool south.— in blackpool because they won blackool south.nfident - blackpool south. we won pat general election and we are confident going l election and we are confident going into it, because this by—election shows the country want to change —— we want that general election. we have ia years of failure and decline, chaos and division from the tories. people want to turn the page and go forward with labour at our positive plan for the country. loath? positive plan for the country. why so cautious _ positive plan for the country. why so cautious when _ positive plan for the country. why so cautious when you have had such a bil so cautious when you have had such a big win? _ so cautious when you have had such a big win? we _ so cautious when you have had such a bi win? ~ . ., ., so cautious when you have had such a bi win? ~ . . ., . ., big win? we want a general election and we want — big win? we want a general election and we want to _ big win? we want a general election and we want to take _ big win? we want a general election and we want

let us look at blackpool _ the country. let us look at blackpool south, - the country.h, if - the country. let us look at blackpool south, if we - the country. let us look at| blackpool south, if we can, the country. let us look at - blackpool south, if we can, the new mp for labour. blackpool south, if we can, the new mp for labour-— blackpool south, if we can, the new mp for labour. chris webb, this was a conservative _ mp for labour. chris webb, this was a conservative seat _ mp for labour. chris webb, this was a conservative seat at _ mp for labour. chris webb, this was a conservative seat at the _ mp for labour. chris webb, this was a conservative seat at the general . a conservative seat at the general election, 2019, labour now. by some margin. 6700 majority. you can see there as well, conservatives just held onto second place. a really deal. reform, the successor to nigel farage's brexit party, they came pretty close to finishing second. here is how things have changed. look at that. the conservative vote is down by a third, huge. labour cosmic vote is up 21%. r

i blackpool south, and what it shows us? ., ., ,. ., blackpool south, and what it shows us?reen to show you. blackpool south, _ us? i have a screen to show you. blackpool south, the _ us? i have a screen to show you. i blackpool south, the conservatives won at the last general election. nowhere near this time. the labour candidate chris webb, a majority of 7600. look at the difference between the tories and reform, tiny, that will worry the conservatives. reform doing so well but secondly the tories onlyjust doing so well but secondly the tories only just scraped doing so well but secondly the tories onlyjust scraped into second place. here is how the voting stacks up, and here is the change, look at that. the conservative vote is down nearly a third. labour vote up significantly. reform vote is significantly. reform vote is significant too. reform is the successor to the brexit party and they are planning on challenging the conservatives around england. places like blackpool, that will worry the tories. but i think the next thing you will see is the most striking graphic of

so in blackpool , we're vote.d to. not what do you go along? what do you go along and do is spoil your ballot paper. write a nice rude message to your candidates because they actually see spoilt ballot papers and when the count is taking place. but at least if you've gone along, you've shown you've gone along, you've shown you haven't just stayed in bed and you're just you're just lazy about it. yeah. >> have you done that before? >> have you done that before? >> yeah, i did it to claire because. because i couldn't vote tory. oh i see, so when claire was up for four, you couldn't vote for claire? no, no, i did vote for claire? no, no, i did vote for claire? no, no, i did vote for claire. the whole thing was i had to spoil my ballot paperin was i had to spoil my ballot paper in a way that would get claire the vote, but i wouldn't actually vote tory. so i put an intimate little emoji in the in the box. where was the little emoji? it was a pair of breasts . emoji? it was a pair of breasts. oh.and emoji? it was a pair

and i would also said| that blackpool south is important because — that blackpool south is importanther labour gain, and all of that does. — and another labour gain, and all of that does, you know, the arithmetic in parliament makes it more difficult _ in parliament makes it more difficult for rishi sunak as well. but it— difficult for rishi sunak as well. but it is— difficult for rishi sunak as well. but it is going to be a really interesting... but it is going to be a really interesting. . ._ but it is going to be a really interesting... you will be up all niuht interesting... you will be up all night watching. _ interesting... you will be up all night watching. a _ interesting... you will be up all night watching. a lot _ interesting... you will be up all night watching. a lot of - interesting... you will be up all night watching. a lot of people | interesting... you will be up all. night watching. a lot of people will be, and we can go over now and see some of the preparations, because they will be going on a very shortly. we can see there is laura in the distance, limbering up,

let's look at the blackpool south result. your| the blackpool south result. your reaction to it? your reaction to it?— reaction to it? i mean, it was a disappointing _ reaction to it? i mean, it was a disappointing result, _ reaction to it? i mean, it was a disappointing result, they- reaction to it? i mean, it was a| disappointing result, they wore reaction to it? i mean, it was a i disappointing result, they wore as you know the specific local circumstances with this by—election —— and there were... and is unsurprising the circumstances which the mp5 put down. but unsurprising the circumstances which the mps put down.— unsurprising the circumstances which the mps put down. but at 26% swing, the mps put down. but at 26% swing, the third biggest _ the mps put down. but at 26% swing, the third biggest swing _ the mps put down. but at 26% swing, the third biggest swing since - the mps put down. but at 26% swing, the third biggest swing since world i the third biggest swing since world war ii. this is a record rejection of the conservative party to the labour party. of the conservat

they've had 14 years of decline in blackpool . blackpool is a worse blackpool.y know a labour government can deliver that. so i've been a community activist in the town for over a decade.i activist in the town for over a decade. i work with the food bank. i lead award winning mental health charity in blackpool as chair of trustees. i know the issues in my community. i'm blackpool born and bred. i see them day in, day out, and i'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job, keir is very popular in blackpool. we've seen that he's a friend of blackpool. he's been here several times meeting young people, going into our deprived areas and always gets an incredible reception. and this is another vote for his victory and why people want him in downing street . downing street. >> well, to be fair, i mean, he's a local. he's really a close to the area and i don't know whether any of you saw it, but, lee anderson did post a view of one of the streets in blackpool that didn't look great at all. and then shortly after he posted it, somebody cleaned it up. but that

this is the result in blackpool _ that. this is the result in blackpool south. - that.ckpool south. three i that. this is the result in - blackpool south. three years ago, labour lost a by—election in hartlepool. there was a question about how the party was doing in parts of the country it had traditionally done well. one was blackpool south, because it was conservative at the last general election but look at this. labour have won by a stonking majority, 7600 votes more than the conservatives, and the tories will be really worried about this number. mark butcher from the reform party, the successor to nigel faraj�*s brexit party, almost beat the conservative candidate, only 117 votes in that, really close and will worry conservative ho. here are the percentages. look at that tory votes change, it has collapsed, down by more than a third that is a big change for the conservative party. labour up 21 and reform uk on 11%. up labour up 21 and reform uk on 11%. up 11%. this one is the one i think is probably the graphic of the night. look at this. it's a huge swing from the

tell us the tale of blackpool south.— tale of blackpool south. it was re tale of blackpool south.hat it shows is the conservatives being squeezed on both sides. their vote dropped by about 30%. a lot of that seems to have gone into labour on the big swing. a third of it seems to have gone to reform. the fact they are losing votes in both directions will be a concern. the conservatives have ordered a complete nightmare scenario of being pushed into third by reform, they only did it by a tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will cause jitters tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will causejitters and tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will cause jitters and concerns among some conservative mps looking at those numbers this morning. we have had from a conservative spokesman this morning saying it would always be a difficult election for them, would always be a difficult election forthem, given would always be a difficult election for them, given the difficult circumstances related to the previous incumbent. sir keir starmer calling this a seismic victory for them and they say it is the m

let's talk to helen catt who is in blackpool. we l helen catt who is in blackpool. to the stage. it is a long walk to the stage. there are the two main candidates, and the monster raving loony candidate next to them. let's listen into the results, the by—election for blackpool south. just waiting for another one to the candidates to make their way, gathering alongside. one of the nine candidates standing committee can see the green candidate just air and on the right of your shot, the man who is likely to become the next mp for blackpool south, labour candidate chris webber. let's listen into the declaration and the result, remember, listening are particularly what is happening with the reform candidate, his candidate is not yet there are that line—up. we spoke to him a couple of hours ago and he said he was hopeful of pipping the tories into second place. there he is. here we go. tories into second place. there he is- here we go— tories into second place. there he is- here we go-— is. here we go. good morning, everybody- _ is. here we go. good morning, everybody- w

chris, the mayoral races, blackpool south, asjournalists, we will chris, the mayoral races, blackpoolbe defining what we can out of the results, what should we be looking for? it results, what should we be looking for? . ~ ., results, what should we be looking for? ., ~' ., , , results, what should we be looking for? .~ . , , for? it will take a while because as deliahted i for? it will take a while because as delighted i would _ for? it will take a while because as delighted i would be _ for? it will take a while because as delighted i would be if _ for? it will take a while because as delighted i would be if you - for? it will take a while because as delighted i would be if you could . delighted i would be if you could join us on bbc one throughout the night and on the bbc news app, unlike general election when the sun rises tomorrow morning, we will not have a definitive outcome. why? because loads of results are being counted tomorrow, loads more on saturday. if this is wrapped up by the time much of the day is on a saturday night that will be around about what is expected. each a

— putting that on the leaflets is in blackpool south, _ putting that on the leaflets is in blackpoolackpool south, where there is putting that on the leaflets is in - blackpool south, where there is that clear contest — blackpool south, where there is that clear contest against _ blackpool south, where there is that clear contest against a _ blackpool south, where there is that clear contest against a proud - clear contest against a proud conservative _ clear contest against a proud conservative against - clear contest against a proud conservative against a - clear contest against a proud i conservative against a labour clear contest against a proud - conservative against a labour party candidate, — conservative against a labour party candidate, and _ conservative against a labour party candidate, and we _ conservative against a labour party candidate, and we will— conservative against a labour party candidate, and we will see - conservative against a labour party candidate, and we will see the - candidate, and we will see the results — candidate, and we will see the results from _ c

they've had 14 years of decline in blackpool . blackpool is a worse blackpool.a worse place under this government. they want change and they know a labour government can deliver that. so i've been a community activist in the town for over a decade.i activist in the town for over a decade. i worked with the food bank. i lead award winning mental health charity in blackpool. as chair of trustees, i know the issues in my community. i'm blackpool born and bred. i've seen him day in and bred. i've seen him day in and day out, and i'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get on with the job. keir is very popular in blackpool. we've seen that he's a friend of blackpool. he's been here several times meeting young people, going into our deprived areas and always gets an incredible reception. and this is another vote for his victory and why people want him in downing street . in downing street. >> you go chris webb, he says he's a humbled by blackpool self's decision to elect him , self's decision to elect him, third time he stood for that seat third time, so it must be quite

reform and that blackpool south _ well. reform and that blackpool south by — well.t in the conservative in second _ votes a bit in the conservative in second place was of that blackpool point of _ second place was of that blackpool point of entry by election did to the tone — point of entry by election did to the tone for a lot of these results in terms — the tone for a lot of these results in terms of— the tone for a lot of these results in terms of a resurgent labour party in terms of a resurgent labour party in the _ in terms of a resurgent labour party in the conservatives struggling. is what _ in the conservatives struggling. is what we're — in the conservatives struggling. is what we're looking at in terms of these _ what we're looking at in terms of these results and as i say still plenty— these results and as i say still plenty to— these results and as i say still plenty to comment including some key may orat— plenty to comment including some key may oral contests we will see in london — may oral contests we will see in london in — may oral contests we will

let's go live to blackpool, a very good night for the labour party there, blackpool south by—election sunak, criticising the current conservative government and the arrival as you would expect, it was just about coming down the steps. he gave a speech there again. he was calling for a general election, saying the labour party is the future, the country once a future with labour and asking for rishi sunak, the prime minister, to call for a general election. but we have no sense yet of a general election date other than rishi sunak�*s previous indications that it would be the second half of this year, he has untiljanuary next year. but the assumption is still it will take place before the end of this year. you can keep up to date with all the results on the website, but for now, i'm a lewis vaughanjones, this is bbc news. this is bbc news. big conservative losses in local elections across england, with the party potentially facing its worst night at the polls in four decades. labour win the blackpool south by—election with a 26% swing of the vote. sir keir starmer hails his party's perf

and crucially in blackpool, as we were hearing there, blackpool is an absolutely vital seat.first time, and then lost in the depths of the corbyn years. it's exactly the sort of seat that keir starmer needs to win a government. so i look at blackpool and the council results. i think the mayoral elections may skew the picture a little bit because it's so personality driven. >> yeah. okay. so just talk to me a little bit about these by—election results. and so we've got blackpool south. we've just heard from that reformer have thrown the kitchen sink at blackpool. so they don't really care. i don't think too much about the local elections reform from what they don't have that many candidates because they have the infrastructure. >> know something that's very key is ben houchen in tees valley reform. are not standing against. >> that's one of the reasons that labour that gives him that gives him a very good shot. >> whereas andy street is up against reform. matthew and i were talking earlier . the reform were talking earlier. the reform candidate in blackpool south is a lovely l

we've _ blackpool south. we are fed up. we've had — blackpool south. we are fed up.lections always do have much lower— by—elections always do have much lower turnout, that demonstrates a type of— lower turnout, that demonstrates a type of apathy which you could class being _ type of apathy which you could class being fed _ type of apathy which you could class being fed up and i think people do want to— being fed up and i think people do want to see politicians delivering on the _ want to see politicians delivering on the promises they have made, that's— on the promises they have made, that's why— on the promises they have made, that's why rishi made five commitments when he came in, i think we can— commitments when he came in, i think we can safely— commitments when he came in, i think we can safely say that the pledge on halving _ we can safely say that the pledge on halving inflation has happened because — halving inflation has happened because we come from over 11% to 'ust because we come from over 11% to just over— because we come from over 11% to just over 3%, o

here in blackpool. the country. here in blackpool.ors back in 1934. since then, the promenade has completely changed and not necessarily for the better. >> blackpool can be beautiful. it can be wonderful, but it also can look very rundown when you drive up and down the promenade. >> so it's it needs investment and i think there's people willing to invest, but it's just unlocking that key around how we can do that and how we can actually change those buildings in that structure for tomorrow. >> the people of blackpool south will head to the polls to choose their new mp for john. will head to the polls to choose their new mp forjohn. the their new mp for john. the successful candidate needs to secure the town's future by making decisions now. a huge part of what the mps are going to need to do is, is to create that job and those opportunities and work with local businesses to create that opportunity because we see and i see a huge amount of talent leaving blackpool. >> they're the ambassadors for the town. >> they're the future of black

blackpool? there isn't much to offer for young people. they need to invest more money in the people of blackpool rather than the tourist areas. make it safer , make it a better community, especially with the cost of living crisis. >> so do more for blackpool residents , more for the residents, more for the homeless, which they don't actually do. the placements of hotels leave them for three months and if they don't find a place within them three months, then moved. and one of them people. >> i think it's quite sad actually . it's very sad because, actually. it's very sad because, blackpool was like massive, a once glittering tourist trap. >> the blackpool of today seems to have lost some of its sparkle and for its local people , they and for its local people, they can only hope their new mp can restore the town to happier days. sophie reaper gb news bnng days. sophie reaper gb news bring you a full list of candidates that you will have their standing in blackpool south. >> they are stephen plack

certainly you can see that there has been money spent in blackpool.to people who live around blackpool there was a sense that some people felt that the money have been spent on the touristy areas rather than away from the seafront and the areas affecting the rest of the time. there have been issues of deprivation which have been well documented around blackpool. if you go to somewhere like fleetwood they would feel that they have missed out on the levelling up money that was promised for the coast. there is a feeling that people have not seen a benefit from the levelling up agenda that has been promoted by the conservatives over the last few years. if you are a* wars fan you might recognise some of the scenery because it has appeared in star wars and tour the disney plus series, as well. ., ~ and tour the disney plus series, as well. . ,, , ., ., . , , well. thank you, rowan. it is 'ust da two, well. thank you, rowan. it is 'ust day two. there i well. thank you, rowan. it is 'ust day two, there are i well. thank you, rowan. it is 'ust day two, there a

blackpool is particularly the kind of area that the brexit party, previously ukip, and now reform uk of target that if they were going to win anywhere it would be somewhere like that. more than two thirds of people, it is estimated, voted to leave in the brexit referendum. compared to the national average it is more white british than the rest of the country. it is less well off. people there have fewer educational qualifications. all of these combined tend to be fruitful areas for reform, but no one expects them to win in blackpool south. it is widely expected labour will do well there. the question is how many votes will conservatives get and how many will they lose at the expense of reform? and then the story that generates moving forward over the coming days and months as backbenchers discuss what the conservative party should or should not do to deal with the threat of reform in a general election will be a really interesting story as well. joe, stay with us. i want to get a little bit from newsnight�*s political editor nick watt who has had his ear to the ground on what the par

labour at blackpool south.uth. jack, | labour at blackpool south. jack, thank you for being with us. were saying as well, we probably won't get all the final results until sunday. it does take some time to count in these local elections. results still coming in all the time. and local elections there always some great personal stories with let's talk about one of them now. joining me now is daisy blakemore creedon, an 18—year—old student who has been voted as one of the youngest councillors in the country. good to have you with us. i'm right in saying 18 years and six months. you have that record now how does it feel? , ., you have that record now how does it feel? , . �* , . ., you have that record now how does it feel? , . �*, . ., ., feel? great. there's a lot of emotions — feel? great. there's a lot of emotions going _ feel? great. there's a lot of emotions going on - feel? great. there's a lot of emotions going on right - feel? great. there's a lot of| emotions going on right now feel? great. there's a lot

>> well in blackpool south?nce was quite terrifying, i think, for a lot of conservative mps, because they came right in behind the party, behind the conservative party. and of course, there's the danger that you could see tory mps lose their seats because of reform , taking votes because of reform, taking votes away from them in significant numbers. and it does raise the question, you know, would they take larger numbers if nigel farage was actively campaigning at their head? well, i do not know the answer. it's not for me to talk about one of your colleagues and maybe inappropriate , but that's the inappropriate, but that's the that's the question to ask. >> it's the million dollar question in the country. >> they haven't made such an impact. >> it's fair to say it is the million dollar question. and i know that's something that a lot of you guys ponder at home as well. i'm joined now by the former government minister and reform uk member ann widdecombe. good evening to you, ann. give me your reaction. how well

in blackpool south l as low as 30%. in blackpool south spent _ as low as 30%.estimate, and it is an estimate, as to how if people have voted the same way nationally where the parties are and that will be very important in terms of the gap between labour and the conservatives and exactly what percentage of out you have. just briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor— briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in _ briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire _ briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire -- - briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby see editor in yorkshire -- but - briefly, vicky, maybe... the baby| see editor in yorkshire -- but bbc see editor in yorkshire —— but bbc yorkshire... thing labour has won the york and north yorkshire mayor labour are not saying this and has not been confirmed that that's what some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back _ some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. _ some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. and - some parties are saying. rishi sunak's back yard. and this i some

he's a voter in blackpool . well, he wants to ask blackpool. idea to get rid of boris johnson? i mean, there were some reports that in labour hq people jumped for joy the day boris johnson resigned . the day boris johnson resigned. >> and i want to get rid of any tory prime minister because they failed our country. as natalie elphicke was just telling us, they failed on housing. we've got a housing crisis. i've got constituents that spend over 50% of their income on housing, and it's not even good quality housing, and they failed on the small boats. they're coming across in record numbers since their latest gimmick , rwanda, their latest gimmick, rwanda, which is an expensive con trick, 2500 more people have come across. so it's clearly not a deterrent. now when you've got a government that is failing on everything, it's time for a general election. and i think from last week's local elections, people were coming out and they were voting in their millions for change because they want that election to come. we want this country to turn the page

look at blackpool south, a proper parliamentary seat. they almost took second place.or knocked it out of the park. if that kind of result is replicated, on current polling there is no reason to think it won't be, than they are going to lose an awful lot. >> the 26% swing to labor at blackpool south. always good to talk to you. thank you for being with us. we probably will not get the final results until sunday, just taking sometimes so the results can still come in. in local elections, there are always some great personal stories. let's talk about one of them now. let's talk to an 18-year-old student who has been voted one of the youngest counselors in the country. good to have you with us. i'm right in saying 18 years a six months? you have that record now. how does it feel? >> a loss of emotions going on. overwhelmed, overjoyed. it has been amazing. the campaign has worked hard and it paid off. >> your mom and your grandparents were at the account as well. great to have them there. it felt like a real family affair. how important has their support been? you have bee

the blackpool by-election-_ by-election. rapidly becoming clear _ by-election. what is rapidly becoming clear is _ by-election. what is rapidly becoming clear is basicallyl by-election. what is rapidly i becoming clear is basically as by-election. what is rapidly - becoming clear is basically as more people hear about reform, we are becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we are on the way up and it's quite clear the tories are on the way down. find way up and it's quite clear the tories are on the way down. and the green party — tories are on the way down. and the green party is _ tories are on the way down. and the green party is volunteering - tories are on the way down. and the green party is volunteering a - tories are on the way down. and the green party is volunteering a bow. l green party is volunteering a bow. this is hastings in east sussex. the trend of the greens' steady rise in global politics continues. b, global politics continues. fantastic set of results for t

blackpool south, that is a massive swin~., . ., blackpool south, that is a massive swina. , ., , swing. just i would say gently we i calculate the swings, but the lesson from blackpool i took is people stayed at home. the vote was down. i believe the labour vote was down. in believe the labour vote was down. in 2019 you, 16,000 vote serce went for the conservatives —— voters went for the conservatives —— voters went for the conservatives, its was 3,000 yesterday. are you saying the 80% of the voters that were missing will come back at the general election? i'm not saying that, i'm saying they didn't vote. it is missing information in the puzzle. so i think the humbling thing is that they weren't inspired enough to vote conservative. they weren't inspired enough to vote conservative-— conservative. you're going to be able to change _ conservative. you're going to be able to change that _ conservative. you're going to be able to change that over- conservative. you're going to be able to change that over the i conservative. you're going to be| able to change that over the next five months

blackpool? need to invest more money in the people of blackpool rather than the tourist areas. >> make it safer , make it a >> make it safer, make it a better community, especially with the cost of living crisis. >> so do more for blackpool residents , more for the residents, more for the homeless, which they don't actually do. the placements of hotels leaving for three months, and if they don't find a place within them, three months then moved and one of them people. >> i think it's quite sad actually. it's very sad because, blackpool was like massive , a blackpool was like massive, a once glittering tourist trap . once glittering tourist trap. >> the blackpool of today seems to have lost some of its sparkle. and for its local people , they can only hope their people, they can only hope their new mp can restore the town to happier days. sophie reaper. gb news. >> and the full list of candidates standing in the blackpool south by—election are steven black, independent. mark butcher, reform uk an

there's also a by—election in blackpool south, following the resignation of the former conservative,ll have to show photo id to cast their ballot. polls opened at 7am and close at 10pm. let's speak to our political correspondent nick eardley. take us through what is happening today. take us through what is happening toda . ., ., ., ., , ., today. hello, samantha, millions of --eole in today. hello, samantha, millions of peeple in england — today. hello, samantha, millions of people in england and _ today. hello, samantha, millions of people in england and wales - today. hello, samantha, millions of people in england and wales will. people in england and wales will have the opportunity to vote and lots of different votes are going on so let me walk you some of the contest that are being decided today so personally, as you mentioned, blackpool self is getting a new mp and that by—election is happening today and that is the first one, the only by—election for an mp happening over the next few hours. —— blackpool self mac. there are 11 regional mayors being decided today in different par

let�*s talk about. . .away from blackpool�*s south, then, the rest of the evening.16 of 25 wards, again significantly outperforming our national polling share. and we�*re delighted we�*ve got some very important mayoral results being counted over the next day and a half and again in the north east and in manchester, i think we could surprise people on the upside. what�*s rapidly becoming clearer is basically as more people hear about reform, we�*re becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we�*re on the way up and it�*s quite clear that the tories are on the way down. thank you to richard tice speaking to me a little earlier. we will get an update from dudley council election. hello, emma, talk us through what is happening. this is stourbridge _ through what is happening. this is stourbridge where _ through what is happening. this is stourbridge where the _ through what is happening. this is stourbridge where the account - through what is happening. this is stourbridge where the account is i stourbridge where the accou

and there was a massive swing of over 26% to labour in the blackpool south by—election.ut some cheer for tories, as ben houchen holds on to the mayor's office in tees valley. and i'll be here looking at some of the results in more detail to see what it might mean for the parties at the general election. also tonight, a former post office lawyer is accused of lying over are you going to tell the truth today? jarnail singh was involved in prosecuting an innocent woman. he says he didn't lie. william perry me? on newsnight at half ten... the tees valley mayoral win for the conservatives appears to buy time for the prime minister with his own party. but is he running out of time with the country? we'll have in—depth analysis of the votes. good evening. two very different moods tonight in the conservative and labour camps after the local and mayoral elections. rishi sunak says it's "disappointing to lose good, hardworking councillors", after what's been a painful set of results so far for his party — some of the worst tory losses in england for decades. on the other side, lab

the election result in blackpool south was pretty clear. labour leader sir keir starmer

at a by election in blackpool south, his party suffered its third largest swing to the opposition labour party since the second world war. at a local council level the results are no better. the conservatives have lost half of the seats announced so far. experts say, they could be on track to lose a staggering 500 councillors a staggering 500 councillors, one of the worst performances at the polls in four decades. here's our political editor, chris mason. cheering. northallerton in north yorkshire this afternoon. the prime minister lives a few miles away, and look who's turned up to rub his nose in it. york and north yorkshire, the wider county so often rock—solid conservative, has elected a labour mayor. we've had really good results across the country all day long, but this is a very, very special moment, david, to become the mayor here. and thank you to the team for all the fantastic work that they have done.

we started in blackpool— election year... selection so farmr _ the untold story of the selection so farm. so— the untold story of the selection so farm. so a — the untold story of the selection so farm, so a fantastic way to end this batch _ farm, so a fantastic way to end this batch of— farm, so a fantastic way to end this batch of elections. in the way we went— batch of elections. in the way we went about it here in the west midlands really, really matters because — midlands really, really matters because the government felt, the tories _ because the government felt, the tories felt that they were entitled to victory— tories felt that they were entitled to victory here, that they could use andy _ to victory here, that they could use andy street as some sort of crutch for rishi _ andy street as some sort of crutch for rishi sunak's week leadership, and that— for rishi sunak's week leadership, and that they didn't have to be in touch— and that they didn't have to be in touch with — and that they didn't have to be in touch wit

earlier, keir starmer was in blackpool to celebrate winning a

we've been winning in blackpool in a by—election with a 26% swing. hugely in that general election, so all of this is done with a purpose. i want a labour government to serve our country. this is effectively the last stop on the journey to the general election, and i'm really pleased that we've been able to show we are making progress, we've earned the trust and confidence of voters, and we are making progress towards that general election. so, a very good set of results for us. you've not one councillors _ good set of results for us. you've not one councillors or _ good set of results for us. you've not one councillors or mayors - not one councillors or mayors everywhere you wanted to. how damaging is that your prospects of becoming prime minister this year? we have one significantly in all places across the country whether thatis places across the country whether that is a by—election, mayoralty, councils, and of course the police and crime commissioners. in some places we didn't get all the votes that we wanted and of course we will fight to get t

the conservatives were very pleased about turn out in blackpool south because they were arguing thatfor the labour candidate who won in blackpool south and turned out to vote for the labour candidate who lost during the last election. now whenever there is a by—election or local election, turnout is always lower but it was fascinating around london because the outer boroughs of london because the outer boroughs of london have a very high turnout, the highest turnout we have ever seen during the mayoral election, some of them were around 47 to 49% which is absolutely extraordinary. it shows you that people are really concerned during that mayoral election in london, people were concerned about either the conservative candidate getting in the labour candidate getting in the labour candidate getting in the labour candidate getting in and they were incentivised to go out and vote. thank you very much indeed. rail passengers are facing widespread disruption this week as train workers begin a fresh round of industrial action. members of the aslef union start a six—day overtime ban today, w

was a shout from blackpool. calm jitters. what is - rapidly becoming clear as basically, as more people hear about reform, we are becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales, we are on the midlands, in wales, we are on the way up and it's quite clear the tories are on the way down. the messa . e tories are on the way down. the message from — tories are on the way down. the message from the liberal democrats is similar. we are still waiting for the results from many of their main targets. b. the results from many of their main taraets. �* ., ., ., targets. a lot of lifelong conservative _ targets. a lot of lifelong conservative voters - targets. a lot of lifelong i conservative voters around targets. a lot of lifelong - conservative voters around the country — conservative voters around the country are looking at this conservative government and do not recognise _ conservative government and do not recognise it — conservative governmen

they came within a whisker of beating the tories in the blackpool by—election.r about reform, we're becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we're on the way up, and it's quite clear that the tories are on the way down. and the green party is volunteering a bow. this is hastings in east sussex. the trend of the greens' steady rise in local politics continues. a fantastic set of results for the green party. the fifth local election in a row where we scored a record number of green councillors being elected, winning seats in all corners of the country from labour and from the conservatives, in rural and urban areas alike. the democratic process comes with certain rituals — colour, stamina and sleep deprivation. and winners clutching babies. there are yet more results to come tomorrow. chris mason, bbc news. we are expecting the results of the mayoral elections in the west midlands, london, greater manchester, and other regions today. you can follow all of those on our special live page thatis those on our special li

because i mean the blackpool south was result was much more in line with the national opinion polls .nal opinion polls. but it will certainly be comfort to many conservatives that things might not be as bad as as the opinion polls suggest. >> although 25% is not a course for victory . just one quarter of for victory. just one quarter of the election backing the party at the next general election could still be a seismic drubbing, a scale it's less than john major got in 1997. >> well, it would still mean a labour majority of about 100 seats is what it would mean. so it would be. >> but not a conservative sort of. it's not less than canada. >> yes, yes, yes. whereas yes, a 20% labour leader takes the conservatives below 100 seats or so, which, you know, and if they lost even more votes to reform, it could get even worse. >> but so we're not talking we're talking between the difference between an extinction event and something that is just a very bad election result. yes >> it's disastrous rather than calamitous. >> blimey. well, i mean , i'm >> blimey. well, i mean, i'm sure there will

they came within a whisker of beating the tories in the blackpool by—election. is basically as more people hear about reform, we're becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we're on the way up, and it's quite clear that the tories are on the way down. and the green party is volunteering a bow. this is hastings in east sussex. the trend of the greens' steady rise in local politics continues. a fantastic set of results for the green party. - the fifth local election in a row i where we scored a record number of green councillors being elected, winning seats in all corners - of the country from labour. and from the conservatives, in rural and urban areas alike. the democratic process comes with certain rituals — colour, stamina and sleep deprivation. and winners clutching babies. there are yet more results to come tomorrow. chris mason, bbc news. let's speak now to our westminster correspondent harry farley. what does the results that we have seen so far, what are they tell us about any potential general election com

of course, in blackpool south.is making huge strides . making huge strides. >> succeeded with our best ever by—election result by some margin, significantly ahead of our national polling average. many people in the media have now got egg on their face. they said we couldn't do it. you know, we were a virtual party. well, we've just proven them completely and utterly wrong and, well, richard tice they're in jubilant mood . in jubilant mood. >> i'm joining the studio by the deputy leader of reform uk , ben deputy leader of reform uk, ben habib. ben, welcome to the studio show. so you came a nice third, just 117 votes behind the conservatives. but be honest, you should have beaten the tories in that seat. don't you think? they were on their knees up to their necks in sleaze? that seat is a second place. it was there for the taking. it didn't quite get there. >> yeah, i was just i was mentally remarking at what richard was saying. >> didn't he speak incredibly well? it makes you proud to be a member of reform uk. but,

let's talk about, away from blackpool south, the rest of the evening.sessment of reform uk's performance? the first votes out were actually in the north—east, and we beat the tories in 16 of 25 awards. the tories in 16 of 25 wards. significantly outperforming our national polling share. we are delighted, we've got some very important mayoral results being counted, again in the north—east, manchester, and we could surprise people on the upside. one thing becoming rapidly cleared as basically, as more people hear about reform uk, we are becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, the midlands, wales, we are on the way up. it's clear the tories on the way down. let's speak to the shadow home secretary, yvette cooper. soa so a good day for labour today, i want to put to you that pressjohn curtis projected national share, 35% of the vote for labour, —— labour, that's not too far forward, are you concerned with that? in that's not too far forward, are you concerned with that?— concerned with that? in the one parliamentary — concerned with t

let's know that blackpool was a labour constituency until 2019.as swinging back the way of labour. overall, with these results, the conservative party losing 474 seats. that is nearly half the seats they were defending that they lost last year. it was a resounding defeat for prime minister rishi sunak. it could amount to fivefold for london and getting a third term as the mayor of london which boosts the mayoral candidate for labour. the liberal democrats beat the conservatives on the overall picture. l labour first and democrats coming in second. they gained over 100 seats at the same time here with labour winning manchester and liverpool and london and in the backyard of rishi sunak in north yorkshire. the indictment on the prospects for the conservative party. yes, they do suggest that the conservatives would be behind by at at least 7-to-9 points. you cannot extrapolate for the local polls over the general election. people vote differently in a general election. >> i read the papers here. i see rishi sunak in trouble with the general election

if you go down the seafront to blackpool, there has been a lot of investment into blackpool over recentfront and that is obvious, you see new sea defences, but there is a feeling amongst some of the constituents, that money hasn't gone into the rest of blackpool, the town itself. if you go further north into fleetwood, they feel very much they have been left behind by that sort of levelling up agenda. part of the problem is, it is a much smaller area so it doesn't have the economic toll that somewhere like blackpool does and places like that feel the levelling up agenda hasn't reach them in the way that they wish it would. . , them in the way that they wish it would. ., , ., ., ., them in the way that they wish it would. ., , ., ., ,, ., would. really good to talk to you, thank ou would. really good to talk to you, thank you and _ would. really good to talk to you, thank you and we _ would. really good to talk to you, thank you and we will— would. really good to talk to you, thank you and we will be - would. really good to talk to you, thank you and we will be back - would. really good

there was pain, too for the conservatives in the blackpool south by—election.ok the seat with a mammoth 26% swing. these results are being seen as a major indicator of the public mood, before the whole of the uk goes to the polls in a general election. when that will happen — we don't know yet. the prime minister rishi sunak spoke this afternoon — here's how he reacted to those losses. obviously it's disappointing to lose good, hard—working conservative counsellors and i'm grateful to them for all their service in local government, keeping council tax low and delivering services to local people. but we still got lots of local results to come as well. there are things i would point to come harlow for example where care summer held a rallyjust on wednesday saying that was a place that he had to win, to be on track to win the general election. that hasn't happened. labour leader sir keir starmer says his party is ready and confident going into a general election. what this by—election shows is that the country wants change. this is a very clear divide now, we've h

back at the i blackpool south by-election, just blackpool south by—election, just 117 votes separatedd place reformed uk, successor to the brexit party. we reformed uk, successor to the brexit .a _ . ., reformed uk, successor to the brexit party. we are becoming a real opposition _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to the _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to the labour i party. we are becoming a real opposition to the labour party party. we are becoming a real. opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales, we are on the way up and it is quite clear that the tories are on the way down. the is quite clear that the tories are on the way down.— is quite clear that the tories are on the way down. the greens also cained on the way down. the greens also gained seats. _ on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular— on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular in - on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular in placesl gained seats, particular in places like bristol,

absolutely disgusted. >> and ironically, this was, of course, in blackpool , which course, in blackpoolkpool . blackpool. >> yeah, it did really well actually. we got, you know, i was on gb news. i'd be happy with 15% of the vote. we got nearly 17. it was, you know, it wasn't a high turnout , but it wasn't a high turnout, but it just shows you now that the, you know, the word is spreading. people are getting fed up with mainstream politics and we're growing. we're a new party, relatively new. and more and more people are contacting us, you know, in general election with a much higher turnout , i'm with a much higher turnout, i'm sure would fare much better and get at least second place. well it was a very good performance by reform and it shows that there is a potential for them now. and i'm glad to see that, that that area was cleaned up. you know it's just it's just the state of things. these days. and of course we were just going through the mayoral elections now. and wes streeting put up a tweet which i thought was totally unacceptable . a win for totally unacceptable. a win for sus