Local elections 2023: Sunak 'disappointed' as Starmer eyes victory
Prime minister Rishi Sunak admitted results looked “disappointing”, but claimed he was “not detecting any massive groundswell of movement” towards Labour
The Conservatives suffered high-profile losses as results poured in Friday (6) in what is seen as prime Minister Rishi Sunak's first major electoral test since he took office last year.
Local council elections held across swathes of England on Thursday (4) with Britons experiencing the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades.
Sunak admitted results looked "disappointing", but claimed he was "not detecting any massive groundswell of movement" towards Labour or "excitement for its agenda".
However, with over half of the 230 English districts having declared by late afternoon, the Tories had lost nearly 600 seats and control of almost 30 councils. Labour had netted more than 300 new seats and control of 12 new districts.
Vote counting in the more than 8,000 seats will only be complete later on Friday, just as the country gears up for Saturday's (6) coronation of King Charles III.
But Labour leader Keir Starmer crowed that the trend was already clear.
"Make no mistake, we are on course for a Labour majority at the next general election," he told cheering activists in Medway, southeast England, one of the councils seized by his party from the Tories.
"We've won the trust, the confidence of voters, and now we can go on to change our country."
While governing parties often struggle at mid-term elections, the council results in England are the largest, and possibly last, test of voter sentiment before the next national election due by January 2025.
Labour said they were now on track for power at the next general election. A Sky News projection based on the vote share of the early results said Labour could garner 36-38 per cent of the vote at the next national election, making them the biggest party, with the Conservatives at 28-30 per cent.
The projection said Labour might fall short of a majority, though that could depend on how it fares in Scotland, where it is competing to take seats from the Scottish National Party and which did not hold local polls.
A similar BBC projection said Labour would get 35 per cent at a national election and the Conservatives 26 per cent, and some in Sunak's party voiced their disquiet over the results.
Transport minister Huw Merriman indicated the Tories were paying the price for the fallout from several chaotic weeks when they ditched Boris Johnson and then Liz Truss as leader in quick succession.
Local constituents have been "talking about older news about former prime ministers -- but saying your current leader seems to have what it takes", he told the BBC, insisting that Sunak was on the right track.
Labour made gains in some areas that backed leaving the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum which the party will need to win over if it wants to achieve a majority in the next parliament.
"Make no mistake, we are on course for a Labour majority at the next general election,"
Starmer said on a visit to Medway.
The Liberal Democrats gained more than 200 seats and control of six more councils.
It was making inroads in wealthy Conservative districts on the edge of London that are represented nationally by members of Sunak's cabinet - the "blue wall".
The Lib Dems took control of the council in Windsor and Maidenhead.
"We are exceeding all expectations," party leader Ed Davey said.
"We have delivered a hammer blow to the Conservative party in the blue wall ahead of next year's general election."
Meanwhile, the Green Party took full control of a council for the first time, in Suffolk in eastern England.
THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.
Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.
The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three Victorian philanthropists – Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley – to “promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the nation of lands and tenements (including buildings) of beauty or historic interest”. With more than “5.38 million members, 11,000 staff and 61,000 volunteers, it is now Europe’s largest conservation charity, caring for over 250,000 hectares of farmland, 890 miles of coastline and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves, for everyone, for ever”.
It wants more British Asians to apply for jobs with the Trust or offer to become volunteers. Many of its historic properties have Indian connections.
McGrady, who has been with the Trust for 20 years, set out the organisation’s aims: “For 130 years, the National Trust has responded to the crises and challenges of the time. Today, nature is declining before our eyes and climate change is threatening homes and habitats on a colossal scale. Meanwhile, millions of people can’t enjoy the benefits that green space and heritage bring.
“So, we will ramp up our work to restore nature, both on our own land and beyond our boundaries. We’ll work to end inequality of access to green space and cultural heritage. And we will inspire millions more people to take action to protect the things we all need to thrive.
“Our charity’s founders were passionate campaigners who recognised the threats to our natural and cultural heritage, and, against the odds, did something about it. That same boldness is needed today. The Trust is uniquely placed to do something about these challenges and it’s why we are setting ourselves these ambitious but much-needed goals.”
At a recent reception to mark the Trust’s 130th birthday in College Gardens, Westminster, the director general asked guests to close their eyes and imagine their favourite idyllic locations.
“You need to know the National Trust is here to look after it, to support it, to stand up for it, to stand up for the right for everyone to have the kind of access to the beauty and the nature that you’ve been thinking about,” McGrady said.
She was “incredibly proud” of what the Trust had achieved “from the very days where there was just a glint in Octavia’s eyes. But I also want you to think about the legacy – not just what we’ve achieved so far, but the legacy we want to leave for our future, for your children, your children’s children, and far beyond,” she added.
She pointed out: “Our historic fabric in our towns and our cities is under massive threat, because we’ve no money to be able to upkeep them. Local authorities are under real pressure. People living in cities – 40 per cent of them – have no access to green or blue space, and so that connectedness that is so vital for the care of nature is being broken.
“And, of course, climate change is affecting everybody’s life – and anyone who doesn’t think it, please just look at the flooding, look at the heat damage, look at our landscapes. These are new challenges, and the Trust is going to step up and face them again.
” She declared: “We’re going to restore nature. We’re not just going to stop the decline. We’re going to restore it.”
McGrady said: “We’re going to move more and more into cities.” “We’ve just done that at Castlefield,” she added, referring to the transformation of a Victorianera steel viaduct transformed into a green “sky garden” in the heart of Manchester.
She also spoke about a landscape project in Belfast: “We’ve just acquired an amazing bit of divis on the edge of Belfast that will make a massive difference to the north of the city.”
She paid tribute to the people who had built the organisation over 130 years: “I stand on the shoulders of many, many of those giants, and they’re the people who built an institution that is much loved, that is much respected and is really trusted, which in this day and age, is a rare and a precious thing I will fight to protect to the death.
” She concluded: “I hope that Octavia – if she’s looking down on us now – will be pleased to see the spirit of the National Trust remains and that we remain for everyone, forever.”
McGrady was followed by Steve Reed, secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, who waved his National Trust membership card: “We all have a special place we love to visit. For me, it’s Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. I love the beautiful gardens designed by the writer and poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, which remain popular today.”
He expressed the Labour government’s support for the Trust: “I look forward to working with the National Trust to develop this work and open up more of our beautiful countryside for everyone to enjoy.”
He said: “Nature underpins everything: our economy, our communities and our livelihoods. But we have become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Restoring nature is a key pillar of the government’s plan for change.
“I’ve just arrived back this afternoon from the UN Oceans Conference in Nice. I was proud to announce a consultation on banning bottom-trawling in our marine protected areas. We can’t go on wiping out precious marine habitats, just because they’re out of sight beneath the sea.
“And yesterday, my colleague Matthew Pennycook announced that the government will update national planning policy to ensure swift bricks are incorporated into new buildings. They make a massive impact on expanding bird populations. We will make sure that now happens in new developments right across the country.
“We will create nine new national river walks, plant three new national forests and support communities to create new parks and green spaces in their neighbourhoods. We’ve already announced the first new national forest between the Cotswolds and the Mendips which will see 20 million trees planted in the coming years.
“It’s a national scandal that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by record levels of pollution. We’re cleaning them up with new laws to ban bonuses for water bosses who oversee catastrophic pollution incidents, and bringing in over £100 billion of private funding to fix the broken pipes that are the primary cause of sewage leaks.”
The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, also spoke in support of the Trust, in contrast to some of her predecessors under the Tories who had criticised a report revealing that nearly a hundred of its historic properties were built with money made in India or through the slave trade.
Nandy said she had visited Trust properties with her parents and now, with her 10-year-old son, had been to “hundreds of National Trust properties all over the country”. “What we’ve seen is an organisation that is truly national in the sense that you are rooted locally, standing with communities not just to protect and preserve, but to promote and celebrate the pride, heritage and contribution of those places and their people to our country.”
The volunteers were warmly thanked by the Trust’s chairman, René Olivieri.
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The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.
On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.
Events are being held across London to commemorate the anniversary. Members of the royal family are expected to join survivors and families of the victims.
The King said the public should draw on the "extraordinary courage and compassion" shown in response to the attacks.
"We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil -- and the enduring grief of their loved ones," he said in a statement published by the Press Association.
"In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day.
"The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst."
‘We stood together then, and we stand together now’
Starmer said, "Those who tried to divide us failed."
"We stood together then, and we stand together now -- against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law."
He added, "We honour the courage shown that day -- the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror."
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend a National Service of Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral. A separate service will also take place at the memorial in Hyde Park for survivors and families of the victims.
Call for unity and vigilance
Charles said, "While the horrors will never be forgotten", the country "may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together".
"It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal," he said.
"Let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding."
Home secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking ahead of the anniversary, said Islamist and right-wing extremism remained the most significant threats to the UK.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.
Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.
Singh was found guilty of attempting to rape a woman in Southall Park, Ealing, on October 13, 2024. He was also convicted of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to three further charges: possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, rape of a girl under 13, and assault of a girl under 13 by penetration. These charges relate to the rape of a child at Hayes End Park, Hillingdon, on October 23, 2024.
Police launched an investigation following the attempted rape report in Ealing. Officers gathered evidence including CCTV footage, witness accounts and forensic material. The woman had approached two off-duty officers near the park gates, who helped her reach a police station.
Detectives linked the Ealing incident to the rape of a child ten days later. They increased patrols, distributed leaflets in the area, and traced Singh to a location near his home. He was arrested on 27 October.
Acting Chief Superintendent Sean Lynch said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim-survivors and their families and thank them for their unwavering bravery in reporting these awful incidents to us.
“Today’s conviction is testament to the officers’ thorough investigation, which has identified a violent sexual offender and undoubtedly prevented further harm.
“We are continuing to prioritise tackling violence against women and girls with our increased specialist teams. I hope that the community will find reassurance in our action to put this predator behind bars.”
Specialist officers supported both victims during the investigation and trial.
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'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.
LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.
The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.
The project focuses on identifying undiagnosed cases of leprosy and lymphatic filariasis through community-based healthcare.
“The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,” said the organisers.
The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club.
The initiative features three membership levels and includes special recognition for founding members who join in 2025.
Lepra’s case-finding strategy involves door-to-door screening by trained teams, who identify symptoms and refer individuals for diagnosis and free multidrug therapy (MDT) treatment.
The charity said this approach has detected up to 300 per cent more leprosy cases compared to traditional methods, while using fewer human resources and reducing costs.
According to Lepra, the case detection programme costs £1 million annually and reached 61,215 people last year.
Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)
THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.
The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.
Nationwide rollout and funding
Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs.
The new initiative, backed by over £500 million, will create up to 1,000 hubs by the end of 2028, with all local authorities expected to have a hub by April 2026.
Areas including Warrington, Leeds, Reading, and Somerset are among those to gain access.
The hubs will provide services such as early language support, parenting sessions, housing advice, breastfeeding support, mental health services, and debt and welfare guidance.
A new digital platform will also be launched to connect parents with local hubs and the NHS App.
Quotes from ministers and organisations
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “It’s the driving mission of this government to break the link between a child’s background and what they go on to achieve – our new Best Start Family Hubs will put the first building blocks of better life chances in place for more children.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “By bringing together early support services and investing £500 million in children’s development, we’re taking preventative action that will improve lives and reduce pressure on the NHS – a key part of our 10 Year Health Plan.”
Anna Feuchtwang, CEO of the National Children’s Bureau, said: “The Prime Minister’s Plan for Change set out his ambition to improve outcomes in early childhood. Now the government has put its money where its mouth is and committed to rolling out Best Start Family Hubs in every local authority.”