After a calamitous set of local elections the Prime Minister and his allies were pinning their hopes on an analysis suggesting that there could be a hung parliament.
Rishi Sunak is clinging on to the dimmest glimmer of hope of avoiding a general election disaster tonight after an expert suggested Labour may not win outright.
Overnight Mr Sunak insisted 'our plan is working', and touring TV studios this morning on his behalf, Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted the polls giving Labour a massive lead 'are not correct'. She launched an astonishing attack on the PM, warning that he is leading the Tories to a potential general election wipeout unless he alters political course.
When asked if she regretted supporting Mr Sunak's leadership, Ms Braverman said: 'Honestly, yes I do. The Prime Minister and his allies are on the defensive after the Conservatives 474 local council seats and the prestigious West Midlands mayoralty to Labour. 'While Labour made some gains, they have failed to romp to victory, falling well short of the 350 predicted gains,' he said.
The premier had been desperate for Mr Street to join Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen in the winner's circle, demonstrating that the party can still win big contests. 'Ben Houchen won without having the balls to wear a blue rosette, even at his own victory count... Rishi's Sunak's utterly hapless Leadership is now definitely in play.'
A former minister told MailOnline that victory for Mr Street would have 'eased the pressure' on the PM. The MP said the key question for the rebels was who would be better than Mr Sunak: 'No one and they know it.' Recounts took place in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, and Coventry as the parties wrangle over every single vote.
Andy Burnham emerged victorious in Greater Manchester by 63 per cent to just 10 per cent for his Tory opponent. 'We Conservatives have everything to fight for – and we will because we are fighting for our values and our country's future.' On Labour losses over its stance on Gaza, Sir John said: 'At the moment I think what we would find if we had a general election is that Labour might well fall back in some of these seats, but because the Labour Party is already so strong, they would probably still succeed in winning the parliamentary election.
The region, which covers the PM's Richmond constituency, is somewhere Labour has historically struggled to compete in parliamentary elections. The Liberal Democrats' most significant victory was winning control of Dorset council from the Conservatives, where it now has 42 of the 82 seats after gaining 15.
News Downing Street Birmingham BBC Labour Suella Braverman UK Local Elections John Lewis Keir Starmer Conservatives Sadiq Khan Rishi Sunak Mark Harper London
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