Political reporter
PA MediaPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged the public to “vote for change in your community”, as he launched Labour’s local election campaign for England.
The elections on 1 May are the party’s first major test at the ballot box since winning power in last July’s landslide victory.
But Labour is now facing a more challenging backdrop, after slumping in the polls in recent months.
At an event in Derbyshire, a key target council which is currently run by the Conservatives, Sir Keir said Labour councils would “work hand-in-hand” with the government on its plan for change, including bringing back community policing, supporting High Streets and fixing potholes.
He acknowledged people were “still struggling with the cost of living” but said the government was “turning things around”.
The PM pointed to increases in the minimum wage, falling NHS waiting lists and cuts to fuel duty as examples of the difference the government was making.
But he accused “tired” Tory councils of “putting on the blockers” and “holding Britain back”.
“Last year, the general election was that opportunity to vote for change for the country,” Sir Keir said.
“This year, the local elections are the chance to vote for change in your community.”
Speaking to a crowd of activists at the same event, Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said Conservative councils had “let public services crumble”.
She added: “That is why we need great Labour mayors, leaders and councillors delivering the change across our great towns, cities and counties, so that we can transform the lives of people at a local level.”
Elections will be held for 23 councils, while there will also be mayoral elections in the West of England, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and – for the first time – in Hull and East Yorkshire and Greater Lincolnshire.
Meanwhile, the party is facing a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, after former Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned following his conviction for assaulting a constituent.
Elections to all 21 county councils in England were due to place.
But last month the government announced local elections would be postponed in nine areas, where councils are being reorganised.
The Conservatives are defending the most seats in the upcoming elections, which were last contested in 2021 when then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson was enjoying a surge in support following the rollout of the Covid vaccine.
Other areas where Labour is hoping to make gains include Durham and Nottinghamshire, parts of the country where the party won seats at last year’s general election.
However, it is facing a difficult economic backdrop, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves setting out sweeping benefit cuts last month amid pressures on public spending.
On Wednesday US President Donald Trump announced new global tariffs, which could hit the UK’s economic growth and wipe out the headroom the chancellor has to meet her spending and borrowing rules.
