Starmer hails ‘phenomenal’ West Midlands result in shock victory over Tories

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Labour’s shock victory in the West Midlands mayoral election was a “phenomenal result” which was “beyond our expectations”, Sir Keir Starmer said, as the Conservatives were trounced in the local elections. The Conservative loss was part of a double blow branded “disappointing” by the Prime Minister after Labour’s Sadiq Khan secured a historic third term as Mayor of London. Our fantastic new mayor Richard Parker stands ready to deliver a fresh start for the West Midlands.” But Sir Keir struck a conciliatory tone as he told voters who had turned away from Labour over its stance on Gaza he was determined to win their trust again in the future. Mr Sunak said: “It’s been disappointing of course to lose dedicated Conservative councillors and Andy Street in the West Midlands, with his track record of providing great public services and attracting significant investment to the area, but that has redoubled my resolve to continue to make progress on our plan.” Suella Braverman, the Conservative former home secretary was quick out of the gate to lay the blame for Tory losses at the door of Downing Street.