The outcome of local elections in the United Kingdom confirmed the ruling Conservative Party will most likely perform poorly in the country's general election, but also that the opposition Labour Party will face competition from smaller parties. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party suffered painful defeats in local elections held across England and Wales on May 2, according to the final results announced on May 3-4. The vote was the last electoral test for the Conservatives ahead of the United Kingdom's next general election, which is widely expected to be held in the fall. The opposition Labour Party gained over 180 seats and took control of eight councils, while the Conservatives lost almost half of the seats they were defending (more than 470), losing control of 12 councils. While Labour's victory was expected in the Northeast, the party also secured victories in closely watched mayoral elections in the Midlands...
