May elections will make or break the political hopefuls

THERE are sleepless nights ahead for senior politicians as they head off for their festive break, because they know that one event next year will either boost or destroy their ambitions.

- Duncan Barkes

The only date that really matters in 2026 is May 7, when the English local elections take place, along with the Scottish Parliament election and the Senedd election in Wales. This will be a day of political reckoning for all the major parties.

To say the stakes are high would be a gross understatement. Results from these elections could well see a change of Prime Minister and Chancellor, a challenge to the role of Leader of the Opposition and a reality check for other parties desperately aiming to make gains and to reinforce their claims that they have solutions to the country's problems.

The Labour government has been chaotic and embarrassing in equal measure since gaining power. Sir Keir Starmer has presided over so many U-turns that even the fanciest of sat-navs would be confused. He has squandered a whopping parliamentary majority and remains in hock to backbenchers who seem hellbent on pursuing the most unrealistic of demands at a time when our economy is barely active and our levels of debt and borrowing are eye-wateringly high.