Tories battle over who to blame for election drubbing

RISHI SUNAK is under pressure to deliver policy breakthroughs after a bruising week for the Tories.

- David Williamson and Jonathan Walker

The Conservatives lost 48 councils and more than 1,000 councillors were ousted in the local elections.

The torrent of defeats has heightened fears the party could lose the General Election expected next year.

Conservative chairman Greg Hands appealed for unity in a message to rank-and-file supporters: “If you want to stop Keir Starmer, then we have to come together now.”

Labour won control of councils including Swindon, Blackpool, Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent and Medway.

Wins by euphoric Liberal Democrats included Stratford-on-Avon and Windsor and Maidenhead.

Tory defence committee chairman Tobias Ellwood warned a swing to the Right would be “political suicide”.

He added: “How bad would local election results have been if Johnson was still at the helm?