Some Tory MPs believe their loss of Selby and Ainsty in Yorkshire, northern England, is a harbinger of a catastrophic defeat in the next general election, according to The Guardian.

PM Rishi Sunak faces a new electoral challenge after Boris Johnson’s surprise resignation from Parliament triggered at least three by-elections that could highlight softening support for the Tory.

The Conservatives lost more than 1,000 seats and dozens of councils after a disastrous local election which meant Labour became the largest party in local government.

In the biggest round of local council elections seen in England since 2019, a total of 40 million Britons will be able on 4 May to choose new councillors, with over 8,000 seats being contested across 230 councils.

After two months of largely positive headlines, Rishi Sunak’s premiership has hit a few bumps in the road over the past 10 days.