Labour has lost control of Oldham Council as a result of a strong local reaction to their stance on Gaza, with independent candidates, who campaigned on pro-Palestine platforms, gaining seats. The 2024 local elections have seen Labour face setbacks related to the Gaza issue in multiple regions, including Burnley and Bradford, though they achieved success in some areas like Blackpool.

In Blackpool, Labour celebrated a significant victory in a by-election, indicating potential challenges for the Tories in future general elections. Across 35 councils, the results showed losses for the Conservative Party, while the Liberal Democrats and Greens made gains. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Tories faced overall disappointing results, with speculation about implications for the next general elections.

For Labour, National Campaign Coordinator Pat McFadden noted that multiple factors contributed to election results, including reactions to the Gaza issue and economic matters. Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed determination to win back the trust and votes lost, focusing on upcoming electoral opportunities.

The Conservative Party, on the other hand, acknowledged the difficulty of the election cycle, with Party Chair Richard Holden noting the loss of over 100 councillors and predicting up to 500 council seat losses—one of the worst performances in four decades. Despite this, Conservative rebels currently do not have sufficient support to challenge Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Some party members have voiced the need for a shift towards more traditional conservative policies to regain voter confidence.

Meanwhile, smaller parties and independents, particularly those supporting Palestine, influenced outcomes in some areas, reflecting changing voter sentiments and challenges for mainstream parties. The political environment remains dynamic as parties assess these results and strategize for upcoming electoral battles.