Ben Houchen has publicly criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, predicting significant losses in the upcoming local elections, while Boris Johnson steps into a new role as co-chairman of the climate initiative Better Earth.
Ben Houchen, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley, has publically criticized Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and predicted a significant loss for their party in the upcoming local elections, a sentiment echoed by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Houchen, in an interview, noted that while voters support him individually, there is a broader dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s current strategies, particularly concerning economic issues over immigration. This comes as the party is anticipated to potentially lose over 500 council seats.
In related news, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been appointed co-chairman of Better Earth, a new climate initiative co-founded by former Tory MP Chris Skidmore. The company is focused on assisting countries to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. Johnson, leveraging his experience from hosting the Cop26 summit, emphasizes the economic growth potential alongside environmental sustainability.
These developments occur alongside a backdrop of challenging local elections for the Conservative Party, with significant contests including the metropolitan mayoralties in the West Midlands and Tees Valley, as well as a by-election in Blackpool South. The Liberal Democrats are also increasing campaign efforts to challenge the Conservatives in their strongholds.
