One PM and his dog went to vote as local Tories sweat
BORIS Johnson was upbeat as he cast his vote in the local elections while taking pet dog Dilyn for a morning walk.
The Prime Minister smiled at passers-by as he strode into the polling station at Westminster’s Methodist Central Hall at around 7.40am.
He showed little sign of anxiety despite forecasts that the Tories are set to lose hundreds of seats amid voter dismay at the Downing Street party scandal and worsening cost-of-living squeeze.
Mr Johnson, who was not accompanied by wife Carrie, spent around two minutes at the polling station for Westminster Council.
He then headed off on foot, surrounded by staff and with black Range Rovers dotted along his route home.
As the PM walked towards St James’ Park, Dilyn leapt up and licked a photographer attempting to take a snap.
In an online video message filmed on his short journey back, Mr Johnson said: “I’ve just been to vote with Dilyn.
“I voted Conservative because it’s the Conservatives who deliver.
Protect
“It’s Conservatives who get the bins collected, fill in the potholes and all for lower council tax. Vote to protect your family budgets, vote Conservative today.”
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer cast his ballot in Kentish Town, north London, in Camden Council’s polls.
He held hands with wife Victoria as they walked into the polling station just after 9.30am. Sir Keir tweeted afterwards: “Today is our chance to send the Tories a message they can’t ignore: Britain deserves better.
“Make a plan to vote and tell your friends and family to do the same.”
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey voted at Surbiton Methodist Church in southwest London.
He arrived on foot, having made the walk from his Kingston and Surbiton constituency office.
After greeting party activists in yellow rosettes, Sir Ed spent around five minutes in the polling station before chatting to the press and public outside.
He believed his party would “make gains”, capitalising on the “soft” Conservative vote, and hoped they would win his constituency’s council.