Don’t write off the PM

SHOULD slippery Starmer somehow escape downfall from Beergate, he only faces an even greater challenge – as the topsy-turvy local elections so spectacularly proved.

Twelve years into a Tory government struggling with plunging living standards, Partygate and sleaze, Labour confidently predicted a rout. It was nothing of the sort.

Yes, the Conservative vote slumped. Yes, the party lost a swathe of seats and councils, including the symbolic citadels of Westminster and Wandsworth.

Yes, they are under attack from the Liberal Democrats in the once true-blue southern shires. And, of course, colonised by woke metropolitan Remainers, it was no shock Labour swept virtually all of London.

But that’s not where the real battleground is. The seats that will decide the next election are in the Red Wall. And there it was a remarkably different story.

Where Sir Keir needed to make huge gains in these Leave-supporting areas if he is to reach No 10, he flopped miserably.

Why aren’t they cutting through? Perhaps because this charisma-free dud shamelessly tried to steal the referendum off ordinary people. That, and his undying support for Jeremy Corbyn, won’t be forgiven easily (and how ironic that Corbyn was first to plunge the knife in to him over Beergate).

By contrast, the Tories clung on in these industrial heartlands – even making gains.

Still, for Boris this must act as a wake-up call. Disillusionment with his government meant many voters stayed at home.

But anxious Tory MPs should hold their nerve and stick by him. His optimism, cando spirit and patriotism are still well regarded. He has called the big issues right. Brexit? Tick. Covid vaccine? Tick. Ending lockdown? Tick. Ukraine? Tick.

If he can deliver on the economy and living costs squeeze (tax cuts please, Boris), immigration control and the NHS, the next election is there to be won.