Anger at Tories night’

Tory MP for neighbouring Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, said the issue of lockdown rule-breaking in Downing Street had kept coming up on the doorstep.

"He (Mr Johnson) needs to find a way to restore confidence in the Government and I think there's a number of ways he might do that," he told the PA news agency.

"A change of leader would be one of them. Alternatively he needs to demonstrate what the alternative plan would be."

Mr Johnson could face a leadership challenge if 53 Tory MPs - 15% of the parliamentary party - write to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, calling for a vote of no confidence.

Some MPs who previously called for him to step down have since backed off amid the crisis in Ukraine, but the results may prompt a new round of soul-searching within the party.

Veteran backbencher Sir Roger Gale who had previously called for rebels to back off because of Ukraine, told PA that the strength of feeling against Mr Johnson may become an "unstoppable tide".

Most of the Prime Minister's critics at Westminster were however keeping a low profile as they pondered their next move.

Among grassroots Tories there was anger and frustration that local councillors were paying the price for what they said were the failures of the national leadership.

John Mallinson, leader of Carlisle City Council, hit out after Labour took control of the new Cumberland authority which will replace it.

He told the BBC: "I think it is not just partygate, there is the integrity issue.

"Basically I just don't feel people any longer have the confidence that the Prime Minister can be relied upon to tell the truth."

Ravi Govindia, leader of the Wandsworth Tories, said: "Let's not be coy about it, of course national issues were part of the dilemma people were facing."

That did not deter a jubilant Sir Keir from proclaiming clear evidence of a Labour revival following its crushing defeat in the 2019 general election.

"This is a big turning point for us," he told cheering supporters in Barnet. "We've sent a message to the Prime Minister: Britain deserves better."

Sir Ed said the Lib Dems stood poised to make further gains at the general election following recent by-election successes.

"What began as a tremor in Chesham and Amersham, became an earthquake in North Shropshire, and is now an almighty shockwave that will bring this Conservative Government tumbling down," he said.

After full results were declared from 175 councils across England, Scotland and Wales, the Tories had lost control of 11 authorities and suffered a net loss of 317 councillors.

Labour had a net gain of eight councils and 177 seats, the Lib Dems had gained five councils and 166 councillors, and the Greens had put on 37 councillors.