Britain’s Conservative Party suffered significant setbacks in local elections, strengthening expectations of a Labour Party comeback after 14 years out of power.

Labour secured control of councils in England that they haven’t held for decades and won a crucial by-election for Parliament, hinting at a potential major defeat for the Conservatives in the upcoming general election.

While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced disappointing results overall, the re-election of the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley offered some relief, potentially averting a revolt within the party.

Labour leader Keir Starmer celebrated impressive results, though concerns arose in areas with large Muslim populations due to Labour’s pro-Israel stance on the Gaza conflict, the Associated Press reported.

Of particular significance for the general election was Labour’s victory in the Blackpool South parliamentary seat, previously held by the Conservatives.

The swing from Conservative to Labour in this contest was one of the largest since World War II, positioning Labour for a possible return to power after a decade-long absence.

Written by B.C. Begley