‘Catastrophic’: Local Conservatives turn fire on Boris Johnson after historic election losses

Former chief-of-staff to Theresa May describes results in London as ‘catastrophic wake-up call’ for Tories

Labour Party candidates and supporters celebrate after the Labour gain of Westminster City Council (REUTERS)

Local Conservative leaders have turned their fire on Boris Johnson, as the party suffered historic losses in London, with one saying he would be a “poor option” to lead the party into the next general election.

As the Tories lost flagship councils in the capital such as Wandsworth — held since 1978 — and Westminster, an authority in the party’s control since its creation in 1964, Theresa May’s former chief-of-staff also suggested the results were “catastrophic” and should be a “wake-up call”.

With full results declared from 71 councils at 8am, the Conservatives had overall lost control of six authorities and suffered a net loss of 132 councillors, Labour had a net gain of four councils and 91 seats, the Lib Dems had gained a council and 40 councillors and the Greens had put on 22 councillors.