Tory losses in local elections raise concerns for upcoming general election.

Early results from the English local elections show that the UK's governing Conservative Party has suffered a net loss of 144 seats on local councils, while the main opposition Labour Party has added 96 seats. The Liberal Democrats had a net gain of 40 seats. The results will be the largest test of voter sentiment before the next general election, which is expected to be held in 2024. The Conservatives have been punished by voters over political scandals, sluggish economic growth, and high inflation.