Party strategists look to looming English council elections for clues about future

Contests across 230 local councils on 4 May will be voters’ first chance to issue verdict on Rishi Sunak since he became PM

The decision of Greg Hands, the Conservative chair, to breezily announce in a TV interview that the party expects to lose at least 1,000 seats in next month’s local elections raised a few eyebrows among his MPs.

“What did he do that for?” one bemused MP asked. “I know you always have expectations management, but this seems a bit early and a bit excessive.”

Bolsover council, where Labour needs to see off a challenge from a mix of independents.

High Peak council, where Labour is hoping to secure a majority.

The councils in Erewash, Hartlepool, North East Derbyshire and Southampton, where Labour hopes to make gains.