LONDON — The U.K.’s ruling Conservative Party has lost a slew of seats in local elections across England, dealing a potential blow to embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

With record-breaking energy prices, inflation at a 30-year-high, and government warnings of potential recession, the elections will be a crucial moment for the government.

The following is the final month of March government announced an urgent fuel tax cutIn an attempt to reduce the cost of living crisis, a 10% increase in National Insurance (a tax paid on earnings) was implemented in April. This came at the time that the U.K.’s energy price cap rose 54% in response to rising oil prices.

Johnson, along with his wife Carrie, and Rishi Sunak, the Finance Minister, remain embroiled in scandal. found to have broken the law and fined in relation to gatherings held at 10 Downing Street — the prime minister’s official residence — in violation of Covid lockdown rules.

The prime minister has repeatedly denied the existence of parties in Downing Street and Whitehall. However, more than 50 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued by London Metropolitan Police. This is likely to increase as the Met continues its investigation into 12 events.

Johnson acknowledged that Friday was difficult for his party, speaking to BBC Friday. He said, “The main lesson from the voters is to keep our eyes on the major issues that are important to them.”

Symbolic Seats

Following Thursday’s vote, Conservatives in England have seen losses. Three symbolic seats were lost by the Labour Party, the main opposition in London, including Westminster (which had been under Conservative control from 1964 to 1978), Wandsworth (1978), and Barnet (20 Labour).

Labour leader Keir Sterner praised the result as a “turning-point” for his party. However, Labour’s gains outside of the capital have been modest and they gave up its 10 year rule over Hull City Council in East Yorkshire to the Liberal Democrats.

As of the late morning, the Liberal Democrats had gained a total 59 seats in U.K council elections. The Green party also did well with 23 additional seats. Labour has won 34 seats, while Conservatives have lost 122 seats.

You can see it in London. “I would still say that we are in the middle of things, but it is a mixed picture. If you take a look at other areas, such as Hartlepool or Nuneaton or Thurrock, there have been gains.” Oliver Dowden, Conservative Co-Chairman, told BBC News Friday. Johnson is essential for the U.K., according to Dowden.

However, outraged by “partygate”, other Conservative MPs as well as ex-councillors highlighted the large scale desertions of traditional Conservative voters.

Sky News’ Shadow Home Secretary for Labour, Yvette Cooper, said Friday to Sky News that Labour was “earning people’s trust” after Starmer’s leadership in 2019. Labour suffer its worst general election defeat since 1935.

Now, vote counting in Scotland is underway. Results are likely to be less favorable to the Conservatives than those from Wales or Northern Ireland. The results will be available Friday night or Saturday morning.