2023 Local Elections: Sunak’s First Big Test

The local elections across England on May 4 promise to be the first major electoral test for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak since he became party leader and a key indicator of whether the Conservatives can recover support to secure a fifth term in the next general election expected in 2024.

Northern Ireland also holds local elections on May 18, where the lack of a power-sharing Stormont government for more than one year following disagreements about the post-Brexit arrangements has led to administrative stasis.

This Dods Political Intelligence report provides a preview of the local elections in England and Northern Ireland, including an overview of the top campaign issues, key electoral battlegrounds to watch, and a full list of candidates and seats that are due to be contested.