Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has criticized Reform UK for lacking concrete proposals, questioning their ability to provide solutions beyond mere criticism of the current government.

Growing dissatisfaction with Badenoch's leadership may lead to a forthcoming challenge within the Conservative Party, as her leadership style has been criticized for lacking clear direction.

Badenoch has acknowledged the need for the Conservatives to rebuild public trust and present credible solutions, admitting that past actions have contributed to the rise of protest parties.

The elections will take place across 23 local authorities, including 14 county councils and eight unitary authorities, along with a parliamentary by-election in Runcorn & Helsby, Cheshire.

Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, has accused Badenoch of giving up before the elections, suggesting that the public will vote to express dissatisfaction with Conservative governance.

Concerns over Badenoch's leadership have led to a decrease in donations to the Conservative Party, with donors expressing doubts about her effectiveness and future success.

As the local elections approach, the Conservatives face an uphill battle, with predictions of significant losses based on expert forecasts and the current political climate.

The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, is bracing for significant challenges in the upcoming local elections scheduled for May 1, 2025, following a historic defeat in the July 2024 general election.

More than half of the council seats up for election are currently held by the Conservatives, who are not expected to replicate their previous success of winning two-thirds of these seats four years ago.

Despite promises of major policy renewal, Badenoch's leadership has been criticized for lacking substantive policies, leading to skepticism about her ability to lead the party effectively.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is contesting 99.4% of the available seats and is fielding more candidates than both the Conservatives and Labour, indicating a significant challenge to traditional party support.

Badenoch has claimed that the media narrative around party infighting has changed, contrasting the current situation with last year when such stories were prevalent.