Ruptly
"Reform UK leader Nigel Farage appeared to be playing it cool - sporting sunglasses, patriotic socks and even an ice cream - as local elections got underway on Thursday. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer governing Labour party faces devastating losses, haemorrhaging support to both anti-immigration Reform UK and the Greens. Final polls before the vote had Reform on around 26 per cent, Labour and the Conservatives around 19 and Greens on 16. The governing party set for its worst result in the capital in 50 years. It could lose 75 per cent of its seats, or nearly 2,000 in total, on some estimates. Starmer is under increasing pressure to quit over the scandal involving his Epstein-linked former US ambassador, as well as rows over immigration chaos, blighted public services, the spiralling cost of living made even harder thanks to the Iran war - as well as Gaza and his latest, very public bustups with US President Donald Trump adding to his woes. The PM would not have to quit as the makeup of the Commons is not affected by these elections - although is predicted to face at least one leadership challenge. It could potentially come from Health Secretary Wes Streeting or former deputy leader Angela Rayner - while self-styled 'King of the North', Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, could also show his hand. Polls close at 22:00 local time. The next national elections are not scheduled until 2029, although could be called earlier by the PM himself, or his potential successor."
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