Rishi Sunak insists there is 'everything to play for' despite Tories' brutal ... trends now
Rishi Sunak is clinging on to the dimmest glimmer of hope of avoiding a general election disaster tonight after an expert suggested Labour may not win outright.
After a calamitous set of local elections saw the Tories lose almost 500 seats and all-but one elected mayor the Prime Minister and his allies were pinning their hopes on an analysis suggesting that there could be a hung parliament.
Professor Michael Thrasher said that analysis of the results of Thursday's council elections showed Labour as the largest party in Westminster but short of an overall majority.
The study of two million council wards raised some eyebrows as they fly in the face of the massive lead Labour has in almost all voting intention polls over the past year, with critics pointing out that people often vote differently in local and national elections.
Overnight Mr Sunak insisted 'our plan is working', and touring TV studios this morning on his behalf, Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted the polls giving Labour a massive lead 'are not correct'.
'There is everything to fight for. And the Tories under Rishi Sunak are up for the fight,' he told Sky News.
He added: 'It's been disappointing of course to lose dedicated Conservative councillors and Andy Street in the West Midlands, with his track record of providing great public services and attracting significant investment to the area, but that has redoubled my resolve to continue to make progress on our plan. So we will continue working as hard as ever to take the fight to Labour and deliver a brighter future for our country.'
However attempts to boost the morale of party members and activists were hit by an incendiary appearance by former home secretary Suella Braverman.
She launched an astonishing attack on the PM, warning that he is leading the Tories to a potential general election wipeout unless he alters political course.
In a brutal appearance on the BBC's Sunday with Lura Kuenssberg, Ms Braverman said: 'The plan is not working ... at this rate we will be lucky to have any Conservative MPs at the next election.'
She added: 'The plan is not working and I despair at these terrible results.'
Overnight Mr Sunak insisted 'our plan is working' despite all the evidence to the contrary. Transport Secretary Mark Harper was also sent out to tour TV studios today to echo the message and urge the party to rally behind its leader.
Andy Street dramatically lost the West Midlands mayor battle tonight in a body blow for Rishi Sunak
Putting a brave face on grim election results, Rishi Sunak admitted that voters are 'frustrated' but argued that Keir Starmer has not sealed the deal
Suella Braverman , the Conservative former home secretary, was quick to lay the blame for Tory losses at the door of Downing Street, but she said ousting Mr Sunak as party leader 'won't work'.
She demanded tax cuts and an immigration clampdown that includes leaving the European Court of Human Rights. But she shied away of calling for Mr Sunak to be replaced, saying the party possessed no 'superman or woman' capable of turning things around with just months to go to the general election.
When asked if she regretted supporting Mr Sunak's leadership, Ms Braverman said: 'Honestly, yes I do.
'There is no spinning these results, there is no disguising the fact that these have been terrible election results for the Conservatives and they suggest that we are heading to a Labour government and that fills me with horror.
'I love my country, I care about my party and I want us to win, and I am urging the Prime Minister to change course, to with humility reflect on what voters are telling us, and change the plan and the way that he is communicating and leading us.'
Asked about whether she wanted to see a change in leader, Ms Braverman said: 'I just don't think that is a feasible prospect right now, we don't have enough time and it is impossible for anyone new to come and change our fortunes to be honest. There is no superman or superwoman out there who can do it.'
The Prime Minister and his allies are on the defensive after the Conservatives 474 local council seats and the prestigious West Midlands mayoralty to Labour.
Labour's Richard Parker seized victory from outgoing Conservative mayor Andy Street by a mere 1,508 votes - with the Reform party winning more than 34,000 votes.
There has also been a furious wave of recriminations and criticism after the Tory candidate for London mayor, Susan Hall, was roundly thrashed by Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan.
He stormed to victory and an historic third term in office, with a majority of some 275,000.
Party chairman Richard Holden, who is also facing criticism over the election campaigns, also tried to calm furious politicians and activists.
Writing in the Telegraph he claimed that the result showed there was 'no surge in love for Sir Keir Starmer'.
'While Labour made some gains, they have failed to romp to victory, falling well short of the 350 predicted gains,' he said.
He added that 'the public has had enough of infighting', saying: 'It is incumbent on me to communicate this message from voters to my colleagues – leave sniping from the sidelines to Sir Keir, get behind our Prime Minister and make the case for our party to our country.'
Andy Street dramatically lost the West Midlands mayor battle last night in a body blow for the PM.
There were cheers and whoops as the declaration came that the Tory incumbent had been defeated by Labour rival Richard Parker after an extraordinary struggle that saw a series of recounts.
Following hours of wrangling, Mr Street was finally edged out by 1,508 votes - from a three-million strong electorate - with his opponent posting pictures of his celebrations.
The failure of the former John Lewis boss to secure a third term is a huge setback for the PM, and left him with almost nothing to cling to from a nightmare set of local elections.
Keir Starmer hailed the 'phenomenal result' saying it was 'beyond our expectations'.
Rebels immediately warned that the 'game-changing' defeat meant Mr Sunak could now face a fresh bid to oust him - although other MPs reiterated their view it was too late.
The premier had been desperate for Mr Street to join Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen in the winner's circle, demonstrating that the party can still win big contests.
Lord Houchen's success had seemingly helped Mr Sunak quell a revolt. However, the latest defeat immediately inflamed anger, critics pointing to the relentlessly grim results for the Conservatives. The party is likely to end up losing nearly 500 councillors in one of the worst showings for 40 years.
One Tory MP told MailOnline that Downing Street had quelled dissent up to now by 'bullsh*****' that 'all's going to be fine' and suggesting Susan Hall was going to win in London.
'Despite all the highly positive private spin from No10 to Tory MPs since Thursday, we've lost well over 400 council seats, Andy Street has lost, Susan Hall has been defeated in London,' they said.
'Ben Houchen won without having the balls to wear a
