Local elections 2019: Laura Kuenssberg grilled Dawn Butler MP on Labour’s “disappointing” losses (Image: BBC) The BBC's political editor questioned Ms Butler on her thoughts as Labour made huge losses in the early stages of the local elections. Labour councillors are down by 54 from previous elections. The party have suffered huge losses as Greens have made unexpected gains in Wirral, a Labour stronghold, and have also lost control of Hartlepool. Related articles Huw Edwards left STUNNED as Barry Gardiner says BBC got figures WRONG Local elections: Tories LOSE Peterborough before by-election Ms Kuenssberg said on the BBC: “Historically, this is really not the kind of night Labour should be seeing. “If we think of the equivalent period like the run up to the ’97 election for example. “Tony Blair’s party was making massive gains, gobbling up hundreds and hundreds of seats every time there was a local election. “Similarly, David Cameron’s period in opposition, making hundreds of gains on the march. READ MORE: Local elections: How Farage could help Tories could ESCAPE humiliation Local elections 2019: Ms Kuenssberg said Labour should be "gobbling" up seats (Image: BBC) “Dawn, I just wonder, forget the implications of Brexit, do you accept yes or no this is a disappointing situation for you? “Traditionally, you should be gobbling this up right around the country if you want to look like you’ve got a credible shot at No 10. “That’s not what’s happening, you’re falling back. “You must be disappointed.” Related articles Theresa May to be GONE by Friday due to ‘BLOODBATH’ local elections Local elections 2019: What time do polls open TODAY? Local elections 2019: Labour have suffered huge losses (Image: BBC) Ms Butler responded: “Traditionally, in the shires, Labour is not known to gobble up seats.” However, Ms Kuenssberg pushed: “To the broad point, if you are to look credible to the public, you’re really on the march to no 10, you should be making gains tonight and so far you’re making losses." Ms Butler rebutted Labour have gained Trafford. She said: “We don’t have to make the mistake that this is a trend. “We still have 24 hours to go.”All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility