The local elections are a triumph for Keir Starmer’s embrace of Blairism

In just three years, the Labour leader has driven his party from the trough of failure to the sunlit uplands of the centre ground, writes John Rentoul

All Starmer has to do is hold his nerve and keep the Labour vehicle pointing towards the centre ground (Getty)

The Conservatives have done about as badly in the local elections as you would expect, given that they are 20 points behind Labour in the national opinion polls. Ben Houchen’s win as mayor of Tees Valley is notable not because the Tories are doing better than expected, but because his personal popularity is sufficient to withstand the national anti-Tory tide.

So let us give Keir Starmer the credit that is due for what are, overall, very good results for Labour. The Labour leader has been a lucky general, but we ought to recognise his skill in maximising his good fortune.

The recovery from the trough of Labour losing a seat to the government at the by-election in Hartlepool just three years ago has been extraordinary – symbolised by Labour winning back control of the council there last night.