Exeter is of course just one of the places that’s gone to the polls today in what could be a hugely significant set of local elections for Labour – and Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer in particular.
And there are early signs that they are fearing the worst nationally: Labour Party deputy leader Lucy Powell has just acknowledged today’s elections have been “tough” for the governing party.
She said: “Labour has run positive, local campaigns right across the country, focused on our record of delivery, bringing communities together and addressing the public’s number one priority: easing the cost of living. The whole party and Government are so proud of our hardworking Labour candidates who serve their local communities and put themselves forward for election.
“These elections are tough and took place in a difficult context. After over a decade of Britain being held back, working people up and down the country rightly want to see the whole of our United Kingdom firing on all cylinders in their interests. Labour has started to deliver on that promise and we are determined to make it happen everywhere for everyone.
“Nigel Farage’s false promises and toxic politics won’t deliver the change people want to see. Zack Polanski has proved this week that he is unfit for office and has all the wrong answers to the problems our country faces.
“Labour will continue working every day putting our values into action and delivering the fairer future people want to see – by bearing down on the cost of living, fixing our NHS, taking on vested interests and rewiring the country to bring about a better Britain, built for all.”