NEWS_KF3RDMAY20240930

Labour Party candidate Chris Webb has won the Blackpool South by-election, with a significant swing from the Conservatives. This marks the third largest swing from Conservatives to Labour in a by-election since World War II. Webb has called for a general election, supported by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, in local council votes, the Tories have lost three authorities while Labour has gained three. Results from mayoral races and Police and Crime Commissioner ballots are still forthcoming. The Foreign Secretary has stated that Ukraine has the right to use British-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia. Lastly, it has been confirmed that the sitcom Gavin and Stacey will return for one final episode, airing on Christmas Day. With the latest, I'm Kyle Fraser. Webb, Christopher Paul, commonly known as Chris, Labour Party, 10,825. I declare that Christopher Paul Webb is duly elected as a Member of Parliament of the Blackpool South constituency. Labour celebrating what it's calling a seismic win in Blackpool South, with Chris Webb elected as its MP. The more than 26% swing was the third biggest from the Conservatives to Labour at a by-election since the Second World War. Reform UK was third. The Tories have said that the Blackpool South by-election was always going to be difficult. The new MP, Chris Webb, has called for a general election, an idea echoed by party leader Sir Keir Starmer. A really first-class result, and here in Blackpool, a message has been sent directly to the Prime Minister to say we're fed up with your decline, your chaos, and your division, and we want change. Whilst looking at the state of the parties in council votes this morning, as it stands, the Tories are down three local authorities, with Labour up three. There are still more than 70 results to come in, with around a third now declared. Mayors are also being decided in key races, such as the West Midlands, North Yorkshire and Tees Valley. Police and Crime Commissioner ballots have been cast in England and Wales too. Conservative Party Chairman Richard Holden accepts that some of the results haven't gone their way, but says that there are more to come. There's no point in trying to, you know, over-talk it. This is going to be a tough night for the Conservatives and a tough couple of days, but we will see some of those results dripping out over the weekend as well, because I think the story could change a bit depending on what happens in those other results as well. The Foreign Secretary says Ukraine has the right to strike targets inside Russia using British-supplied weapons. Lord Cameron made the comments on a visit to Kiev. During a meeting with Ukraine's President, Lord Cameron confirmed £36 million of support, including precision-guided bombs and air defence missiles. And in showbiz, confirmation this time from the writers themselves. Gavin and Stacey is returning for one final episode. Rumours in February that it was coming back were shut down, but James Corden shared the news, now adding it's official. The BBC says the last ever instalment will air this Christmas Day. The sitcom, co-created and also starring Ruth Jones, ended on a festive cliffhanger in 2019. There's more news online at gado.co.uk