Tories win test of public mood
The Tories have gained 558 more seats than four years ago in local elections, but despite this clear victory British Prime Minister Theresa May's response was cautious. The vote was seen as a test of the public's mood in the run-up to June 8. This is another success for British conservatism, commentators conclude, but point out that there is only one true challenge right now.
Euroscepticism unites the British
The Conservatives' success in the British local elections should be interpreted as a sign that the voters are united in their Euroscepticism, the Daily Telegraph comments:
“After 30 years of being torn apart by Europe, the Tories have embraced Euroscepticism and discovered that it is rather popular. ... Mrs May is right: nothing can be taken for granted about the general election on June 8. There is still a risk that victory seems so inevitable that right-wing voters don't bother to turn out and her majority is smaller than hoped. The Tories must fight on - with Thursday's elections as an inspiration. The successful Tory candidates have shown that there is no 'no go area' for a confident, patriotic Conservatism. And those who have argued for years that Brexit can forge a new national coalition have been vindicated.”
Brexit is the real challenge
The clear victory for the Conservatives makes it highly probable that Theresa May will be entrusted with a difficult task after the parliamentary elections in June, the Observer comments:
“This prospective Conservative dominance will free May's hand in some useful ways, not least in respect of her party's hard right. But it also places an immense burden of responsibility upon her uncertain shoulders. Unlike previous general elections, the outcome of the current campaign is not the most important question facing the United Kingdom. The immense challenge presented by Brexit is of greater moment. The unequal May-Corbyn bunfight will soon be forgotten. Not so a host of watershed decisions to be taken over the next two years. They will form and shape the country we live in for generations to come. Amid renewed Scottish (and Irish border) turmoil, they may yet physically tear it apart.”