Starmer says it's 'nonsense' to suggest he would duck election TV debates

Starmer celebrates in North Yorkshire

The Labour leader hailed the win by his party’s candidate David Skaith in the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election, an area he described as “the heart of Tory territory”. Appearing at Northallerton Town Football Club with new mayor Mr Skaith, Sir Keir said: “It’s an amazing moment in history, to have a Labour victory here.'' Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tory Mayor praises Keir Starmer

Conservative's Lord Houchen who has just has won a third term as Tees Valley mayor vowed to work with whoever is the prime minister after the general election. Ben Houchen praised the Labour leader for wanting to give mayors more power. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories Face Significant Bruising at Local Elections

Rishi Sunak experienced a significant by-election setback and faces further pain in council contests across England. Labour's Chris Webb secured victory in the parliamentary seat of Blackpool South, marking a noteworthy swing of 26.33% from the Tories. This victory for Sir Keir Starmer's party was accompanied by successful council wins in areas poised to be critical battlegrounds in upcoming general election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories face significant bruising at local elections

Rishi Sunak experienced a significant by-election setback and faces further pain in council contests across England. Labour's Chris Webb secured victory in the parliamentary seat of Blackpool South, marking a noteworthy swing of 26.33% from the Tories. This victory for Sir Keir Starmer's party was accompanied by successful council wins in areas poised to be critical battlegrounds in upcoming general election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: This is a clear message for the PM

Sir Keir Starmer hails a ''cracking'' win in Blackpool South with Chris Webb achieving a swing of over 26% which the Labour leader claims "no one expected". Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM sends a message to Labour party

Rishi Sunak praised Lord Houchen for his re-election, claiming Labour “threw a lot of mud, because they were angry''. Ben Houchen has won a third term as Tees Valley mayor, taking 54% of the vote ahead of Labour’s 41%. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sunak visits military base amid bruising election results

Rishi Sunak inspects soldiers from Falklands Platoon, Parachute Regiment, as they passed out after their basic infantry training at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire. The prime minister's visit comes as his party suffers a drubbing in local elections across the country. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn