West Midlands Mayor election: One side predicts defeat after reports of neck-and-neck race

Polls have predicted an in depth race between Mr Avenue and Labour’s Richard Parker.

Regardless of votes not being counted till Saturday, it is being forecast that the Tory candidate will win a 3rd successive time period following victories in 2017 and 2021.

Six candidates have stood to be the subsequent West Midlands Mayor, however it’s the unbiased, Akhmed Yakoob, who might have an effect on the results of the race.

Talking to BBC information, Taj Ali, co-editor of Tribune defined that Labour was polling badly in areas with a sizeable Muslim group, with folks abandoning the celebration on account of Keir Starmer’s feedback in October final yr about Israel being justified in chopping off water and electrical energy to Palestinians within the warfare with Hamas.

He mentioned: “I believe it’ll price them within the West Midlands Mayoral election the place you have received an unbiased candidate, Akhmed Yakoob, who’s basically mentioned ‘do not vote for Labour as a result of they’re supportive of what Israel is doing in Gaza. He most likely will not ballot greater than three per cent however which may simply be sufficient for the Tories to maintain that place.”

This sentiment was echoed by John McTernan, Labour celebration advisor, who additionally mentioned to the BBC: “Labour handed a vote in Parliament for a ceasefire and pressure the Authorities to vote for a ceasefire on the United Nations Safety Council. Labour has modified its place on Gaza, our voters want to listen to that loud and clear. It is clear they’ve not heard that and the Gaza situation could price us the West Midlands (Mayoral) election.”

“Folks have to know we’re going for peace in Gaza.”

In Tees Valley, one other mayoral race anticipated to be shut, Tory incumbent Ben Houchen received with an 18,000 majority. He attracted 81,930 votes in comparison with 63,141 which went to his Labour rival, Chris McEwan.

Like Mr Avenue, Mr Houchen was additionally going for a 3rd successive time period. Regardless of successful, his successful margin was slashed from the 76,000 majority he loved in 2021 when he obtained 121,964 votes and Labour attracted 45,641.

Election skilled, Professor John Curtice, mentioned mayoral election had been about “massive personalities”, and mentioned each Mr Avenue and Mr Houchen match that standards.

He additionally described mayoral elections because the “least dependable” with regards to predicting what it means for a normal election.

The outcomes aren’t anticipated till Saturday afternoon with the ultimate rely, alongside the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner vote, being performed in Coventry.