Local elections is last chance for Tories to close gap on Labour – here’s a run-down of key battleground contests

IF this year’s General Election is shaping up to be a prize political fight, then Thursday’s locals are the all-important pre-match weigh-in. 

Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are desperate to show they are a force to be reckoned with – and will be carefully sizing up their chances based on the results.

Thursday’s local elections are the all-important pre-match weigh-in for political rivals Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer There is a particular focus on several battlegrounds...