PM vows to take 'bold decisions' as survival hopes boosted by mayoral victory

REBELS KILL PLOT TO OUST RISHI... FOR NOW

- Sam Lister FOR NOW

RISHI Sunak has seen off threats to oust him after securing key Tory successes in otherwise dismal local elections.

The under-pressure Prime Minister faced a moment of peril as the party was hit with its worst performance in 40 years.

But he will now lead the Conservatives into the general election after rebels admitted the plot is "finished" and conceded defeat.

Mr Sunak last night insisted "I'm up for the fight", vowing to battle to protect "our values and our country's future". The stunning victory for Ben Houchen in Tees Valley was the moment the PM's party enemies decided to retreat. A rebel source admitted "it's finished" and said the plotters were "off to the pub".

The insider added: "Ben Houchen has just delivered Keir Starmer his second term in office.

"Now Sunak will limp on and the party will get smashed at the election. He is going to lose badly.

"We will keep ourselves busy, watch this space. We are never knowingly quiet."

The Conservative Party lost around 50% of its councillors across England and was defeated in the first mayoral vote in York and North Yorkshire, which covers Mr Sunak's Richmond constituency. But Lord Houchen's election for a third term as mayor in a former Labour heartland against a fierce campaign offered some hope.

Results are due today in the West Midlands, with growing speculation that Tory incumbent Andy Street could defy the polls to hang on to the mayoralty.

Plan

Susan Hall is also expected to perform better than predicted in London, but a victory against Sadiq Khan would be a massive shock.