Boris Johnson bears “a lot of the responsibility” for Conservative losses at the local elections, one of his local leaders has said.

Another has described the losses across London and setbacks across England as a “warning shot” that “does not bode well” for a general election.

Sir Keir Starmer’s party further strengthened its grip on the capital, taking the totemic Tory authority in Wandsworth, winning Westminster for the first time since its creation in 1964 and clinching victory in Barnet.

As dozens of Tory councillors lost their seats against a backdrop of the row about lockdown-busting parties in No 10 and the cost-of-living crisis, local Conservative leaders criticised the Prime Minister.

Former Conservative leader of Carlisle City Council John Mallinson said the Prime Minister “bears a lot of the responsibility” for the “very poor” results.

He was asked by the BBC this morning how the party could hold up at a national vote, and added: “I think if things remain the same it will, I think we’ll pay for it”.

He said Boris Johnson would be a “poor option” to lead the Conservatives into the next general election.

Local elections 2022: Votes are a 'warning shot' for Boris Johnson say local Conservative leaders