No more no-go zones for Labor, says Reeves as party gains strength in 'gray wall'

Rachel Reeves will tell voters that Labor will 'continue to work to earn your trust'; Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Rachel Reeves will say on Tuesday there are «no more no-go zones» for Labor after analysis showed the party has sharply increased the number of «grey wall» seats with more pensioner voters by elections. local elections.

The shadow chancellor will speak in the City of London to argue that Labour's local election victories on Thursday showed it can appeal to all types of voters.

Labour Party officials have analyzed voting data and believe the party has done better than the average in “gray wall” municipalities.

The analysis found support was up one per cent across the country compared to last year, but up two per cent in constituencies with above-average numbers of pensioners, with older Britons traditionally forming the core of the Conservative support base.< /p>

According According to the analysis, areas such as Nuneaton in the West Midlands, Thurrock in Essex and East Worthing and Shoreham on the south coast saw a significant shift in favor of Labour.

However, in percentage terms, the increase in votes is relatively small. One independent analysis of local elections found Labor had yet to do enough to secure a majority in the House of Commons and said the next general election could lead to a hung parliament.

But Ms Reeves will say: «The results show there are no more no-go zones for the Labor Party. And it's not just about where you live, but also about who you are.

“Because if you are a young person starting out in life, working and starting a family, or planning for retirement or retirement, the Labor Party is the party for you. We are the change. And we will continue to work to earn your trust.»

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party,  is credited with winning back voters across the spectrum.

Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign coordinator and a veteran of the New Labor years, told The Guardian: «The story of parts of the Blue Wall (traditional Conservative party seats in the south of England) going red has gone unnoticed.»

Labour aides believe that Rishi Sunak will this week try to use a series of economic updates to support his claims that he is turning the economy around, and Ms Reeves' speech is a pre-emptive attempt to counter him.

Friday's economic growth data is expected to confirm Britain's exit from recession. The Bank of England could also signal on Thursday that interest rate cuts will come later this year.

The Tory Conservatives hope an improving economy will lead to voters giving them credit in the general election. Downing Street insiders have shelved the idea of ​​holding a summer election as the economy is likely to be in a better position in the autumn, The Telegraph reported on Monday.

The Tories are 'gassing the British public'

But Ms Reeves will say: “I traveled around the country during the local elections. I've talked to hundreds of people. I listened to their stories.

“And when they hear government ministers telling them that they have never had it so good, that they should pay attention to the 'feel-good factor', all they hear is This is a government that is misguided and completely out of touch with the reality on the ground. The Conservatives are intimidating the British public.”

Richard Holden, chairman of the Conservative Party, said: “The people may change, but the Labor Party will not. Rachel Reeves still idolizes Gordon Brown, who sold off our gold reserves and whose arrogance brought the UK to the brink of financial collapse.

“Labour has no plan and will take us back to square one with higher taxes. , rising unemployment, an illegal immigration amnesty and a plot to betray pensioners like Gordon Brown did.»