Boris Johnson Endorses Local Focus in Tight Mayoral Races

Former PM Boris Johnson urges West Midlands and Tees Valley voters to prioritize local governance over national politics, distancing from current government.

• Boris Johnson has advised voters in the West Midlands and Tees Valley to disregard the national government and focus on local issues in the upcoming mayoral elections.
• Johnson's endorsements come as Tory mayors Andy Street and Ben Houchen face critical re-elections, with outcomes potentially impacting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's leadership.
• In campaign communications, Johnson emphasized local leadership over party politics, criticizing the national Conservative government's record.
• The endorsements are seen as a strategic move by Street and Houchen to distance themselves from the unpopular national government while leveraging Johnson's residual popularity.
• Labour sources criticize the move as a negative reflection on Sunak's leadership, suggesting Tory candidates need to dissociate from him to succeed.

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