The once monolithic character of UK politics continues to fracture | Simon Jenkins

Local election results reflect distinctive paths being taken in devolved Scotland and Wales, but England is diversifying too

Local elections are a regular health check for Britain’s political parties. Results so far from Thursday’s vote suggest they should keep taking the pills. They leave the Tories relieved, Labour saying it could have been worse, Ukip alive if going nowhere and the Liberal Democrats barely out of their concussion from last year’s election thrashing.

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