No Lib Dem resurgence at local elections but share of votes increases

Party’s fightback in former heartlands fails, but hopes raised of making gains in remain-voting constituencies at general electionA Liberal Democrat surge has failed to materialise in the party’s former south-west heartlands, though party insiders said an increase in its vote share still put it on course to make gains in key remain-leaning seats at the general election.The party lost 28 seats overall on Friday but an upbeat Tim Farron said the Lib Dems had significantly increased the