Nadhim Zahawi has advised the government not to be complacent after the Conservatives suffered significant losses in local elections in the United Kingdom.

The education minister also told the BBC that Boris Johnson could still “breakthrough” with people and make key choices as Prime Minister.

On Thursday, the Conservatives lost over 500 council seats, while Labour and the Liberal Democrats gained.

Conservative MP Aaron Bell has called for a “conversation” over Mr Johnson’s future.

The election results came amid persistent criticism about parties conducted in Downing Street during the lockdown, as well as steep increases in living costs.

Mr. Johnson, who led the Conservatives to a big majority in the 2019 general election, characterized this week’s results as “mixed” for his party, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer termed them a “turning moment” for his party.

Mr. Zahawi said of the prime minister on BBC Breakfast: “I think he’s unusual as a politician in being able to cut through.”

He went on to declare that he had made the “important decisions” on social care, Brexit, and dealing with the epidemic correctly, and that “Boris is the best prime minister to be able to deliver [the government’s plans].”

The Conservatives lost control of 12 councils in England, Scotland, and Wales in Thursday’s elections, including three in London, although they won Harrow in the city’s north-west.

Mr. Zahawi stated that the results were “mixed” and “difficult” for his party, adding, “We are not complacent.”

Mr. Zahawi told Sky News of the prime minister, who was recently fined for attending a rule-breaking Downing Street birthday party under lockdown: “He is an asset, yes.”

“People don’t want to vote for fractured parties, for divided teams,” he told Tory colleagues who could be tempted to turn on Mr. Johnson.

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