Keir Starmer calls voters directly as Labour leaflets feature Andy Burnham over PM

Over half a million pregnant women could lose protections under Reform UK government

Charities and campaign groups have warned over half a million pregnant women could lose their workplace protections each year under Reform UK’s plans to scrap the Equality Act.

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects those with protected characteristics, including pregnancy and maternity, from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

Reform has said it would introduce a new "Workplace Fairness Act", that it said would "restore fairness, protect women, and rebuild public trust in the law by treating people as individuals rather than separating them into competing groups".

Pregnancy rights charity Pregnant Then Screwed told The Independent that scrapping the legislation "would have catastrophic effects for everyone", calling for "more support for mothers and parents", not less.

Deputy director at the Women’s Budget Group Erin Mansell said: "The Equality Act 2010 is a landmark piece of legislation and remains one of the most important tools women have to challenge discrimination at work.

"Too many women are still pushed out, sidelined or treated unfairly during pregnancy, maternity leave or when returning to work. Weakening these protections would take us backwards.

"Pregnancy and maternity discrimination remains a persistent reality across England and Wales... We also know that Black, Asian and minority ethnic women and disabled women can face overlapping and compounded forms of discrimination, making strong legal protections even more essential."

A Reform UK spokesman said: "Reform will deliver the most pro-family government in a generation with expectant and new mothers supported and celebrated at every stage.

"The Equality Act, though well-intentioned, has too often produced unfair and divisive outcomes, for example, prioritising ideology over common sense and punishing people for being white or working class.

"It needs careful, targeted reform through a new Workplace Fairness Act to restore fairness, protect women, and rebuild public trust in the law by treating people as individuals rather than separating them into competing groups."

Zack Polanski says antisemitism is 'completely unwelcome' in the Green Party

Zack Polanski has said he wants to "make it clear" that antisemitism is "completely unwelcome" in the Green Party as he added: "One case of antisemitism is one too many."

It follows the arrest of two Green Party candidates running for Lambeth council in south London.

Mr Polanski said: "Those messages are all unacceptable and it’s important to condemn that."

Describing the Greens as an anti-racist party, he said: "This is a handful of cases and actually we have over 4,500 candidates, the vast, vast majority of which are doing amazing work in their communities right now."

Asked how he would avoid becoming "the new Jeremy Corbyn of British politics", Mr Polanski said they were "very different people" but that the Your Party leader had put forward lots of policies that were "really positive" for governing, including wealth taxes and public ownership.

Sir Ed Davey says Lib Dems are not just 'flash in the pan'

Sir Ed Davey said the Liberal Democrats are not "a flash in the pan" on the last day of campaigning.

While Reform UK and the Greens are expected to pick up a significant number of councillors in England, Sir Ed’s party is projected to make more modest gains.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Redhill, in Surrey, on the final day of campaigning, Sir Ed said: "This is not just a flash in the pan, a one-off as you’re seeing with other parties. This is a party growing year on year on year.

"At the general election, we had our best result for 100 years. If we keep gaining as we are, we will be one of the two biggest parties in local government by the end of the parliament.

"That will mean at the next general election we will be right at the centre of the political debate."

Deputy Labour leader backs Keir Starmer but leaves door open for Andy Burnham

Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell signalled her support for Sir Keir Starmer on the eve of local elections but said she would back another bid from Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.

The Manchester Central MP said the Prime Minister was the right leader for this moment in time but sidestepped questions about whether he should lead the party into the next general election.

Ms Powell was asked in a Sky News interview whether she would stand shoulder to shoulder with Sir Keir whatever the outcome of the local elections.

She said: "I’m going to continue to be the deputy leader, bringing the whole Labour Party together to make sure that we can get across our strong Labour message.

"That’s with Keir as our leader, doing what he has been doing, which is making the the right big calls, the right big calls for the country, whether it’s on Iran, whether it’s on Europe, whether it’s on bringing everyone together, on whether it’s on our response to this crisis."

Asked if the Prime Minister was the right person to lead the party into the next general election, she said that Labour should "of course" think about the next election, but that it has a "real duty" right now to focus on how to turn the country around.

She said Sir Keir was an "incredibly resilient and stoic leader" who spends his time "getting on with the job".

Liberal Democrats set for 'massive leap forward' in Scotland, claims leader

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has suggested his party were set to have a "massive leap forward" in the Holyrood election.

The party won four seats in 2021, with Jamie Greene adding to its numbers in parliament last year when he defected from the Scottish Conservatives.

While the Lib Dems are targeting 10 constituency seats, Mr Cole-Hamilton has also placed an increased focus on making gains on the regional list.

He said: "I’m not going to put a limit on our ambition.

"But we’re really excited in what we’re seeing in our numbers coming back in seats across the Highlands, the west coast, East Dunbartonshire, Fife and Edinburgh, but also on that second peach-coloured ballot where everyone can vote for the Lib Dems.

"We think we’re going to take a massive leap forward and deliver our vision for change with fairness at its heart."

Kemi Badenoch rules out deal with Reform to run councils

Kemi Badenoch has ruled out the prospect of a deal with Reform UK as she rejected calls to form "local pacts" to run authorities with Nigel Farage's party.

The Tory leader said: "I don’t want to see coalitions with Reform at local councils, because these are the people who we kicked out of the Conservative Party.

"Many of them are people who caused problems in our party and are the reason why we ended up losing. So, no thank you. No deals with Reform at national or local level."

Yvette Cooper says Labour is trying get British nationals on MV Hondius home 'as quickly as possible'

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said Labour is trying to get British nationals stranded on MV Hondius home "safely as quickly as possible".

She said: "The outbreak of Hantavirus is very serious and deeply stressful for those affected and their families. The UK response is being led by the UK Health Security Agency working with the WHO.

"The Foreign Office is working urgently to support the UKHSA’s work overseas and to make sure British nationals on the MV Hondius can all get safely home with proper protection for public health.

"Foreign Office consular staff are in direct contact with British nationals onboard the ship and stand ready to provide further assistance to any British national in need of support overseas 24/7 - our crisis response centre has been operating for the last few days to provide support.

"Ministers are in close touch with our Dutch and Spanish counterparts and we have been working with other countries to facilitate the medical evacuations, to support our Overseas Territories and to get British nationals home safely as quickly as possible."

Rachel Reeves under pressure as UK firms brace for worst redundancy round in a decade amid Iran war crisis

Britain could be heading towards one of its worst periods of job losses in more than a decade as economic pressures continue to grow.

There are also fears the Iran conflict could deepen the crisis by driving up energy costs and hurting businesses already under strain.

Redundancies across Britain have risen by 45 per cent since 2021, according to new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Insolvency Service.

Richard Hunt, director at Liquidation Centre, warned around 327,000 workers could lose their jobs in 2026 alone, with the scale of the cuts potentially rivalling levels seen during the 2009 recession.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Anas Sarwar says Labour has a chance to 'make history' and beat out the SNP in Scotland

Anas Sarwar has said Labour has the chance to "make history" and remove the SNP from Scotland after nearly two decades.

In a rallying cry to members on the eve of the election, the Scottish Labour leader said his party could “pull off a surprise” and outdo the polls.

Mr Sarwar said: “I look forward to leading Scottish Labour and leading the next Scottish Government into supporting this great country for the next five years.”

Jackie Baillie, his deputy, told the crowd: “Reject Reform, beat the SNP, change Scotland.”

Mr Sarwar, who received a standing ovation from the audience in Glasgow, urged voters to give him five years to improve Scotland’s hospitals, schools and streets after nearly 20 years of “managed decline” under the SNP.

He said: “You have given John Swinney and the SNP 20 years - give me five.

“In that time, we will demonstrate that we can fix the NHS, we can make life more affordable, and we can build a better future for Scotland."

Plaid Cymru leader says Wales stands at a crossroads and hits out at 'same old' Reform UK

The leader of Plaid Cymru has said Wales stands at a crossroads on the eve of the Welsh Parliament election.

Labour has led Wales for more than two decades, but if opinion polls are to be believed, Plaid Cymru and Reform are vying to become the biggest party in the Welsh Parliament.

The latest and final YouGov poll in this election forecast Plaid Cymru to win 43 seats in the Senedd, pulling ahead of Reform on 34 seats and Labour on 12.

Speaking on Wednesday, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "We have a choice of two futures, it is that choice based on hope, a vision for the future that Plaid Cymru represents, and I hope people make the positive choice based on our values, based on our vision.

“But the other option for Wales on this crossroads represents division. It is the old Westminster establishment, marred by the same old self-interest and the same old scandal.

“That’s what Nigel Farage represents in this election.”

Zack Polanski sparks backlash after wrongly claiming Golders Green suspect was handcuffed when officers kicked him

The Green Party leader has come under fire after wrongly claiming the Golders Green suspect was handcuffed when officers took him to the ground and kicked him.

Footage of the arrest appears to show the suspect’s hands were free while he was still clutching a knife, and Mr Polanski has since apologised for his comments.

Labour MP David Taylor accused the Green leader of “spreading fake news” about officers who “stopped a terrorist in his tracks”, adding: "Zack Polanski just can’t help himself.

He said: “He’s spreading fake news about what actually happened. It’s about time he set the record straight."

Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp branded the Greens “dangerous and deluded”, and said the officers involved “deserve our full support”.

He said: “The attacker was still holding a knife and might even have had a bomb. The use of substantial force was completely justified.”

Mr Philp also blasted Mr Polanski’s “armchair policing views”, saying he “has no idea” about the danger officers faced during the fast-moving incident.

Labour Party Chair bashes 'intolerant' Reform and 'chaotic' Greens while campaigning

Chair of the Labour Party Anna Turley spoke to broadcasters from Swindon on the final day of local election campaigning, where she bashed the "intolerant" Reform and "chaotic" Greens.

She told broadcasters: "I'm really proud of our campaign and our candidates across the country, because this is such an important election.

"The choice that people face, is a Labour Party that is on their side and standing up for them, both in Government and working hard at a local level - sticking up for families, to get pride back into our communities, and support people in these challenging times with the cost of living in particular.

"We're fighting for every single council - it's only through Labour working together in local government and at national level that we can really deliver for people.

"It's important that people are voting for their families and communities, and against the division, hatred and intolerance that we're seeing from Reform, or the Greens who have nothing to offer, who are completely chaotic and shambolic at the moment."

Keir Starmer on ring round of voters ahead of crunch local elections

Sir Keir Starmer has been campaigning ahead of the crucial local elections tomorrow.

The Prime Minister visited the Labour Party's headquarters in London this morning, where he joined a call centre to carry out a ring round of voters.

Sir Keir has faced criticism that he has not been visible enough during the election campaign, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar previously calling for him to resign.

Meanwhile Welsh Labour leader Baroness Eluned Morgan told The Telegraph yesterday that the Prime Minister "comes up as an issue on the doorstep".

Sir Keir has insisted he has not avoided joining the campaign, citing a seperate visit to Labour's Camden branch over the weekend.

All of the party leaders are out and about campaigning today, in a final push ahead of millions of people voting tomorrow.

John Swinney accuses other parties of campaigning to STOP SNP in Scotland

First Minister John Swinney has accused other parties of running negative campaigns on the last day before the election.

Mr Swinney said people should vote “positively” for his party tomorrow, as he accused his opposition of campaigning only to stop the SNP in Scotland.

Polls have put the SNP well ahead in this year’s Holyrood election, but some have the party falling short of a majority.

Speaking in the South Lanarkshire town of Hamilton which his party lost in a Holyrood by-election last year, the First Minister said: “I want people in Scotland to vote positively for an SNP government that will always be on Scotland’s side.

“A government that will continue to deliver improvements in our National Health Service, deliver practical support to members of the public on the cost-of-living challenges they face and give Scotland a choice over our own future through a referendum on independence.

“My opponents are just asking people to vote for them to stop the SNP and I ask people to vote positively for Scotland, and for Scotland’s future, by voting for the SNP.”

Nigel Farage declares Reform UK the 'only true national party'

Nigel Farage has declared Reform UK is the "only true national party" in tomorrow's local elections.

Speaking ahead of the crucial vote tomorrow, the Reform UK leader told broadcasters: "If you want real change in national government and in the approach of the local government, we are the change option.

"We're on that ballot paper in 99.9 per cent of wards across the United Kingdom. And you know what? We're the only true national party.

"We're campaigning in all parts of the UK. And I think you're going to be surprised how much enthusiasm there is for our message."

He also criticised the Government for its response to rising antisemitism, saying it is "taking a very, very long time for anything to happen".

Former SNP councillor jailed for slew of sexual offences against men and boys as young as 14

A former SNP council leader has been jailed for 18 months after being convicted of 10 offences against young men and boys.

Jordan Linden, 30, was convicted of five sexual assaults, stalking and sexual communication, following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court in March.

Linden returned to the dock for sentencing today, having been charged in February 2024, where he denied any wrongdoing.

The offences took place over a 10-year period between 2011 and 2021, with Police Scotland confirming all of the victims were either boys or young men, with the youngest aged just 14.

The force said Linden, who also chaired the Scottish Youth Parliament between 2015 and 2016, sexually assaulted two victims at a house party following a Dundee Pride parade in 2019.

Scottish Tory leader vows to remain as long as he can 'make a difference', despite polls predicting losses

Russell Findlay has said he will continue as Scottish Tory leader for as long as he “can make a difference” as pre-election polls predicted losses.

Mr Findlay responded to concerns over the latest poll by YouGov, which suggested the Tories could go from 31 seats to seven at the Scottish Parliament, making them the smallest party.

Speaking in Edinburgh, he said: “Look, there’s all sorts of speculation. I’ve said all along that I’ll continue doing this job for as long as I and people in my party think I can make a difference.

“We suffered a terrible result in the general election in 2024 - both Kemi Badenoch and I knew that it would not be a quick fix. We have to rebuild public trust.

“We had to hold our hands up where we got things wrong and we had to show people that we’ve got a plan - to grow the economy, to reward aspiration, not tax it, and to bring down the benefits bill. And that’s what we have been doing.

“It may not be quick, but I’m sure when people give us a fair hearing they’ll see that our party can be trusted.”

'No case to answer' says Nigel Farage when pressured on £5m party donation

Nigel Farage has claimed “there is no case to answer”, after it emerged he received a previously-undeclared gift of around £5 million from Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne.

Asked about the money, thought to have been given to bolster his security, Mr Farage told broadcasters: “I have been physically under attack since 2013. I can’t catch the Underground and I’ll never be able to as long as I live.

“And that money was given to me with the knowledge that the state in this country have never, ever wanted to help me.”

Asked whether he would refer himself to Parliament’s standards watchdog, the Reform leader replied: “Because why would I? I mean, honestly, we’ve looked at this with lawyers and everything.

“There is no case to answer. Of course, the other parties will try and make hay out of it - there’s no case to answer.”

Kemi Badenoch slams Zack Polanski - 'In over his head'

Zack Polanski is "in over his head" while members of the Green Party are "away with the fairies", Kemi Badenoch has said.

The Tory leader told broadcasters this morning: "I think that Zack Polanski is a man who is in over his head.

"He clearly thinks that politics is just something fun to do. I don't think he's thought through his views particularly.

" Lots of people in the Green Party, we can see, are away with the fairies. They're not serious at all."

When asked why the Tories themselves are not doing well in the polls ahead of tomorrow's election, Ms Badenoch replied: "What we're seeing is the era of two-party politics moving into multi-party politics.

"There are no safe seats for any party. We all have to work hard for every vote.

"What will be a disaster is seeing more Labour, more Lib Dems, more Greens, more Reform, because none of these people are serious.

"The only party that is serious and that has a plan not just for local councils but for the country is the Conservatives."

'No deals with Reform' insists Kemi Badenoch

Speaking to broadcasters today, Kemi Badenoch clarified the Conservative party would not engage in a political alliance with Reform UK, following mixed messaging.

The Tory leader previously said: "We are willing to work with people who will help deliver Conservative policies."

However today, Ms Badenoch said: "So, I did rule it out and I will rule it out again and again.

"I don't want to see coalitions with Reform at local councils because these are the people who we kicked out of the Conservative Party.

"Many of them are people who cause problems in our party and are the reason why we ended up losing.

"So no thank you. No deals with Reform at national or local level."

'Greens will overtake Labour in these elections' says Ross Greer

Both the Green Party of England and Wales and the Scottish Greens will "overtake Labour at these elections", Ross Greer has said.

The co-leader of the Scottish Greens said he is "quite confident" the Greens will overtake Labour "across the UK" when people vote in the local elections tomorrow.

When asked about former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas condemning some candidates in tomorrow's elections for making what she says are "antisemitic" comments, he noted the Scottish Greens are separate to the Green Party, saying it's "a bit like asking the SNP to comment on Plaid Cymru".

Polling expert says ‘odds are against’ SNP winning Holyrood majority

The SNP is set to “gobble up” constituency seats at Holyrood, but the “odds are against” John Swinney’s party winning an overall majority according to polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice.

The University of Strathclyde academic said the latest polling indicates the SNP is “not quite far enough” ahead with voters to win more than half the seats at Holyrood.

SNP leader Mr Swinney has been focused on repeating the party’s success from 2011 and securing an overall majority, with such a result leading Westminster to change its stance and permit a second independence referendum.

While Mr Swinney has already pencilled in 2028 for such a vote, Sir John said key battles in a “handful of seats” could deny the SNP an overall majority.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, the polling guru said studies show the Tories may “just hang on to a handful of constituency seats and the Liberal Democrats will just make a handful of gains”.

This, combined with the prospect of parties such as the Greens and Reform UK winning in some areas, could mean “there are just a relatively small number of contests where the other parties are going to hang on, or in one or two instances make a gain, and that is going to stand between the SNP and victory”, he said.

“If the cookie were to crumble just slightly in the SNP’s favour, the Greens just miss out on some of their hopes, then maybe the SNP might still make it.

“But if the polls are right the odds are against it and the SNP will need a lot of luck.”

Iranian proxies responsible for antisemitic attacks could face 14 years in prison

Proxies who carry out antisemitic attacks orchestrated by Iran could be jailed for up to 14 years under new powers being introduced by the Government.

The Government is planning to include legislation in the King's Speech next week, which will allow the Home Secretary to designate proxy groups as a foreign intelligence service.

It means those working on behalf of Iran could be imprisoned, even if they are unaware of who they are working for.

The new powers are being introduced to tackle a rise in antisemitism in the UK, and follow a number of assaults against the Jewish community, most recently the terror attack in Golders Green last week.

The news of the new legislation also comes after Sir Keir Starmer held a summit in Downing Street yesterday, meeting with more than 90 representatives from different sectors to discuss how to tackle antisemtisim.

There, the prime minister insisted that Iranian attempts to destabilise British society "will not be tolerated".

Scotland's local election vote could see 'mandate to push' second independence referendum

The co-leader of the Scottish Greens has said he expects tomorrow's local election results to give his party a "mandate for us to immediately push" for a second independence referendum.

Current polling suggests there will be a pro-independence majority, with the SNP and the Scottish Greens commanding enough seats to run the Scottish Parliament.

Ross Greer told Sky News: "If a majority of the parliament is elected on pro-independence manifestos, that is a mandate for us to immediately push for Scotland to be given the right to make that choice about its own future."

He adds that the Scottish Greens have been performing well because "we've actually delivered things that save people money".

"There are limits, really hard limits, to what we can achieve with the current powers that the Scottish Parliament and Government actually have.

"So the Greens see the need for Scotland to become an independent nation as an urgent one, especially now that Reform are threatening any constituency in Scotland that elects a Green MSP if they take on the UK government after the next general election."

'Antisemitism is completely unwelcome in the Green Party', says Zack Polanski

Zack Polanski said his party was taking action to tackle antisemitism.

Confronted with a series of comments made by his candidates, the Green leader told BBC Radio 4: “Those messages are all unacceptable, and it’s important to condemn that.

“The Green Party are an anti-racist party and it’s important that we stick to our values.”

He said there would be a “standardised vetting process” in future, with compulsory training for candidates, “to make it clear that antisemitism is completely unwelcome in the Green Party, as it is in society”.

“It is also important to say one case of antisemitism is one too many. This is a handful of cases and actually we have over 4,500 candidates, the vast, vast majority of which are doing amazing work in their communities right now,” he said.

The Green leader said he was personally “traumatised” by footage of the alleged Golders Green attacker being tackled by police.

He said: “Two things can be true at the same time: officers are incredibly brave when they run towards scenes of crimes that most people, including myself, will want to run away from.

“At the same time, I think it is accurate, and that I was also traumatised by seeing someone handcuffed and repeatedly kicked in the head.”

Zack Polanski apologises after false claim of being British Red Cross spokesman

Green Leader Zack Polanski has said he was wrong to claim he was a spokesman for the British Red Cross.

He told the BBC: “I used the wrong word, and I accept that, but I would essentially take words on stage with me and speak.

“It’s important, though, and I accept this, that they don’t support any political party, and I’ve made sure that’s been taken down."

He had falsely claimed to be a spokesman for the British Red Cross while campaigning for the Green party leadership, according to the charity.

The claim appeared on a former fundraising page and independent promotional material, but has been denied by the British arm of the international humanitarian organisation.

The claim was also mentioned on his personal website in 2020, where he said he was “really proud of the work we do”.

The British Red Cross said Mr Polanski had never served as an official spokesman, and confirmed it had raised the issue with the politician’s team.

Jet fuel shortages could impact holidays says Shadow Transport Secretary

The shadow transport secretary says the UK is in a "very, very serious situation" around the supply of jet fuel amid fears that the Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to shortages.

Richard Holden described the impact it's going to have on everything from business travel to family holidays.

He adds that the airline industry is asking the government to get "rid of the emissions trading scheme which is only just being introduced" as this "adds extra costs onto airlines", and for more flexibility on which sort of fuels can be bought internationally.

Mr Holden said: "We think the government should be open about that, because the crucial thing is to keep the economy moving, keep families able to get on holiday and keep business moving across the world as well, especially at this moment in time."

Asked about whether people should think of holidaying in the UK this summer, he said: " I'm all in favour of staycations."

Labour leadership challenge 'would not answer' party's problems, says Work and Pensions Secretary

A leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer would not be the answer to Labour’s problems, a key ally of the Prime Minister has said.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden was asked if Sir Keir would fight any challenge to his leadership, and said: “Yes, and I hope there isn’t, because I don’t think it would be the answer to our problems.

"We’d be saying to the public, ‘just hold on for a few months while we go over here and sort something out’. That is not what the public wants to hear.

“I hope we do well tomorrow. But even if we don’t, the day after our job is to wake up, continue with doing our job and serve the country.”

Mr McFadden noted the Prime Minister was elected for a five-year term, and he "should serve out that term".

"His job is to lead the country through uncertain times, and that’s the job I know he wakes up in the morning and wants to do.”

Asked whether Sir Keir is ready to face down any challenges to his leadership, the senior Cabinet minister said: “Yes, he is feeling that. He’s remarkably resolute, and he knows that to turn inward at this moment, or to turn inward after Thursday would be a mistake.

“He said he would put the country first when he fought the election a couple of years ago, and he will continue to put the country first.”

Work and Pensions Secretary warns of job losses amid Iran war fallout

The economic shock of the Iran war could lead to job losses in Britain over the course of the year, the Work and Pensions Secretary has warned.

Asked about the impact of the conflict on the labour market, Pat McFadden said: “At the beginning of the year, the economy was going in the right direction. We had stronger growth than we expected.

“The latest unemployment figures for February showed a fall, interest rates were expected to come down, the markets were pricing in a couple of cuts during the course of the year.

“The truth is, with the effect of the Iran war, we can’t count on any of that at the moment. There is likely to be an effect on prices, which feeds through from energy costs, and there may well be labour market implications.”

Asked if this meant job losses, Mr McFadden replied: “Yes. It could happen.”

When asked what the projections were for how bad job losses could get, Mr McFadden said: “The market projections for unemployment for the rest of the year have been revised upwards as a direct result of the Iran war.”

When will local election results be declared?

Polling stations open for local elections in England, Scotland and Wales tomorrow, that will have huge implications for all the major political parties.

While some will have cast their vote already by post or in four flexible pilot schemes in English councils, most will be heading to their polling station between 7am and 10pm.

Counting of the votes for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments will not start until Friday morning, but 46 of the 136 English local authorities are doing so overnight, with the first results expected soon after midnight.

Four councils are not counting until Saturday, three because they also have mayoral elections, and the final result is likely to be late on Saturday night.

Estimated declaration times are approximate and can be affected by issues such as delays in verifying and counting ballots, or by recounts, as well as turnout.