Polling opens in major UK local elections as Labour faces pressure
Polling has opened across the UK in a major set of local elections, with millions of voters expected to cast ballots on Thursday.
The vote covers local councils in England and is being watched closely for its political impact on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Labour.
Labour is expected to lose a large number of seats, with one report predicting losses of about 1,850 seats in England.
In Wales, the party is also expected to lose the national vote for the first time in more than a century.
The result matters because it is being treated as an early test of Labour's strength after the 2024 general election and a measure of support for smaller parties.
Starmer has said the elections will be a challenge and has urged voters to choose unity over division.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has used his final message to attack the prime minister, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said his party is aiming for record-breaking results.
The contest is also being watched for signs of how far Reform UK and the Greens can build on recent momentum, and whether Labour can limit losses enough to ease pressure on its leadership.
The polls opened at 7am and are due to close at 10pm, with results expected to begin coming in overnight and some of the biggest declarations due later on Friday and Saturday.
