Laura Sharman 05 May 2016

Voters go the polls for 124 English councils

Polling stations for 124 councils in England have opened this morning, taking place alongside a number of other elections across the country.

In what has been dubbed ‘Super Thursday’, polling stations are now open for a number of local council elections in England, including a third of council seats in 32 of the 36 Metropolitan boroughs.

Voters will also be able to elect their new mayor in London, Bristol, Liverpool and Salford. Elections are also being held for 129 MSPs in Scotland – which are open to 16 and 17 year-olds for the first time – and candidates for the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies.

Voters are also being asked to choose their local Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales.

Labour will come under particular scrutiny in the following days, with predictions that the party could lose up to 170 council seats under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Corbyn also already been forced to backtrack on his claims that the party were looking to gain rather than lose council seats. His spokesperson said his comments had been ‘misinterpreted’ and clarified that he was not making a prediction about the number of seats likely to be won or lost.

Interest will also fall on how much of a recovery the Liberal Democrats can make following their defeat in last year’s General Election, and what extent UKIP will benefit from the upcoming EU referendum.

Find out how devolution could be a 'game changer' for today's local elections.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant Chief Executive

Enfield London Borough Council
UP TO £190,000
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking leader who can bring together HR, Legal, Strategy, Digital and Communications Enfield (London Borough), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Enfield London Borough Council

Executive Director of Environment and Place

Enfield London Borough Council
UP TO £190,000
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking leader who can bring together HR, Legal, Strategy, Digital and Communications Enfield (London Borough), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Enfield London Borough Council

Impact Director – Sector Voice

Local Government Association
up to £139,000
You will lead multidisciplinary teams covering economic growth and place, local government finance, workforce, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Local Government Association

Impact Director – Sector Support

Local Government Association
up to £139,000
You will be visible with councils, elected members, chief executives, professional bodies, government departments and national partners London (Greater)
Recuriter: Local Government Association

Deputy Chief Executive

Local Government Association
£150,000
You will lead a modern deputy chief executive function that brings together the operational London (Greater)
Recuriter: Local Government Association
Linkedin Banner