On Thursday, voters across parts of England will participate in local and mayoral elections. Polling stations will open at 07:00 BST and close at 22:00, with results expected to be announced overnight and into Friday. Among the elections are local contests in 24 councils, six mayoral authorities, and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby to determine a new MP for the constituency in Cheshire.
This round of elections marks the first major set of polls since Labour’s significant win in last year’s general election. Approximately 1,650 seats will be up for grabs in 14 county councils, eight unitary authorities, one metropolitan district, and the Isles of Scilly. Mayoral elections will take place in the West of England, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Doncaster, North Tyneside, Hull and East Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire.
The by-election in Runcorn and Helsby was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury following his conviction for assaulting a constituent. Originally, elections were set to take place in all 21 county councils in England, until the government postponed voting in nine areas undergoing local authority reorganisation. Areas with scheduled council elections include Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, and others.
Results for these elections are anticipated to be declared by Friday evening, with no local contests planned in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To cast their votes in person, individuals will need to present photo ID, such as passports, driving licenses, or Armed Forces Veteran Cards as of 1 May. The BBC has released comprehensive election guidelines to adhere to reporting restrictions on polling day until 22:00, in line with other broadcasters
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