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Declarations start in local polls Tories and Lib Dems in poll wins
(10 minutes later)
The first results are being declared in the English local council elections, with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives taking two authorities.The first results are being declared in the English local council elections, with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives taking two authorities.
In England 27 county councils and seven unitary councils have held elections and there were three mayoral votes.In England 27 county councils and seven unitary councils have held elections and there were three mayoral votes.
The Lib Dems took control of Bristol, while the Tories won power at newly-created Central Bedfordshire Council.The Lib Dems took control of Bristol, while the Tories won power at newly-created Central Bedfordshire Council.
Voting has also taken place across the UK for elections to the European Parliament. Results are due on Sunday.Voting has also taken place across the UK for elections to the European Parliament. Results are due on Sunday.
In Bristol, the Lib Dems and Tories gained four seats each, all at the expense of Labour.In Bristol, the Lib Dems and Tories gained four seats each, all at the expense of Labour.
The Lib Dems have 36 councillors, giving them an overall majority on the city council.The Lib Dems have 36 councillors, giving them an overall majority on the city council.
The Conservatives took power in the new Central Bedfordshire unitary authority, winning 54 seats on the council. The Lib Dems took 11, while Labour failed to win a seat.The Conservatives took power in the new Central Bedfordshire unitary authority, winning 54 seats on the council. The Lib Dems took 11, while Labour failed to win a seat.
In Hartlepool, independent Stuart Drummond was re-elected for a third term as mayor. The former Hartlepool United mascot - known as H'Angus the Monkey - first won office in 2002.In Hartlepool, independent Stuart Drummond was re-elected for a third term as mayor. The former Hartlepool United mascot - known as H'Angus the Monkey - first won office in 2002.
Euro electionsEuro elections
The UK Independence Party has complained about the way ballot papers were folded, while there were mixed reports of turnout. In the European Parliament elections, the UK Independence Party has complained about the way ballot papers were folded, while there were mixed reports of turnout.
The Electoral Commission was forced to issue an alert asking polling station staff not to fold ballot papers.The Electoral Commission was forced to issue an alert asking polling station staff not to fold ballot papers.
This followed complaints that parties listed lower on the alphabetical ballot papers were hidden when first unfolded.This followed complaints that parties listed lower on the alphabetical ballot papers were hidden when first unfolded.
A commission spokesman told the BBC they issued the alert after talking to returning officers and the UK Independence Party, who brought the issue to their attention.A commission spokesman told the BBC they issued the alert after talking to returning officers and the UK Independence Party, who brought the issue to their attention.
The European results will be declared on Sunday evening. They are delayed because voting is carried out in 27 EU countries over four days.The European results will be declared on Sunday evening. They are delayed because voting is carried out in 27 EU countries over four days.
Warning over folded ballot papersWarning over folded ballot papers
The UK and the Netherlands voted on Thursday and will be followed by Ireland on Friday. Latvia, Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia go to the polls on Saturday and Italy and the Czech Republic over the weekend.The UK and the Netherlands voted on Thursday and will be followed by Ireland on Friday. Latvia, Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia go to the polls on Saturday and Italy and the Czech Republic over the weekend.
The other 18 EU countries will vote on Sunday, with the first results expected from 2100 BST.The other 18 EU countries will vote on Sunday, with the first results expected from 2100 BST.
European voters will be electing 736 MEPs - including 72 from the UK.European voters will be electing 736 MEPs - including 72 from the UK.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have six, four and three MEPs respectively, while the remaining 59 will represent nine different regions across England.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will have six, four and three MEPs respectively, while the remaining 59 will represent nine different regions across England.
At the last European elections in 2004, turnout in the UK was 38% - across Europe the average was 45.5%.At the last European elections in 2004, turnout in the UK was 38% - across Europe the average was 45.5%.
There have been predictions turnout this time could be as low as 28%, while others believe it could be up to 50%.There have been predictions turnout this time could be as low as 28%, while others believe it could be up to 50%.