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England's voters head for polls England's voters head for polls
(about 1 hour later)
Voters having been heading to the polls across much of England, with seats up for grabs on 312 councils.Voters having been heading to the polls across much of England, with seats up for grabs on 312 councils.
Most local authorities outside London are staging ballots, with some electing one third of members and others having the whole council up for election.Most local authorities outside London are staging ballots, with some electing one third of members and others having the whole council up for election.
There are also mayoral elections in Bedford, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.There are also mayoral elections in Bedford, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.
Across England 32.8 million people are able to vote. Polling stations are open until 2200 BST, but many voters have already cast their ballots by post.Across England 32.8 million people are able to vote. Polling stations are open until 2200 BST, but many voters have already cast their ballots by post.
About 10,500 councillors will be elected across England as a result of Thursday's voting.About 10,500 councillors will be elected across England as a result of Thursday's voting.
PARTIES DEFENDING SEATS IN ENGLISH LOCAL ELECTIONS Conservative: 4404Labour: 2379Lib Dem: 2419Others: 1277 of which: Green: 45BNP: 9UKIP: 6IKHH: 3Respect: 4Mebyon Kernow: 6Source: BBC Research In Depth: Elections 2007 Q&A: 2007 elections Send us your comments
While almost half of the counts will start straight after polls close and see winners announced in the early hours,169 of the 312 authorities have delayed their counts until Friday - because of a new postal voting system.While almost half of the counts will start straight after polls close and see winners announced in the early hours,169 of the 312 authorities have delayed their counts until Friday - because of a new postal voting system.
PARTIES DEFENDING SEATS IN ENGLISH LOCAL ELECTIONS Conservative: 4404Labour: 2379Lib Dem: 2419Others: 1277 of which: Green: 45BNP: 9UKIP: 6IKHH: 3Respect: 4Mebyon Kernow: 6Source: BBC Research In Depth: Elections 2007 Q&A: 2007 elections Send us your comments
Election officers must double check at least 20% (but preferably 100%) of signatures accompanying ballot papers with those on the original applications for a postal vote.Election officers must double check at least 20% (but preferably 100%) of signatures accompanying ballot papers with those on the original applications for a postal vote.
It means a clear picture of the results will be unlikely to be available before Friday afternoon.It means a clear picture of the results will be unlikely to be available before Friday afternoon.
Much of the country is experiencing warm weather, which is traditionally seen as a boost to turnout.Much of the country is experiencing warm weather, which is traditionally seen as a boost to turnout.
In last year's council elections, turnout across England was about 36%.In last year's council elections, turnout across England was about 36%.
In the 312 areas holding elections, the Conservatives control 125 councils, Labour 40, the Liberal Democrats 28, independents and others control four and there are 115 councils with no overall control.In the 312 areas holding elections, the Conservatives control 125 councils, Labour 40, the Liberal Democrats 28, independents and others control four and there are 115 councils with no overall control.
Every seat is up for re-election on 25 unitary authorities and 150 district councils, while 36 metropolitan boroughs, 20 unitary authorities and 81 district councils all see one third of wards electing members.Every seat is up for re-election on 25 unitary authorities and 150 district councils, while 36 metropolitan boroughs, 20 unitary authorities and 81 district councils all see one third of wards electing members.