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Power shifts in key councils Power shifts in key councils
(30 minutes later)
Liberal Democrats and Conservatives were celebrating after taking control of key councils in England. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were celebrating after taking control of key councils in England.
But while some predicted Labour would suffer major losses - they held their own in many local authorities.But while some predicted Labour would suffer major losses - they held their own in many local authorities.
The Liberal Democrats took control of Hull before snapping up Rochdale and gaining Eastbourne.The Liberal Democrats took control of Hull before snapping up Rochdale and gaining Eastbourne.
The Tories took heart after seizing Chester, a council they last held in 1986, and North Warwickshire.The Tories took heart after seizing Chester, a council they last held in 1986, and North Warwickshire.
They also gained five seats to overturn Labour's reign in Plymouth and also gained control of Gravesham in Kent and Woking in Surrey. They also gained five seats to overturn Labour's reign in Plymouth and also grasped control of Gravesham in Kent, Woking in Surrey, North West Leicestershire and South Ribble in Lancashire.
But according to BBC analysis of 385 English wards, Labour's vote rose by 1%, as did the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats were down by 1% and other parties also saw a similar reduction.But according to BBC analysis of 385 English wards, Labour's vote rose by 1%, as did the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats were down by 1% and other parties also saw a similar reduction.
John Hutton, Labour's Works and Pensions Secretary, said: "I think most people thought the Labour's vote would go down but it's gone up. The Tories have not made progress." Overall, the Tories gained more than 130 council seats in England with Labour and the Liberal Democrats losing about 50 each. Other parties also lost more than 30.
John Hutton, Labour's Works and Pensions Secretary, said: "I think most people thought Labour's vote would go down but it's gone up. The Tories have not made progress."
Across England 32.8 million people were able to vote. Some counts were not being held until Friday.Across England 32.8 million people were able to vote. Some counts were not being held until Friday.
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.
While almost half of the counts were due to start straight after polls closed 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 were due to start straight after polls closed 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 commentsPARTIES 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.
However, in a Lincolnshire council seat Conservative Christopher Underwood-Frost held on - by winning the toss of a coin.However, in a Lincolnshire council seat Conservative Christopher Underwood-Frost held on - by winning the toss of a coin.
He had tied with his Lib Dem rival on 781 votes, forcing the spin of a coin to decide the winner.He had tied with his Lib Dem rival on 781 votes, forcing the spin of a coin to decide the winner.
Much of the country experienced warm weather during voting hours, which is traditionally seen as a boost to turnout.Much of the country experienced warm weather during voting hours, 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%.