Both Labour and the main opposition Conservative Party braced for losses in the midterm poll. The hard-right Reform UK led by Nigel Farage fielded more candidates than any other party and hoped to make major gains in the elections that are deciding 1,600 seats on 23 local councils, six mayoralties and one seat in Parliament.

Millions vote across England in major test for Labour, Reform and Tories - Voters casting ballots in 23 local authorities and six mayoral contests across England