Voters went to the polls in England on Thursday for a host of crunch local elections likely to ratchet up the pressure on embattled Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.The polls -- a mix of council,

Millions of votes have been cast for 107 councils and 11 mayors in England, as well as 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs). There has also been a by-election for a new MP in Blackpool South, following the resignation of former Conservative Scott Benton. Counting has begun and the first results are expected just after midnight.

Party predicted to lose about half of the 1,000 seats it is defending in contest that could shape Rishi Sunak’s future

This spring everyone in England and Wales will have the opportunity to vote in some kind of local election, whether that be for a local councillor, mayor, or police and crime commissioner.

Millions of people in England and Wales are eligible to vote after polling stations opened at 07:00 on Thursday. There are elections in 107 councils across England, as well as 11 mayoral races. Voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs).

Voters head to the polls on Thursday for local elections seen as the final test of public opinion before Rishi Sunak goes to the country later this year.