UK Holds Local and Devolved Elections

Voters across England, Scotland and Wales went to the polls on Thursday in the largest set of elections since the 2024 general election. m. m. BST. Roughly 5,000 council seats in England were contested along with full elections to the Scottish Parliament and the newly expanded Welsh Senedd.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria voted in London early in the day. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth also cast ballots shortly after polls opened. Results are expected to begin arriving overnight and continue through Friday and into Saturday.

Opinion polls predict strong performances by Reform UK, which has focused its campaign on immigration and public services, and by the Greens. The More in Common think tank projected Reform UK could secure more than 1,200 local seats. Labour is at risk of losing control of the Welsh government in Cardiff for the first time since devolution 27 years ago while the Scottish National Party is forecast to retain power in Edinburgh.

The elections are seen as a verdict on Starmer’s leadership after his party’s landslide win less than two years ago. Public frustration has grown over living costs, immigration and weak economic growth. Surveys suggest the results could reshape Britain’s political landscape after decades of dominance by Labour and the Conservatives.

In England, about 5,000 seats across 136 local councils are up for election along with six mayoral races in Watford and five London boroughs. Councils handle services including care for the elderly, rubbish collection, housing, education and road maintenance.

Voters in England must show valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence to vote in person.

129 seats in the Scottish Parliament are contested under a mixed electoral system of first-past-the-post constituencies and proportional regional lists. The parliament holds powers over health, education, housing, policing and some taxes. Results are expected to be largely clear by early Friday evening though some recounts could extend into Saturday.

The Welsh Senedd election features an expanded chamber of 96 members elected from 16 new constituencies under a proportional system. No party has ever held a majority and the new setup makes that outcome even less likely. The Senedd oversees health, schools, transport, farming and limited tax powers.

Counting begins Friday morning with results likely continuing into the evening. Voters must be 18 for English local elections and 16 for the Scottish and Welsh polls. Registration deadlines have passed. m. on polling day in England. Araqchi was stopping in Islamabad on his return from China.

Pakistan said it expects the United States and Iran to reach a deal to end their conflict sooner rather than later. The UK elections occur against a backdrop of separate international developments including ongoing diplomatic contacts between Iran and Pakistan and Iranian statements that passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured.