Polls have closed for local elections in England which are being seen as a crucial indicator of the state of the parties ahead of a general election later this year.
The vote is also being viewed by many as a litmus test for the leadership of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Over 2,600 local council seats are being contested alongside 11 mayoral positions in England's largest cities, including London, and a by-election in Blackpool South.
Voters will also choose 37 crime commissioners in England and Wales.
While the Blackpool South by-election and some council results are expected in the early hours of tomorrow, the final declarations will not come until Sunday.
The polls are the last major electoral test before a general election is called.
Mr Sunak has said that vote will be held in the second half of this year, with continued speculation that it could happen as soon as July.
Polls have painted a bleak picture for his Conservative Party with speculation that a poor performance in today's elections could once again ignite moves to remove him as leader ahead of the general election.
Forecasts suggest the Tories could lose up to half of the council seats they are defending in England, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt saying the party expects to suffer "significant losses".
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch insisted that Mr Sunak's position was not under threat regardless of the outcome.
"I think there's a lot of noise being made by people who want to get attention but the Prime Minister has the full backing of the Cabinet, he has my full backing," she said.
In a final message before polling stations opened, Keir Starmer said: "Britain is, despite everything this Tory government has thrown at it, a great country.
"Its people, businesses, and communities continue to come together in the face of adversity. It is a strong nation of pride and potential, with boundless ambition for its family and its community.
Mr Starmer added: "But it needs a government to match that ambition, and with a plan to unlock it. Today, you have a chance to vote for that change, and pass a verdict on 14 years of decline. You can start to rebuild our country and take your community in a different direction."
The Liberal Democrats, who have focused campaigning efforts in traditional Conservative areas, said polling day was a moment for Mr Sunak to "face the music".
Ed Davey said the results would be a "damning verdict on record waiting lists, sewage destroying rivers, and the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation".
