Sadiq Khan at risk of being ousted in London mayoral battle - follow live (2024)

Who is Susan Hall? The gaffe-prone Tory candidate for London Mayor who got in Gemma Collins row

The Conservative candidate to be Mayor of London is no stranger to controversy.

Susan Hall has faced criticism over social media posts as well as gaffes she has made during the campaign. The former Harrow Council leader supported Donald Trump and expressed “deep joy” at Liz Truss’ mini-Budget.

Campaigners have raised concerns about her suitability to be mayor after footage emerged of her suggesting the Black community has “problems with crime”. And during the election contest she has appeared to struggle with even the most basic questions.

Here we take a look at her most controversial moments.

Keir Starmer gives his verdict on claims Sadiq Khan could lose

Keir Starmer has said he is "confident" that Sadiq Khan will win an historic third term as London Mayor.

The Labour leader was questioned on whether the party had made a mistake by picking him to run again amid suggestions the race could be very tight.

Mr Starmer told Sky News: "Sadiq Khan was absolutely the right candidate. He's got two terms of delivering behind him and I'm confident he's got another term of delivery in front of him."

Keir Starmer says the Tories no longer deserve to be in power

The Conservatives no longer deserve to be in power, Keir Starmer has said at a rally in Mansfield.

Speaking alongside the new Labour mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, he said: "I think the message here is very, very clear, and I think across the East Midlands there has been a sending of that message to the Government, which is we are fed up with your division, with your chaos, with your failure. Fourteen years, and I am sorry, I don't care which political party you support, if you leave your country in a worse state then when you found it 14 years later you do not deserve to be in Government for a moment longer."

Mr Starmer said his party will "turn the page on decline" as he set out his stall for the general election. He added: "Let's turn the page on decline and usher in national renewal with Labour."

Explosive row between Tory Ben Houchen and journalist

Ben Houchen was victorious in his battle to remain as Tees Valley Mayor, but he got into a row with a journalist at the count yesterday.

The Tory politician had a bad-tempered exchange with Richard Brooks from Private Eye, who has written extensively about the running of the Teesworks project.

Luckily our colleague Rob Parsons was recording his Northern Agenda podcast nearby and got the confrontation on tape. You can listen to his podcast now.

Elections expert Sir John Curtice gives his 'big takeaway' from locals

Local election results so far demonstrate Rishi Sunak has "very little to show" for his efforts to recover the Conservative brand following Liz Truss's premiership, Sir John Curtice said.

The election expert told the BBC: "There is nothing in these results to suggest contrary to the opinion polls that the Conservatives are actually beginning to narrow the gap on Labour, and that so far at least, Rishi Sunak's project which has tried to recover from the disaster - from the Conservatives' point of view - of the Liz Truss fiscal event, that project has still got very little to show for it. That in a sense is the big takeaway.

"Now the Conservatives, as when all parties do badly in elections, they always want you to focus on the exception rather than the rule, and Tees Valley and probably the West Midlands are the exceptions not the rule."

On Labour losses over its stance on Gaza, Sir John said: "At the moment I think what we would find if we had a general election is that Labour might well fall back in some of these seats, but because the Labour Party is already so strong, they would probably still succeed in winning the parliamentary election. But yep, this is a big message to Labour from these local elections, is that you are indeed now in trouble with some of your Muslim former supporters."

Three reasons why the race to become London mayor could be close

1. No one has ever won a third term. Ken Livingstone was beaten by Boris Johnson when he tried in 2008, while Mr Johnson decided to return to Westminster instead of seeking a third term. Sadiq Khan was first elected in 2016 when he got 44.2% of first preference voters. When he ran for a second time in 2021 - after the election was delayed a year because of the pandemic - his share of first preference votes was lower at 40.0%.

2. The voting system has changed. For the first time the election will be decided by First Past The Post in the same way as parliamentary elections. Previously voters got to cast a first and second preference vote. This meant that supporters of parties such as the Greens and Lib Dems could back their own candidate in the first round and then give their vote to Mr Khan in a second round. This time that will not be the case with people getting just one choice.

3. Turnout is higher in outer London. Figures show that a larger proportion of people voted in outer London boroughs, which traditionally have been more likely to back the Conservatives. There are fears that many people in these areas are angry about Mr Khan’s decision to expand Ulez, which charges drivers of the most polluting vehicles. Turnout was 48.4% in Bexley and Bromley, compared to just 31.1% in the City and East London.

Read the full story.

Boris Johnson admits trying to use strange item as voter ID

Boris Johnson has admitted that he was turned away at a polling station on Thursday after attempting to vote without a valid ID. The Prime Minister said he attempted to use the address label from a magazine that he got in the post as a form of identification.

In his column in the Daily Mail, he wrote: "I want to pay a particular tribute to the three villagers who on Thursday rightly turned me away when I appeared in the polling station with nothing to prove my identity except the sleeve of my copy of Prospect magazine, on which my name and address had been printed. I showed it to them and they looked very dubious... within minutes I was back with my driving licence and voted Tory."

The Mirror revealed on Thursday evening that Mr Johnson had only had some post with his name and address on it.

The requirement to provide photo ID was introduced by Mr Johnson during his time in Downing Street as part of the Elections Act 2022.

Read the full story.

Results still to come on Saturday

Votes will be counted in mayoral races including London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester on Saturday.

Sadiq Khan is hoping to become the first person ever to win a third term as the mayor of the capital, although he faces a challenge partly because the voting system has changed so is now First Past The Post.

Tory Andy Street faces a close fight in the West Midlands, while Andy Burnham is expected to win comfortably in Greater Manchester.

Mayors will also be announced in the Liverpool City region, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Salford. The results of 10 police and crime commissioner elections are due later on Saturday, along with the final remaining local council declarations.

Green Party sweeps up in Bristol putting Thangam Debbonaire at risk

It is not looking good for Labour's Shadow Culture Secretary Thangam Debbonaire.

The Green Party has won all 14 council seats in the wards that make up the Bristol Central constituency where she’s standing at the general election.

Ms Debbonaire won her current seat Bristol West, which has slightly different boundaries, with a majority of 28,219 votes in 2019.

Yvette Cooper admits Gaza has impacted Labour

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has admitted that the conflict in Gaza has dented the party.

She told Times Radio: "There are some areas where this is an issue, we clearly recognise that."

"Obviously there have been some areas where we know that there have been some independent candidates campaigning very strongly on the issue of Gaza, which people do feel very strongly about.

"Look, it is an issue in some areas and that does recognise, I think, the fact that tens of thousands of people have been killed. It's just devastating what's happening. It's why we do need an immediate ceasefire "

Which councils have changed hands so far?

It's also worth having a look at which councils have changed hands today. Latest figures show Labour have overall control of eight more than they did yesterday, while the Tories have lost eight.

With 83 of 107 councils declared, these are the ones that have seen a change in leadership.

Adur - Labour gain from Tories

Basildon - No overall control, was Tory

Brentwood - No overall control, was Tory

Cannock Chase - Labour gain from Tories

Hartlepool - Labour gain from no overall control

Hyndburn - Labour gain from no overall control

Milton Keynes - Labour gain from no overall control

North East Lincolnshire - No overall control, was Tory

Nuneaton and Bedworth - Labour gain from Tory

Oldham - No overall control, was Labour

Redditch - Labour gain from Tories

Rushmoor - Labour gain from Tories

Tamworth - Labour gain from no overall control

Thurrock - Labour gain from no overall control

How many council seats have the Tories lost so far?

As 6pm approaches, let's have a look at the number of council seats the Tories, Labour and Lib Dems have lost and gained.

It's been a rough 48 hours for the Conservatives, who have so far shed a massive 337 councillors. It's a better picture for Labour, who have won an additional 141, while the Lib Dems have 56 more than they started with.

The Greens have another 41, while there are now 82 more independents.

6 key local election results that show Keir Starmer is on course for No10 victory

Rishi Sunak was humiliated in his own backyard as the Conservatives were beaten in the race to become Mayor of York and North Yorkshire mayoralty.

Labour has won big in the Blackpool South by-election, while snatching councils in areas that are key parliamentary battlegrounds including Nuneaton.

Read the full story.

Keir Starmer says victory in PM's backyard 'sends its own message'

A delighted Keir Starmer has said it is a 'special moment' to win in Rishi Sunak's backyard.

Speaking in Northallerton, where Labour's David Skaith won the race for York and North Yorkshire Mayor, the Labour leader said: "People are fed up with a failed Government and they've registered that here."

Referring to the Prime Minister he said: "I think we're in his constituency now celebrating this victory and that sends its own message."

Mr Starmer added:"I'm very, very proud to start here as leader of the Labour Party to celebrate this historic victory. This is a historic victory. These are places where we would not normally have had a Labour Party success."

Rishi Sunak branded 'squatter' following disastrous election

Rishi Sunak has been branded a "squatter" after a disastrous run of local election results.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said it shows the need for a general election. He said: “These results show what we all know: we need a General Election now. No matter how long Rishi Sunak stays squatting in Downing Street, the Liberal Democrat General Election campaign starts today to make this Conservative Government history.

“From Cheltenham to Hull and here in Hampshire – people are choosing the Liberal Democrats to make that change happen. To be their strong local champions, work tirelessly for their communities and deliver the fair deal people deserve.”

New East Midlands Mayor says Labour is 'ready to deliver'

New East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has said Labour is "ready to deliver".

Ms Ward, speaking after winning the region's first ever mayoral election, said: "Throughout this campaign, I've heard the message loud and clear. You are ready for change. You've put your trust in me. You've also put your trust in a changed Labour Party."

How many councillors have Labour and Tories won and lost?

It's worth taking a quick look at the number of council seats parties have gained and lost so far.

At the moment Labour are up 115, while the Tories are down a massive 272. It's not been a bad day for the Lib Dems, with the party picking up an extra 44 seats, while the Greens have another 30.

It's been a big election for independent candidates, with another 79 winning so far.

Tories lose control of another council as PM's day gets worse

Another big win for Labour, this time in Nuneaton & Bedworth.

It's a significant bellweather seat that both the Tories and Labour will be wanting to win in the general election. In an ominous sign for Rishi Sunak, the Tories shed 11 votes while Labour picked up 15.

No way Tories can win election, says David Blunkett

Former Labour Home Secretary says the local elections show Labour has made a "major step forward".

He told Sky News: "I think the Conservatives' confidence has been very, very badly damaged and I can't see now how they can win elections. The question is can Labour get an overall majority?"

He went on: "I'm not getting excited. I just think this is really good. It's another major step forward. It indicates that we can do it even in places like Hampshire."

Tories lose control of Basildon Council in fresh blow

More bad news for the Tories as they lose control of Basildon Council after losing 12 seats.

The local authority is now under no overall control, with Labour picking up nine seats and four independents winning.

Rishi Sunak visits newly re-elected Ben Houchen

Rishi Sunak has made a short visit to speak to supporters alongside newly re-elected Teesside mayor Ben Houchen.

The PM posed up for photos, as he said: "I have a message to the Labour party - they know that they have to win here in order to win at the general elections - they assume that Tees Valley would stroll back to them but it didn't. People knew that they couldn't be taken for granted."

The win offers Mr Sunak a lifeline after a bruising set of losses across local councils and other mayoral battles.

Labour gain Adur District Council for first time ever

Labour has won control of Adur District Council from the Tories.

It was a key race for Labour and is the first time it has ever won the West Suessex council. The Tories have held the seat since 2002.

Labour gets 60,000 majority in North East mayoral race

A bit more detail now on Labour candidate Kim McGuinness's win in the North East mayoral election.

She defeated former Labour-turned-independent candidate Jamie Driscoll. In the first contest for the new mayoralty, Ms McGuinness secured 185,051 votes, defeating Mr Driscoll by a margin of just under 60,000 votes.

Labour excluded Mr Driscoll as a candidate despite his position as the Mayor of North of Tyne. The decision provoked a backlash from his supporters, who regarded him as the victim of an attempt to purge left-wingers from the party.

Conservative candidate Guy Renner Thompson came third on 52,446 and Reform UK's Paul Donaghy fourth on 41,147.

Massive defeat for Tories in Rishi Sunak's backyard

Labour has inflicted a major defeat on Rishi Sunak in his own backyard by winning the first York and North Yorkshire mayoral race.

David Skaith, Labour's candidate, beat Tory Keane Duncan for the newly created role, according to the party. It will come as blow to Mr Sunak, whose Richmond constituency is in the area.

No10 refused to say where, when and how Mr Sunak had voted but it is believed that he voted in Yorkshire.

A Labour spokeswoman said: "“This is a truly historic result in York and North Yorkshire. Keir Starmer's Labour party is now winning in Rishi Sunak’s backyard. The Prime Minister’s own constituents have taken a look at the two parties and chosen Labour.”

Click here for the full story

Labour candidate wins race to be new North East mayor

Labour's Kim McGuinness has beaten independent Jamie Driscoll to become the new North East mayor.

Mr Driscoll, who is currenly North Tyne Combined Authority mayor, was barred from standing to be Labour's candidate for the new North East role last year.

The left-winger described the decision at the time as "arbitrary and capricious". A Labour source at the time suggested it was linked to an on-stage appearance with director Ken Loach, who was expelled from the party in 2021.

Mr Driscoll quit the party and decided to stand as an independent candidate.

Labour gains control of Hyndburn

Labour says it has taken control of Hyndburn, in Lancashire.

It has been under no overall control, with the Tories as the largest party and Labour in second place.

This is a very good result for Keir Starmer.

Labour declares victory in East Midlands mayoral race

Labour says it has stormed to victory in the East Midlands mayoral contest.

A party source said Labour candidate Claire Ward had "comfortably" defeated Tory Ben Bradley, who is also MP for Mansfield and leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.

The source described the region as "the beating heart of the general election battleground".

Tories lose all their seats in Castle Point - as independents dominate

The Conservatives lost all eight of their seats on Castle Point, in Essex, as independents won all 39.

Thirteen Conservative candidates failed to appear on ballot papers because of problems with nominations.

Tories only won Harlow Council thanks to councillor facing Islamophobia probe

The Tories only managed to cling on to a key council thanks to a candidate under investigation over alleged Islamophobic comments.

Harrow Council was a lone early glimmer of hope for Rishi Sunak amid a disastrous local election night. Local Tory MP Rob Halfon described the outcome, which saw the Tories’ majority on the council slashed from nine to one, as “the biggest comeback since Lazarus.”

But the Tories only have 17 councillors to Labour's 16 if counting James Leppard. Just two weeks ago, the party said it had suspended him over allegations he’d made Islamophobic comments on Facebook, saying of Muslims that “we really don’t need them here" and "they add nothing.”

Read the full story.

Labour held onto Swindon in a boost to Keir Starmer

Labour retained Swindon, gaining nine seats as the Conservatives lost eight and an independent lost one.

The new council is Labour 41, Conservative 15, Liberal Democrat one.

Labour dramatically won control from the Tories last year but with a small majority so the Tories were keen to flip it back.