The Latest Breaking News from The Liberal Democrats

Labour gained control of Plymouth, where the Tories had run a minority administration – a result branded “terrible” by Government minister and local MP Johnny Mercer – then did the same in Stoke-on-Trent, another general election battleground

Conservatives lose control of 48 councils but Rishi Sunak plays down results

Conservatives continue to suffer heavy defeats as Labour, Lib Dems and Greens make gains

20 seats were contested in Balderstone & Kirkholt, Bamford, Castleton, Central Rochdale, East Middleton, Healey, Hopwood Hall, Kingsway, Littleborough Lakeside, Milkstone & Deeplish, Milnrow & Newhey, Norden, North Heywood, North Middleton, Smallbridge & Firgrove, South Middleton, Spotland & Falinge, Wardle, Shore & West Littleborough, West Heywood and West Middleton

The results were finalised at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre at around 1.30am on Friday

With more than 8,000 seats up for grabs, various battlegrounds will give a glimpse of the state of the parties

Across the country over 8,000 seats are up for grabs in 230 councils across England today - but under controversial new rules voters must take photo ID with them to cast a ballot

Voters will go to the polls tomorrow to elect three councillors for the next four years

Here is everything you need to know for the upcoming local elections in Gateshead.