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Labour has won control of a string of Leave-voting councils as results roll in from the local elections across England and Wales.

The party was also buoyed by victory in the Blackpool South by-election, with a 26.33% swing from the Tories.

Among the key council gains, Labour took Rushmoor in Hampshire, which the Conservatives had run for the last 24 years.

It also seized Redditch in the West Midlands, turning a Conservative majority of five into a Labour majority of 15.

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Winners and losers
Follow the results as they come in

And Labour has retaken Hartlepool Council – the scene of a major by-election loss back in 2021, which led Sir Keir Starmer to consider quitting as leader – and Thurrock in Essex, from no overall control, saying it was “exactly the kind of place we need to be winning to gain a majority in a general election”.

And the party replaced the Tories as the largest party on Peterborough Council which, while remaining under no overall control, saw the Conservatives lose 13 of the 16 seats they were defending.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost control of North East Lincolnshire after Labour won five of the seats up for grabs – with neither party now holding a majority on the council.

All six areas overwhelmingly voted Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum, with Thurrock supporting it by 72.3%, North East Lincolnshire by 69.9%, Hartlepool by 69.6%, Redditch by 62.3%, Peterborough by 60.9% and Rushmoor by 58.2%.

However, Labour lost control in its traditional heartland of Oldham, which has a large Muslim population, with many blaming the party’s stance on the conflict in Gaza.

And while keeping its grip on Newcastle, it saw a number of seats fall to the Greens.

The Tories also clung on by a single seat in Harlow, a council targeted by Sir Keir on the eve of polling day.

Key results at a glance

Redditch – Labour gain from the Tories

HartlepoolLabour gain from no overall control

RushmoorLabour grabbed from the Conservatives

Thurrock a Labour gain from no overall control

North East Lincolnshire – lost by the Tories to no overall control

Harlow – the Tories managed to just about hang on against a challenge from Labour

Pic Getty
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Pic: Getty

In other important developments:

• Labour held on to Sunderland Council
• It also kept control of South Tyneside and Chorley
• The Tories held on to other councils in Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Essex

More than 2,600 council seats across 107 councils were up for grabs in England, alongside 11 mayoral elections, a parliamentary seat and police and crime commissioners throughout England and Wales – with many of the results still coming in.

But early signs show Labour is winning back seats in areas it lost over the Brexit debate, as well as making gains in traditionally Tory voting councils.

Read more:
Labour gains new MP with Blackpool by-election win

Sky’s election coverage plan – how to follow

Friday: From 10am lead politics presenter Sophy Ridge and chief presenter Mark Austin is joined by political editor Beth Rigby and Sam Coates throughout the day, as well as economics and data editor Ed Conway and Professor Michael Thrasher.

Friday night: From 7pm until 9pm, Sophy Ridge will host a special edition of the Politics Hub, offering a full analysis and breakdown of the local elections.

The weekend: Sophy Ridge will host another special edition of the Politics Hub on Saturday from 7pm until 9pm. And Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips will take a look back over what’s happened from 8.30am until 10am.

How do I watch?: Freeview 233, Sky 501, Virgin 603, BT 313, YouTube and the Sky News website and app. You can also watch Sky News live here, and on YouTube.

And the Electoral Dysfunction podcast with Beth Rigby, Jess Phillips and Ruth Davidson will go out on Friday, and Politics at Jack and Sam’s will navigate the big question of where the results leave us ahead of a general election on Sunday.

We’ll also have the latest on the politics page of our website.

‘People crying out for change’ – Labour

Tory party chairman Richard Holden told Sky News it had been a “tough night” for the Conservatives, but argued it was coming off a “very high watermark set of elections in 2021” and “typical for a government in midterm”.

But he said: “I do feel sorry for a lot of my Conservative colleagues who have been out campaigning with across the country over the last few weeks and months who haven’t managed to hold their seats.”

However, he argued voters had not suggested they want to see “more change” within the Conservative Party, when pressed over Rishi Sunak’s position as leader and insisted the party “will be ready” whenever the election was called.

Analysis: Not all going Starmer’s way with Reform posing real threat

By Professor Michael Thrasher, Sky News elections analyst

Election results declared overnight have clearly demonstrated that the Conservatives are in serious trouble.

A by-election defeat in Blackpool South at the hands of Labour, the seventh this parliament.

In the local council elections the Conservatives are losing seats in numbers that suggest this could be one of the party’s worst ever performances.

But Conservative council seat losses have not been Labour’s gain with Sir Keir Starmer’s party more or less static in terms of vote share compared with its results from last year’s May elections.

The picture of net seat gains and losses is intriguing.

Labour leads the way but it is having to share the headlines with seat gains made at the Conservatives’ expense by the Liberal Democrats, Greens and a range of local independents.

Close comparisons of change in vote share demonstrated that support for Reform is real and will hurt the Conservatives if played out at the next general election.

Read more from Sky News elections analyst Professor Michael Thrasher here

Labour’s shadow environment secretary Steve Reed told Sky News that while it was “early days”, the results so far were showing positive signs for Labour come the next general election.

“These are not polls,” he said. “These are people getting off their backsides, going out of their homes, into a polling station, putting a cross on a party that they want to govern their local area.

“People are crying out for change. I know that from speaking to people on the doorsteps and tonight, it looks like people around the country are voting for change.”

But while Tory MP James Daly said he “fully accepts” the loss of these councils, he insisted to Sky News his party could “still win in parts of the country where historically Labour have dominated” – including in Teeside, where Conservative Lord Houchen is defending his mayoralty.

Analysis:
Story of the night in charts
Blackpool is a big step to No 10 for Starmer
Tories in real trouble but Reform threat not all good for Labour

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‘A good night for Labour’

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Tories better some predictions but Lib Dems ‘buoyed’

The Conservatives bucked predictions in Harlow in Essex where it managed to keep control of the council – although its majority fell from 11 to one, and Labour gained five seats.

The party also held on to Broxbourne Council in Hertfordshire – an authority it has run for its entire 52-year history – and Fareham in Hampshire, though in the latter the Liberal Democrats picked up four seats.

A Lib Dem source said they were “buoyed” by their results overnight, claiming it set them up to take seats off the Tories at the next election.

“This is just a taster of what is to come throughout Friday in the Blue Wall,” they added.

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‘We’re surging, they’re sinking’

Reform UK is performing well, racking up an average vote share of between 14% and 15%, and pushing the Conservatives into third place in some areas, including Sunderland.

However, it isn’t fielding candidates everywhere – instead targeting Leave seats where its predecessors, the Brexit Party and UKIP, performed well – and has yet to win a seat or council for itself.

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In pictures: Donald Trump given royal welcome as UK state visit begins

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In pictures: Donald Trump given royal welcome as UK state visit begins

Donald Trump has kicked off his second state visit to the UK with a royal greeting, carriage procession and gun salute.

As the US president and the First Lady Melania Trump touched down in a rainy Windsor, they were greeted by Prince William and Kate, before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Follow Trump state visit live

The national anthems of the UK and US were then played as a carriage procession carried the Trumps and the King and Queen towards Windsor Castle.

Here, Mr Trump inspected the Guard of Honour before heading inside the castle. Tonight, a grand state banquet will be held in honour of the US president, where both the King and Mr Trump are expected to give speeches.

Trump spoke with reporters from the White House on Tuesday before setting off. Pic: AP
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Trump spoke with reporters from the White House on Tuesday before setting off. Pic: AP

The Marine One helicopter landed in Windsor from London. Pic: PA
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The Marine One helicopter landed in Windsor from London. Pic: PA

Donald and Melania Trump were welcomed to Windsor by William and Kate. Pic: PA
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Donald and Melania Trump were welcomed to Windsor by William and Kate. Pic: PA

King Charles received the US president alongside the Queen.
Pic: PA
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King Charles received the US president alongside the Queen.
Pic: PA

The pair appeared to share a laugh ahead of the carriage procession. Pic: PA
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The pair appeared to share a laugh ahead of the carriage procession. Pic: PA

The carriage procession arriving at Windsor Castle.
Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA
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The carriage procession arriving at Windsor Castle.
Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA

The Irish State Coach carrying King Charles and Donald Trump.
Pic: Chris Jackson/PA
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The Irish State Coach carrying King Charles and Donald Trump.
Pic: Chris Jackson/PA

The Prince and Princess of Wales during the carriage procession to Windsor Castle
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The Prince and Princess of Wales during the carriage procession to Windsor Castle

The horse-drawn procession makes its way towards Windsor Castle.
Pic: Reuters
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The horse-drawn procession makes its way towards Windsor Castle.
Pic: Reuters

Mr Trump pictured among the guard of honour.
Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA
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Mr Trump pictured among the guard of honour.
Pic: Jonathan Brady/PA

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Pic: Reuters

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Pic: Reuters

Donald Trump salutes troops as Queen Camilla's eye catches the camera. Pic: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire
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Donald Trump salutes troops as Queen Camilla’s eye catches the camera. Pic: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire

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Pic: Reuters

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Pic: PA

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Pic:Reuters

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Pic: Reuters

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Pic: PA

A supporter of Trump stood outside Windsor Castle ahead of the parade
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A supporter of Trump stood outside Windsor Castle ahead of the parade

Meanwhile, Stop Trump Coalition campaigners protested. Pic: PA
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Meanwhile, Stop Trump Coalition campaigners protested. Pic: PA

A campaigner drags a mannequin dressed like Trump along the ground. Pic: PA
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A campaigner drags a mannequin dressed like Trump along the ground. Pic: PA

Trump, along with the King and Queen, then viewed items on display during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition at Windsor Castle.
Pic: PA
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Trump, along with the King and Queen, then viewed items on display during a visit to the Royal Collection exhibition at Windsor Castle.
Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

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Pic: Reuters

The Trumps visit St. George's Chapel during their state visit.
Pic: Reuters
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The Trumps visit St. George’s Chapel during their state visit.
Pic: Reuters

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Ricky Hatton was ‘in a good place’ before death, his family says

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Ricky Hatton was 'in a good place' before death, his family says

Ricky Hatton was “in a good place” before his death, his family has said – as the son of the boxing legend paid tribute to his father.

“Heartbroken isn’t the word,” Campbell Hatton said in the post, alongside a series of family photos.

“Everybody has always said I was your double – never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life.”

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Campbell’s tribute came after others poured in from across the world of sport and beyond.

Like his father, Campbell pursued a career in boxing, making his professional debut in 2021. He retired earlier this year.

He added in his post: “Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times, which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”

Hatton had announced he was coming out of retirement for an exhibition bout on 2 December, in Dubai.

That would have marked 13 years since his last professional contest.

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‘More than a champion’ – Hatton family’s tribute

He was “excited for the future” before his death, his family said in a new statement on Wednesday.

“We are all distraught at the events of recent days,” they said.

“To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.

“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of. He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person.”

He had dinner with his girls on Friday night and “was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend”.

“We are all in shock at the events that unfolded at the weekend,” they said. “Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time, along with Richard’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.

“The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride.”

Details of a memorial service would be released in due course, they added.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said the city will give consideration to how best to honour Hatton’s memory properly in the weeks and months ahead.

One of the many tributes laid in memory of Hatton. Pic: PA
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One of the many tributes laid in memory of Hatton. Pic: PA

‘The people’s champ’

It comes after soap star Claire Sweeney said she “adored and cherished” her ex-boyfriend. They were long-time friends and dated for several months after competing on Dancing On Ice in 2024.

Soap star Sweeney wrote on Instagram: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.

“My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.

“Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”

She also posted a montage of photos of them together.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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Woman shot by husband on Valentine’s Day after trying to escape relationship

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Woman shot by husband on Valentine's Day after trying to escape relationship

A woman was shot and killed by her husband outside a pub on Valentine’s Day after trying to leave the relationship, an inquest heard.

Lisa Smith, 43, was shot twice in the neck in the car park of The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, Kent, on 14 February this year.

She had earlier told her sister she was leaving her husband, Edward Smith, and had got on a train from their home in Slough to stay with family in Kent.

Mr Smith tracked her down at the pub that evening before blocking her friend’s car with his and firing four shots with a handgun, Kent and Medway Coroner’s Court heard.

A police cordon outside the Three Horseshoes pub. Pic: PA
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A police cordon outside the Three Horseshoes pub. Pic: PA

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Pic: PA

On Wednesday, area coroner Katrina Hepburn concluded Ms Smith died from unlawful killing and found “requisite intent from Edward Smith to kill her or cause her really serious harm”.

After killing his wife, Mr Smith, also known as Edvard Stockings, sent voice notes to someone he called “Nana”, saying: “I’ve shot Lisa, she’s dead.”

He then jumped to his death from the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Dartford later that evening.

In one of the voice notes he alluded to suicide and stated: “Hopefully I’m going to get into heaven with my wife.”

Forensics at the scene after the shooting
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Forensics at the scene after the shooting

Detective Sergeant James Dolby told the court that Ms Smith was picked up at Orpington station by her friends and sister shortly before they went to the pub.

Just before 7pm, Ms Smith was in the passenger seat of her friend’s car in the pub car park when her husband arrived, having called her and her friends multiple times while looking for her.

There was a “verbal altercation” between him and Ms Smith’s sister, Laura, who called him a “narcissist” inside the pub before he got back in his car and left.

DS Dolby said Mr Smith then went on to block the Seat car from exiting.

The first two shots from his handgun were fired from inside his own vehicle.

Tributes left at the scene following the shooting
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Tributes left at the scene following the shooting

The coroner said: “He pulled forward in the car and fired a second shot, he was seen to exit the vehicle with arms outstretched holding a handgun and firing a shot through the driver’s side car window.”

It was this third shot that caused “fatal damage” to Ms Smith’s neck, before he came around to the passenger side and fired at her again from close range.

Read more from Sky News:
Madeleine McCann suspect released after serving rape sentence

Human remains found at beauty spot identified as missing man

“Four shots were fired, the first two from within his vehicle towards the Seat. There were no injuries consistent with the trajectory of those first two bullets,” said Ms Hepburn.

Despite CPR from members of the public and emergency services, Ms Smith died from her injuries at 7.42pm.

Setting out her conclusion, the coroner said: “I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that a short form conclusion of unlawful killing would be safe and appropriate to set out in this manner.

“There was intent to find Lisa Smith after she had left her home address and once she was found the car she was seated in was blocked, preventing any exit.”

An inquest into the death of Mr Smith will take place this afternoon.

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