Polling stations in London are open for millions to cast their vote in crucial elections for the capital and Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
Local elections are taking place to elect councillors in 32 London boroughs, with crucial votes also happening across England, and in Scotland and Wales.
A total of 1,817 seats are up for grabs across the capital, while voters in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets will also select their mayor.
The elections are expected to be the toughest test for the Prime Minister since the general election in 2024.
Devastating results have been predicted for Labour, with the Green Party and Reform UK expected to make big gains in London.
Follow the latest updates below...
Labour candidates in London using endorsement from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in their campaigning.
Mr Burnham is more popular among some Left-leaning voters than Sir Keir Starmer.
“Incredible that Labour in London are featuring endorsements from Andy Burnham on their leaflets - but not Keir Starmer or Sadiq Khan,” the post reads.
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn casts his vote
The MP for Islington North wrote on X: “I just voted for three fantastic independent candidates in Finsbury Park who oppose austerity, stand up to racism and support the people of Palestine.
Today, a new kind of politics is on the ballot — and community power will win!”
Watch: Nigel Farage heads to the polling station to cast his vote
The Reform UK leader showed off his Union Jack socks as he went to cast his vote this morning.
Labour puts potholes and community skips at heart of battle for Barnet
As Labour seeks to keep control of Barnet, won from the Tories in 2022, it is seeking to get voters to focus on local issues rather than controversies over Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
Sir Sadiq Khan joins Labour battle against Aspire in Tower Hamlets contest
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown his support for Labour’s Tower Hamlets mayoral candidate Sirajul Islam in the local elections.
The position is currently held by Aspire’s Lutfur Rahman who was elected in 2022 with 54.9% of the vote in the second round of counting.
The turnout was 41.9%.
“I’m asking for everyone in Tower Hamlets to vote for my friend, Sirajul Islam,” Khan says.
“He’s got the values, the vision and the integrity to be a great leader of Tower Hamlets.”
Party leaders issue final messages to Londoners for the elections
Our Chief Reporter Nic Cecil has released the final messages and appeals from party leaders as Londoners take to the polls today.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said voters had a “clear choice” between “progress and a better future” with a Labour council working with a Labour Government versus “the anger and division offered up by Reform or empty promises from the Greens."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski appealed: “Let’s make history and elect a record number of Green councillors, who will work hard to make London an affordable place to live, and to make London the greenest city in the world.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stressed: “Labour have allowed crime to run rampant in our capital, whilst the Conservatives are concreting over our green spaces in boroughs like Bromley and Bexley.
“Voters have a chance to deliver real change in London.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “Under Sadiq Khan and Labour, London has lost its joy.
Nightlife has disappeared, crime has got worse and housebuilding gone backwards.
Only Conservatives offer a real alternative to Labour’s high tax, anti-business, joyless approach.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Londoners have a clear choice: more of the same, or a fresh start with local champions who truly care about their community.
“Only Liberal Democrats are offering a real plan to fix the housing crisis, get our public transport back on track, and tackle crime.”
Labour MP Ed Miliband makes air quality a key election issue
Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband is making air quality in London a key borough election issue.
The north Londoner said: "It's polling day, and I'm asking you to vote for your brilliant local Labour candidates in this election.
"It's all on the ballot today.
Don't forget your voter ID and vote Labour today until 10pm."
Sir Sadiq Khan's Ulez ultra low emission zone has been credited with cleaning up air, particularly in Inner London.
But Nigel Farage's Reform UK has campaigned against the London Mayor's air quality scheme, arguing it is having little impact in Outer London and penalising motorists.
In pictures: Early bird voters head to polling stations to cast their votes
WATCH: Sir Keir Starmer arrives to cast his vote
Labour launches 'Hackney we love you' video
Labour has launched a "Hackney we love you" video as it seeks to cling onto the council.
The borough is top of the target list for Zack Polanski's Green Party.
Mr Polanski has told The Standard how he is "very confident" that Green candidate Zoe Garbett will be elected Mayor of Hackney.
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Source: This article was originally published by Evening Standard
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