Local elections 2026: When do polling stations close and is there an exit poll?

Voters have headed to polling stations in their droves on Thursday, in the biggest set of votes since the general election in 2024.

Almost 25,000 candidates are fighting to be elected to more than 5,000 seats on 136 councils across England, with Labour defending more than half the seats.

In last year’s local elections, it was a different story with the Conservatives defending the greatest number of council seats.

In London, there are a total of 1,817 seats up for grabs on Thursday, with Labour again defending the most local authorities at 21.

Keir Starmer’s party is facing challenges from the Greens in inner boroughs and independents in east London.

There are also mayoral election races in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets in London, and Watford in Hertfordshire, while elections are taking place in the Welsh and Scottish parliaments.

When do polling stations close?

Polling stations are open until 10pm.

However, as long as you've joined the queue by this time, you'll still be allowed to vote.

You will need ID to vote in person in London , but don’t worry If you’ve forgotten or misplaced your polling card - you can vote without it.

Will there be exit polls for the local elections?

No authoritative pollster has announced it is conducting an exit poll for this set of elections
Most have released polls based on national voting intention before polling day.

The first results are expected within a few hours , with the final results in by the evening of Saturday May 9.

All of the mayoral elections are counting on Friday May 8 with Hackney and Newham expected to declare at 1pm, Watford at 2pm, Lewisham at 3pm, Croydon at 4pm and Tower Hamlets at possibly around 6pm.

Here’s a list of the estimated results times for each London borough: