Tories expecting heavy defeats, including in Blackpool South, with Mark Harper saying evening will be difficult. Tory councillors predict poor result for party amid low turnout expectations 00:28 Conservative councillor Ron Shepherd on North east Lincolnshire council has been quoted by Sky News as saying: National politics are always a factor.

Voters went to the polls in England on Thursday for a host of crunch local elections likely to ratchet up the pressure on embattled Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.The polls -- a mix of council,

Millions of votes have been cast for 107 councils and 11 mayors in England, as well as 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs). There has also been a by-election for a new MP in Blackpool South, following the resignation of former Conservative Scott Benton. Counting has begun and the first results are expected just after midnight.