Some areas are yet to be counted but it's still been a hugely damaging local elections day for the coalition government.

The Conservatives and Lib Dems have between them lost control of over 20 authorities, while Labour have now gained over 700 new seats.

Meanwhile, Bristol's bucked the trend by voting in favour of having an elected mayor run the city

Turnout was only about a quarter but the city voted 53 percent in favour - in contrast to Manchester, Nottingham, Bradford, Coventry and Sheffield which have rejected the proposal.