Local election polls open in last test of voter opinion before general election

Polling stations have opened for the local elections, with voters preparing to elect councillors and mayors across England in what is considered the final test of voters’ opinion before the next general election.

Police and crime commissioners will also be chosen across England and Wales. Polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm, and the initial results are expected to come in during the early hours of Friday morning.

Projections suggest the Tories may face losses of up to half of the council seats they are defending, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt acknowledging the likelihood of “significant losses” for the party.

Elsewhere, MSP John Swinney is set to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister later after Humza Yousaf announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep up with all the latest updates with i‘s live blog.