Local elections 2022: Election night special as Labour holds both Preston and Chorley

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Thursday was a big day as the people of Preston and Chorley head to the polls.

In South Ribble, only the Earnshaw Bridge ward was in action with a by-election being held, but we’re also keeping our eye on votes across Lancashire as they come in over the next 24 hours.

Across the country, the results will be seen as a a real indication of how the country feels about Boris Johnson’s Conservative government.

Here is how it unfolded in Preston and Chorley.

LIVE: Preston and Chorley results, reaction and how it unfolded

Key Events

  • Only one by-election in South Ribble
  • Preston City Council ward will to be represented by trio of female councillors

How things might look at the close of play

Because who doesn’t love an election prediction?

Here’s what you had to say when we were out and about today, thanks to those of you who stopped and chatted.

Boris, new homes and the state of roads

We headed out to polling stations today to see what was on your minds.

David Chadwick voted for the Liberal Democrats at Our Lady and St Edward’s Parish Centre in Fulwood.

He said his decision was affected by the behaviour of Boris Johnson and those in power around him.

He said: “What Boris and his team do does usually affect how people vote and it will certainly do this time, maybe even more than local issues.”

Click HERE for views on today’s elections

If you’re unsure, here’s a handy guide about just what you’re voting for today...

One of our favourite election traditions... dogs at polling stations!

Here’s Chris Capell with Titch at Tanterton Village Centre, captured by our photographer Kelvin Stuttard.

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the cost-of-living crisis was “the biggest national issue” in the elections, followed by the NHS.

The Downing Street lockdown parties, for which the Prime Minister has been fined by the police over one incident, was “important to some people” but less significant, he added.

But Sir Ed stressed that Lib Dem successes would also be decided by local factors.

“Inevitably, in elections, it’s about four or five things,” he said.

“You have local candidates, local councils, local campaigns, local issues, a whole range of different things.”

Millions of voters are expected to cast ballots to select the local representatives they want to run services in their area.

In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs.

All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections.

In Northern Ireland, voters are electing 90 members, representing 18 constituencies, to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Polls close at 10pm, with the first batch of results likely to be announced at midnight and the last on the weekend.

From the economy, to parks and the green agenda, we’ve rounded up what parties in Preston say they are going to do for you.

The Labour, Tories, Lib Dems and Green Party have put their case forward HERE