Local elections 2022: Election night special as Labour holds both Preston and Chorley
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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.
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
Sir Keir Starmer arrived at a polling station in Kentish Town, north London, to cast his vote in the local elections for Camden Council.
The Labour leader, who lives in Kentish Town, which is part of the borough of Camden, held hands with his wife as he walked into the polling station – a community hall in Willingham Close – just after 9.30am.
He said “Good morning” to the photographers and staff at the door.
Boris Johnson appeared to be in good spirits as he appeared at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster to cast his vote in the local elections.
The Prime Minister was smiling and wished reporters a good morning, but was otherwise tight-lipped about an election in which the Conservatives are predicted to lose hundreds of council seats.
Appearing on foot at the polling station at around 7.40am on Thursday morning, Mr Johnson was not with his wife Carrie but was accompanied by his dog Dilyn.
All eyes on the national picture
Boris Johnson insisted he would lead the Tories into the next general election as he faced a potentially difficult set of local elections.
The Prime Minister faces a cost-of-living crisis, the fallout from his fine over a lockdown-busting birthday party in No 10 and scandals involving Tory MPs as voters head to the ballot boxes today.
Environment Secretary George Eustice acknowledged that “all prime ministers will always be very conscious of the mood in their parliamentary party”, in response to speculation that poor results on Thursday could lead to more letters of no confidence from Tory MPs.
But Mr Johnson said he had the “right agenda for the country” and “of course” he would lead the party into the next general election – and win it.
What’s happening in South Ribble?
There are several district councils where there is no borough-wide poll this year – and South Ribble is one of them.
One by-election is taking place in the Earnshaw Bridge ward, where a replacement for long-serving councillor Bill Evans, who passed away back in March, is being decided.
We’ve explained it all HERE
Chorley’s great debate
Paul also rounded up candidates in Chorley to pitch to voters ahead of making their big decision today.
What’s the story in Chorley?
This year in the borough, 45 candidates are vying for a place at the town hall. The ruling Labour group and Conservative opposition - the only two parties currently represented on the authority - are contesting each ward, as is the Green Party.
We’ve rounded up what you need to know if you’re heading to the polls in Chorley HERE
Candidates have their say
Our reporter Paul Faulkner held a debate with candidates in Preston in the run-up to polling day.
The hour-long hustings can be watched below if you’re still thinking about which box to put your ‘X’ in.
The lowdown on Preston
There are contests in all of the city council’s 16 wards, with the authority electing a third of its total number of councillors as part of an electoral cycle in which it stages polls in three out of every four years.
All you need to know, including a full list of candidates and voting information can be found HERE