UK holds local elections as May seeks show of strength

There are nearly 2,400 posts being contested, including six new combined authority mayors created under devolution deals with Scotland and Wales.

While councillors will be elected by a simple majority, the combined authority mayors will be chosen under the supplementary voting system, giving people a first and a second choice. 

The turnout and results of the local polls are expected to reflect on the outcome of the June 8 general election. 

Most councils will declare results tomorrow afternoon, with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester mayors expected to be announced tomorrow evening. 

Council seats are also open to votes in 88 councils in Scotland and Wales. 

If the Opposition Labour party loses control of its Midlands councils of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, it could be taken as an indication for the party's popularity in these areas in the forthcoming general election. 

These areas voted heavily to leave the European Union in the June 2016 referendum and will provide an indication as to which way Labour's Brexit heartlands will vote on June 8. 

The ruling Conservative party seems ahead in many of the council seats up for elections and a decisive victory could be taken by May as an indication of things to come in the general election. 

The British Prime Minister had officially flagged off the election campaign on Wednesday after her meeting with Queen Elizabeth II to seek the dissolution of Parliament. 

However, all parties have moved into a low-key campaign mode today as the local elections take place. 

May has already taken a strong stand on Brexit negotiations. 

She had yesterday accused European politicians and officials of issuing "threats" to influence the upcoming general election in her country. 

The British Prime Minister's strongly-worded statement at the doorstep of her official Downing Street residence in London minutes after her visit to the Palace highlighted the centrality of Britain's exit from the European Unionas the main issue in the upcoming polls. 

She reiterated her resolve to get a good deal for Britain and make a success of Brexit with her "strong and stable" leadership, as opposed to Opposition Labour party's "coalition of chaos".