Labour lost hundreds of councillors in England while Reform UK made stunning gains at the local elections.

City of York Council does not have local elections in May 2026, with the local authority’s next scheduled elections for May 2027

York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith said “leaders need a clear plan” and “dogged determinism to follow it” to get out of a “mess that dates back to the financial crash of 2008”.

“When all the votes are counted we can expect to have lost over a thousand hard working local councillors,” the Labour mayor said.

“I’m worried that they’ll be replaced by parties who put division and opportunism before the needs of the public, by parties who care more about furthering their own ambition than building their communities up.

“I am incredibly worried for towns and cities across Yorkshire and the country who, through frustration, have just elected a dysfunctional, divisive, and dangerous party in Reform UK.”

He added: “We need to do far more to address the cost of living crisis, restore pride and purpose in our communities, and give people optimism about the future of our amazing country again.”

The prime minister insisted he would not quit and plunge the country into chaos after Reform UK piled on councillors across the country, as Nigel Farage claimed there had been a “truly historic shift in British politics”.

Sir Keir Starmer, whose position was already under pressure over Labour’s plummeting poll ratings, said: “The results are tough, they are very tough, and there’s no sugar-coating it.

“We have lost brilliant Labour representatives across the country, these are people who put so much into their communities, so much into our party.

“And that hurts, and it should hurt, and I take responsibility.”

Mr Skaith said: “I do not think it is the right thing to do to default to the chopping and changing of governments that we saw four years ago.

“It’s unstable. But, communities in York and North Yorkshire and across the country need, now more than ever, to clearly see and feel that this is a government that is on their side and is taking steps to prove that.

“I will certainly be continuing to do everything I can to deliver a positive difference to the communities of York and North Yorkshire.”

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Based on results so far, Bookmakers William Hill has Nigel Farage’s party odds-on at 10/11 to win the most seats at the next general election.

The party has so far gained 645 councillors, compared to losses of 468 for Labour and 283 for the Conservatives.

Mr Farage said: “It’s a big, big day, not just for our party, but for a complete reshaping of British politics in every way.”

Numbers for the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are in the positive but at a low level compared to Reform, with gains of 33 and 86 respectively.

But beyond the headline numbers, it matters where losses and gains are made, with both Labour and the Conservatives now vulnerable in traditional heartlands that previously shored up an entrenched two-party dominance.

Reform has already made significant gains at the expense of both parties.

A crash on the M4 is causing “long delays” in Neath Port Talbot as all traffic is held.

Traffic monitoring service Inrix stated at 3.26pm today (Friday, May 8) that lane two (of two) on the M4 westbound was closed due to an accident between J42 A483 (Swansea East / Briton Ferry) and J43 A465 (Llandarcy).

Four minutes later Inrix confirmed all traffic is being “temporarily held, with stationary traffic”, from J42 Swansea East to J43 Llandarcy.

Traffic Wales warned there are “long delays in the area” and advised drivers to “take care when passing”.

The M4 is also partially blocked westbound by an obstruction on the road near junction 23 Magor.

We will have the latest in the live blog below.

He was ordered not to enter the county of Norfolk, not to contact directly or indirectly Mountbatten-Windsor, not to approach or attempt to approach him, and not to go to or be within 500m of the following royal estates: Sandringham Estate, Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle, Windsor Castle and Highgrove.

David Beckham has called David Attenborough a ‘national treasure’ as he joined a host of other famous names in wishing the broadcaster a happy 100th birthday.

The environmentalist has said he is ‘completely overwhelmed’ by messages he had received ahead of his big day, which will include a concert on Friday evening at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Leading the tributes, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and David Beckham shared photographs of Sir David.

Posting on Instagram, David captioned three images showing the BBC star with gorillas and an iguana by saying: ‘Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.’

Meanwhile, the King and Queen wished him a very happy birthday, adding: ‘Enjoy your special celebration this evening!’

In a video, Prince William, who previously worked with Sir David on the environmental award the Earthshot Prize, said: ‘Everything you do continues to inspire me. Have a very happy day.’

The clip, posted on Earthshot prize’s account, also featured conservationist Robert Irwin, 22, the son of the late wildlife educator Steve, who said: ‘Happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough.

‘Thank you so much for inspiring me and generations to have a deeper understanding and connection to what’s more important: our beautiful natural world.’

The Duke of Sussex also wished the natural historian well, as he wrote: ‘His most significant contribution has been the systematic dismantling of the notion that climate issues are happening ‘somewhere else.

‘Young people continue to listen to him not just for the spectacle of nature, but for a sense of continuity in an unstable world.’

Actor Sir Ian McKellen added that Sir David ‘sums up what was best about the BBC’ with ‘serious programmes made for a popular audience’.

‘His ability to communicate his own enthusiasms are very precious and he’s brought such joy to so many people,’ he said.

‘And I think, along with a lot of people, my favourite television programmes are probably natural history.’

Responding to his birthday messages, Sir David said: ‘I simply can’t reply to each of you separately, but I’d like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: have a very happy day.’

Beginning his TV career presenting Zoo Quest in 1954, Sir David went on to host a series of phenomenal nature documentaries such as Planet Earth to The Blue Planet.

Earlier this week, the beloved naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his centenary ‘quietly’, but conceded that the Great British public had had ‘other ideas’.

The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast tonight on BBC One, is just one of many events to mark his birthday.

The Natural History Museum’s exhibition presented by Sir David will also be transformed into a free five-minute show in central London.

On top of this, Our Story With David Attenborough will be adapted to be shown at Outernet London on Tottenham Court Road from Sir David’s birthday on May 8.

People will be able to see the veteran BBC nature presenter take viewers through the history of people and the Earth, before presenting a vision of London’s future.

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But happen it most certainly did. The Burnley entrepreneur who made his fortune selling white vans took on the banks and won, establishing Burnley Savings and Loans which helps local business and ploughs all its profits into charitable causes.

Sam Lupton and Hayley Tammadon (Picture: Mark Brenner)

Dave is now an established TV ‘talking head’ and his story has already spawned two Netflix movies, a documentary and a best-seller.

But Bank of Dave the Musical, receiving its world premiere at the Lowry, proves that there is still space for one more retelling of this David and Goliath story.

Forget any other version you may have seen, this show is a total departure from what has gone before. It’s got bags of heart, is crammed full of Northern charm, at times it gets surreal – dancing pigs and a policeman turned Cher impersonator anyone – it’s very funny and it genuinely is a great night out at the theatre.

That’s in part due to a really strong cast; there isn’t a weak link to be found.

Sam Lupton is perfect as Dave Fishwick, capturing his almost schoolboy-like enthusiasm and eternal optimism perfectly. He’s also got the Burnley accent nailed. As the man himself said at the end of a glittering press night ‘he’s more like me than I am’.

Hayley Tammadon revels in the role of Dave’s wife Nicky, the power behind the throne who keeps her man on track and provides total support no matter how outlandish his big ideas become.

Written by Rob Madge and with songs by Pippa Cleary, the show cleverly avoids the trap of falling into Northern stereotypes. Instead it emerges as a love letter to towns like Burnley, blighted by declining industry and whose population refuses to be bowed.

The stereotypes are reserved for southerners in general and bankers in particular. It would be interesting to see the reaction of audiences below Watford Gap to the show. Members of the financial community may certainly want to pretend they do something else for a living.

Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Hugo in Bannk of Dave the Musical (Picture: Mark Brenner)

Lucca Chadwick-Patel as the London lawyer sent up to advise Dave on his bid to create a bank turns in a performance well worth singling out. He’s initially there to fleece the ‘country bumpkin’ but goes rogue and is won over to the cause. His song What Heroes Do is one of the many stand-out musical moments in the show.

Lauryn Redding as the feisty doctor Alex is a powerhouse vocalist and natural comedian and West End regular Claire Moore has Maureen, the landlady of the Talbot where much of the show is based, off to a tee.

Special mention too to Hannah Nuttall as the totally bonkers Mavis, Dave’s long-time secretary and Samuel Holmes and Mark Peachey as ‘evil’ bankers.

What should be celebrated with Bank of Dave the Musical is that here we have an original British musical with more than 20 original songs. There’s no repurposing established hits, no turning to the jukebox formula. The songs have hooks to die for and lyrics which are so clever, so moving and so funny, you can’t wait for the next one to come along.

The staging will be instantly familiar for anyone who has ever been to Burnley. Local landmarks have been built into the set and there is clever use of large video screens. At one point there’s even a computer game sequence as Hugh the lawyer channels his inner Zelda to fight the good fight.

Bank of Dave the Musical (Picture: Marc Brenner)

As a brand new show there is little to criticise. It is a tad too long, the first half could lose a song and be none the worse for it. But as it gathers momentum it will tighten up.

It’s a celebration of the underdog, of community spirit and northern humour. It’s cheeky, slightly rude in a seaside postcard kind of way; it’s got real pathos and will have you laughing out loud.

Bank of Dave the Musical does Burnley proud.

Until Saturday, May 16. Details from www.thelowry.com

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.   

Alexander Isak is in contention to return from a groin injury for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Saturday.

The Sweden international made his comeback from an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture last month after missing 22 games for Liverpool.

Isak has been eased back but suffered a groin injury during training last week which ruled him out of the 3-2 defeat away to Manchester United last Sunday.

However, Liverpool’s £125 million signing returned to training this week and Arne Slot has confirmed that the striker could feature against Chelsea at Anfield in Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off.

‘Alex trains with us again,’ Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

‘Only yesterday for the first time. So that’s a positive. Yesterday he did parts of it, so hopefully he can do parts, or everything, today and let’s then see how much we’re going to use him tomorrow.

‘Giorgi [Mamardashvili] will train with us today for the first time so let’s see how he’s going to react.’

Slot also confirmed that both Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah remain unavailable.

‘Alisson not yet, doesn’t train with us yet but very close to,’ said Slot.

‘Mo also not trained with us yet but is also, like Ali, getting very, very, very close to training with us.’

Slot also clarified why Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz did not take part in training earlier this week.

‘Ibou had a personal reason not to be there, but he was there yesterday and today again,’ Slot said.

‘And Florian was a bit unwell but he trained with us yesterday also.’

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The Scottish Labour leader admitted defeat at the election count in Glasgow.

Anas Sarwar has conceded the Holyrood election to the SNP after a crushing defeat.

The Scottish Labour leader pointed the finger at the UK Government by blaming a “national wave” of anger.

Sarwar had based his campaign of toppling the SNP on prioritising 38 constituencies across the country.

But Labour is getting hammered by the Nationalists in the seats and may only win a couple at best.

It is unclear whether the SNP will win an outright majority.

The defeat comes against a backdrop of anger with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Sarwar called for Starmer to quit earlier this year but his demand appeared to make no difference with voters.

At the election count in Glasgow, Sarwar said: This clearly is a disappointing result for us as a Scottish Labour party. We argued the case for change….it’s an argument we lost.”

Asked if he blamed the PM, he said: “Is there a national wave though that we tried to overcome, but failed to do so? Yes.”

He was also asked if he would stay in post after leading Labour to two defeats at Holyrood elections:

“My party is hurting. We are disappointed. We advocated for change. We didn’t win that argument, but it’s my job to hold us together and that’s the job I intend to do.”

He also said: “I don’t believe the snp will win a majority.”

READ MORE: Scottish election 2026: Counting gets underway as first results set to be declared

OPINION

Paul Hutcheon

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“My friend joked you’ve got Piranhas, black caymen crocodiles, jaguars, green anacondas and Tribes, then there’s some rocket from Ballybeen running across the jungle with a rucksack on and they are not sure what is more of a danger!

A Dundonald man says he is “absolutely buzzing” to take part in a huge ultra-marathon through the Amazon Rainforest as he raises funds for a local special needs charity.

Timmy Ramsay is preparing to take on a 230km ultra-marathon through the rainforest in Peru, while carrying 12kg worth of supplies on his back, and says he is excited to take on the once in a lifetime challenge. He will also face temperatures over 30 degrees, average humidity of 80%-90% and climbs to heights five times the size of Slieve Donard.

He will have to do this while dodging jaguars, snakes, spiders and other deadly creatures, who will now also have the chance to meet a man from Ballybeen.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Timmy said he is using the opportunity to raise money for a local charity that provides vital support to young adults with learning disabilities, Four G, which is based in his hometown. He said he chose the charity because he has seen the good work it does firsthand and loves the upbeat spirit and humour of those involved with it.

He said: “A few years ago I overheard some lads in the gym talking about the marathon throught he rainforest and I thought that it sounded like something I would like to do. I love pushing my body to it’s limits and so far I have never found my limit and I always want more. Although I firmly believe the jungle will challenge me and I am determined to complete it, with my girlfriend saying I am not allowed home if I don’t!

“My friend joked you’ve got Piranhas, black caymen crocodiles, jaguars, green anacondas and Tribes, then there’s some rocket from Ballybeen running across the jungle with a rucksack on and they are not sure what is more of a danger!

“I am a Dundonald man through and through and love doing what I can for my community which is why I have decided to raise money for Four G as I have seen the great work that Johnny and the team does there giving them work placements, adventure and new experiences. I just hope I can raise a bit of money to help them and everything will be donated straight to the chairty.

“If anyone would like to make a kind donation, they can do by going over to the Four G Instagram or Facebook and hit the link.

“I would just like to give a huge thank you to my PT Carl Wright at Invictus Gymnasium in Dundonald for the training and programming on the lead up. I knew carl was the man for the job, with iron men, and over 100 milers under his belt.”

Johnny Walker from Four G said: “Four G day opportunities service provides full time placements, for young adults with a learning disability. We are based in Dundonald and we are very active in the local & wider community. We offer a wide variety of activities suitable for the age group and at present we have 4 staff, Jonathan, Ashleigh, Kyra & Stacey and 10 young adults.

“Our weekly programme includes cookery, gym sessions, well being sessions, volunteering programs- food bank and helping out on a farm. Football training and life skills.

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“Some of our young adults have permanent work placements within the community.

“We pride ourselves on the opportunities and experiences we offer our young adults, from shows to day trips over the water.

“Our friend Timmy Ramsay has taken on the ultimate challenge of running the worlds toughest foot race – a 230KM ultra marathon across the Amazon rainforest.

“Timmy will be facing 30 degree heat, elevating heights, wild animals and will be carrying all his supplies needed for the duration.

“Timmy has chosen to raise money for Four G, your support is much appreciated.”

If you would like to donate to Timmy’s fundraiser you can do so via this link.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Thousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon which returned to the West Bank city of Bethlehem after a two-year pause because of restrictions over the Gaza War.

The event, which attracted runners and spectators from across the West Bank and overseas, happened in conjunction with a race in Gaza, as a fragile ceasefire in the Palestinian Territory continues to hold.

Wyre Davies reports from the event in Bethlehem.