Why these local elections matter, and what results to expect

Sean O’Grady on whether voter ID, the coronation or the economy will influence the results

8,000 council seats are up for grabs across England (PA Wire)

Less than a week remains until local elections in England that will mark the first major test of Rishi Sunak’s popularity. National factors such as the economy and public services usually dominate the pattern of voting, but local elections are always made more complicated by local factors – HS2, housing developments, sewage, migrants billeted in hotels, council tax and felled trees (Sheffield and Plymouth) will also be at work. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Independents should do well, and the Conservatives look destined for a beating.

How many council seats are up for grabs, and where?

Council elections are being held in 230 of England’s 317 councils, plus some races for directly-elected mayors in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.