Local election results: Ask John Rentoul anything as public opinion is tested ahead of general election

The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul is here to answer all your questions

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Khan leave their polling station (EPA)

Voters took to the polls yesterday in a series of local elections seen as the final test of public opinion ahead of this year’s looming general election.

Most of the 2,636 seats up for re-election were last contested in 2021, at the peak of Boris Johnson’s popularity as the Covid-19 vaccine was rolled out.

Voters will be choosing the mayor of London, members of the London assembly, police and crime commissioners across England and Wales, and electing 10 other mayors in places outside the capital.

As I outlined here, the Conservative Party is likely to see a significant drop in the number of seats they hold on councils. However, all eyes are turning towards a handful of important mayoral races, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak might find some comfort.

The main event is undoubtedly Sadiq Khan’s attempt to win an unprecedented third term as mayor of London. While the outcome seems certain, the focus will be on how much his victory margin falls short of what Labour had hoped for.

If you have a question on the local elections or, once they come in, the results, submit it now, or when I join you live at 1pm on Friday 3 May for the “Ask Me Anything” event.

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