Reform take three councils from Labour as Starmer’s election nightmare continues

• Reform UK has taken three councils from Labour following Thursday’s local elections.
• The party took control of Sunderland City Council – a Labour stronghold for 50 years – by securing 39 seats.
• Former Sunderland Labour council leader Graeme Miller and Sunderland Conservative group leader Antony Mullen were among those who lost their places on the council.
• Reform has also won Thurrock in Essex, taking 28 of the first 32 seats to be declared.
• It also took control of Barnsley Council after more than 50 years of Labour rule, with applause erupting when the majority was announced.

IN FULL

Local election results live: Labour humiliated in England and Wales while Reform surge in huge blow to Starmer