Why these local elections matter, and what to expect

Less than a week remains until local elections in England that will mark the first major test of Rishi Sunak's popularity. 

- SEAN O'GRADY

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.

Some 8,058 council seats are being contested. Many are in socalled "Red Wall" zones in the East Midlands, West Midlands and the North; "Blue Wall" areas such as the Home Counties are also well-represented.

You can check if voting is taking place for your local council here, and check the official election cycle for England's local authorities here. Broadly, all seats are up for grabs in:

9 metropolitan boroughs, including the cities of Liverpool and Wolverhampton

32 unitary authorities, including cities such as Nottingham, Derby and York

105 district councils

One third of seats are up for grabs in:

14 unitary authorities

23 metropolitan boroughs

47 district councils 

There are no elections at all in Greater London, Wales or Scotland. In Northern Ireland, elections are taking place in 11 councils on Thursday 18 May.