Good morning!
Welcome back to the Politics Hub on this Saturday, 3 May.
The dust is settling after a political earthquake shook Britain, with Reform UK decimating Labour and the Tories to take two mayoralties, control of 10 councils, and a parliamentary by-election by just six votes.
The Tories were roundly rejected, losing 677 councillors – and by extension, control of every single council they were contesting.
Labour were also pummelled, losing 189 councillors and control of the one council they were defending.
The Liberal Democrats performed solidly, winning 163 new council seats, and with them, control of three councils.
In the wake of the results, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she is “deeply sorry to see so many capable, hard-working Conservative councillors lose their seats” – but defended her efforts so far to reform the party after last year’s general election loss.
Sir Keir Starmer made the point to broadcasters, and again in The Times newspaper, that he hears the anger of voters, and vowed to go “further and faster” in delivering the change to Britain that he promised.
Nigel Farage is jubilant, meanwhile, but as the euphoria fades after some extraordinary results, his new mayors and councillors have to now deliver on their promises to voters.
And Sir Ed Davey is also celebrating the results – and he is the only party leader who we are currently expecting to see today, although that could change, of course.
Here in the Politics Hub, we will be taking in reaction to the results throughout the day and covering any developments. Could Starmer decide to reshuffle his cabinet to reinvigorate his government? Could Badenoch decide to make changes?
Whatever happens, follow live updates right here and across Sky News.