feeling pleasant in any sunshine. and the trend is for there to be quite a lot of dry weather through the rest of the week ahead, with temperatures rising in the warmest spots more widely into the low 20s. live from london. this is bbc news... in london, labour's sadiq khan has secured a third term as mayor of london beating conservative susan hall. in the past hour, andy burnham is also re—elected as mayor of greater manchester, with more than 63% of the vote. in the race to be mayor of the west midlands, a full recount is ordered in one area. conservative andy street is hoping to hold on but the contest is looking very close. good afternoon, i'm geeta guru murthy and welcome to this bbc local election special. labour's sadiq khan has secured a third term as the mayor of london with 44% of the vote,

beating conservative candidate susan hall on 33%. elsewhere, in the last few hours, labour have secured victories in greater manchester, where andy burnham was re—elected with over 60% of the vote share, and in west yorkshire, where mayor tracy babin also won re—election. we'll bring you the remaining results as and when they happen. let's speak to reem ibrahim, who is a young conservative and political commentator, and communications officer at the institute of economic affairs. and communications officer at thank and communications officer at you forjoining us. vi watching thank you forjoining us. we are watching the west midlands. first of all on that, i don't know if you have heard anything but what... how disappointing would it be to lose that for andy street? we disappointing would it be to lose that for andy street?— that for andy street? we saw teesside's — that for andy street? we saw teesside's mayoral— that for andy street? we saw teesside's mayoral election l that for andy street? we saw| teesside's mayoral election as that for andy street? we saw - teesside's mayoral election as well and because we have three extra elections occurring this week that effectively it meant that there was a lot more for the conservatives to lose and what is really interesting

in regard to the local elections as well is that they have been a kind of area where there is so much more for them to lose. because they did so well in 2021, it was the height of the vaccine roll—out and so support for the conservative party has significantly increased. if they were to lose west midlands, it would be usually damaging when it comes to how the labour party have been able to slightly overturn the conservative vote in those highly... high brexit voting areas. i5 conservative vote in those highly... high brexit voting areas.— high brexit voting areas. is this whole comedy _ high brexit voting areas. is this whole comedy public _ high brexit voting areas. is this whole comedy public poll, - high brexit voting areas. is this whole comedy public poll, the i high brexit voting areas. is this i whole comedy public poll, the first time i think we have had one since the liz truss era, is this public vote parti'r efail reflection of that plus the borisjohnson premiership? that plus the boris johnson premiership?— that plus the boris johnson --remiershi? ., ., ., ., premiership? the national government we have at the — premiership? the national government we have at the moment _ premiership? the national government we have at the moment is _ premiership? the national government we have at the moment is very - we have at the moment is very different to the one that we had and the liz truss and the one we had underjohnson. we still have the highest tax burdens and we have huge problems when it comes to the

economy and again the conservative party tend to like to sort of frame themselves as the party of the economy. i think this is important because local elections are often seen as a parameter for how things are going to look at the general election. we know that the local elections have a lower turnout so it is not entirely accurate but the polls really are showing that this will be... a historic defeat for the conservative party. this is interesting, we are not seeing a huge amount of enthusiasm for the labour party. and actually under keir starmer, there seems to be this kind of level. the support seems to be more so a support against the conservatives... a vote against the conservatives... a vote against the conservative party rather than support for the labour party. how do ou draw support for the labour party. how do you draw that — support for the labour party. how do you draw that conclusion _ support for the labour party. how do you draw that conclusion when - support for the labour party. how do | you draw that conclusion when labour have doubled their numbers in the council votes and look like potentially they could take the west midlands, had taken london with an increased percentage gain? yes. midlands, had taken london with an increased percentage gain?- increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down _ increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down to _ increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down to a _ increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down to a lower— increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down to a lower turnout - increased percentage gain? yes, it comes down to a lower turnout but also the fact the conservative party

themselves have not got an ideological direction and again when it comes to the conservative party vote, in teesside for example, that candidate did not really use the conservative branding, they tried to separate themselves from the national party. support for conservatism, free—market liberalism, has not gone downhill over the last few years. what has reduced significantly as support for this particular national government and again with regard to the way in which the local elections have worked, we have seen a huge decline in the conservative vote and as a result of that, they started off quite high back in 2021, that result has been reduced. there does not seem to be a huge amount of enthusiasm for the labour party and when it comes to the way in which the media have commented on the elections and ackley the way in which people have spoken about the labour party themselves as well, there does not seem to be a huge amount of support them in terms of

that enthusiasm for the direction in the national government. that that enthusiasm for the direction in the national government.— the national government. that is 'ust an the national government. that is just an inference. _ the national government. that is just an inference. in _ the national government. that is just an inference. in terms - the national government. that is just an inference. in terms of. the national government. that is| just an inference. in terms of the direction of travel for rishi sunak now, he only has a few months, should he be changing tack? i would like to see a — should he be changing tack? i would like to see a government _ should he be changing tack? i would like to see a government that - should he be changing tack? i would like to see a government that is - like to see a government that is slightly smaller and we see the housing crisis reducing as well and what i think is interesting especially within london is this housing crisis is really the most important issue for young people. the conservatives have entirely abandoned that. we still have the highest act burdens since the second world war and are still seeing huge increases in regulation on housing and what that does mean is the supplies restricted. we are not building more homes which we need to be doing but the conservative party, politically have not been able to do that as a result of many of their own voters being homeowners... just to cut in west —— one moment, does anyone on the right of the party take any blame for the results we are seeing now and what liz truss did to the economy? the public

opinion polls did take a nosedive at that point. and these polls a reflection of that? the that point. and these polls a reflection of that?— that point. and these polls a reflection of that? the polls are worse now _ reflection of that? the polls are worse now than _ reflection of that? the polls are worse now than they _ reflection of that? the polls are worse now than they were - reflection of that? the polls are| worse now than they were under reflection of that? the polls are - worse now than they were under liz truss. i think what is interesting about that is again there are two very different definition of what conservatism means. borisjohnson seemed to have been electorally more popular but that does not necessarily mean those policies were any different to what we're seeing now. unfortunately we have seen quite a few years of managed decline when it comes to the economy and i think it's easily interesting from a party member perspective but also as an average member of the public. rishi sunak was rejected not only by the electorate and his own party members but by parliamentarians themselves and so what is interesting about this is even though he is prime minister, he is one of the least democratically elected at least prime ministers we have had in a very long time. we are seen as a result of these local elections a rejection of the

conservative national direction as well as this kind of managed decline. ~ ., ., , ., well as this kind of managed decline. ~ ., ., ~' well as this kind of managed decline. ., ., ~ ., well as this kind of managed decline. ~ ., ., ~ ., , decline. who would you like to see leave the party. — decline. who would you like to see leave the party. if— decline. who would you like to see leave the party, if there _ decline. who would you like to see leave the party, if there is - decline. who would you like to see leave the party, if there is a - leave the party, if there is a defeat? i leave the party, if there is a defeat? ., ~' leave the party, if there is a defeat? ., ~ ., , , defeat? i would like to see somebody come into number _ defeat? i would like to see somebody come into number ten _ defeat? i would like to see somebody come into number ten and _ defeat? i would like to see somebody come into number ten and prime - come into number ten and prime minister genuinely believing the government has the propensity to do more harm than good. and they believe and ashley solving the housing crisis but i don't see anyone that does that now. who anyone that does that now. who specifically? _ anyone that does that now. who specifically? there _ anyone that does that now. who specifically? there is _ anyone that does that now. who specifically? there is no - anyone that does that now. who specifically? there is no one - anyone that does that now. who specifically? there is no one in l anyone that does that now. who i specifically? there is no one in the -a i specifically? there is no one in the party i think _ specifically? there is no one in the party i think is _ specifically? there is no one in the party i think is advocating - specifically? there is no one in the party i think is advocating for- party i think is advocating for those policies. this party i think is advocating for those policies.— those policies. as a young conservative, _ those policies. as a young conservative, you - those policies. as a young conservative, you are - those policies. as a young conservative, you are not| those policies. as a young - conservative, you are not feeling optimistic about the future of the conservatives? i optimistic about the future of the conservatives?— optimistic about the future of the conservatives? i would like to see an ideological _ conservatives? i would like to see an ideological change _ conservatives? i would like to see an ideological change within - conservatives? i would like to see an ideological change within the i an ideological change within the party. in my personal time, i am also a party member but my full—time workers caring about these ideas aren't caring about the comic liberalism. but i care about people keeping more of what they earn and i don't see anyone advocating for

those changes.— don't see anyone advocating for those chances. �* ,, ~ .,, those changes. don't you think those ideas were badly _ those changes. don't you think those ideas were badly executed _ those changes. don't you think those ideas were badly executed by - those changes. don't you think those ideas were badly executed by liz - ideas were badly executed by liz truss and kwasi kwarteng and that is why we are where we are today? ida. i why we are where we are today? no, i think what liz — why we are where we are today? no, i think what liz truss _ why we are where we are today? no, i think what liz truss did _ why we are where we are today? no, i think what liz truss did and _ why we are where we are today? iirr. i think what liz truss did and we can get into an analysis about her premiership, but she saw huge increases in public spending through the energy price guarantee and that is a timid —— ultimately what did shock the markets. i would never argue for unfunded tax cuts. i would like to see someone come in and manage the budget but reducing national debt, reducing public spending, allowing people to keep more of what they are in. the conservative party at the moment are robbing people of money they have rightfully earned themselves and thatis rightfully earned themselves and that is morally wrong but also economically wrong throughout society, people deserve to keep more of what they earn and i think you ask as a young person, someone in my early 20s, the housing crisis is the most important issue of the conservative party and government have failed to solve it. they have

failed to increase housing supply, reduce the regulatory burden. and thatis reduce the regulatory burden. and that is all due to political incentives. people that vote conservative, the pensioners, they don't necessarily care about the housing crisis because it does not affect them. i housing crisis because it does not affect them-— housing crisis because it does not affect them. . , ~ . ., affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he — affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he has _ affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he has tried _ affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he has tried very - affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he has tried very hard - affect them. i am sure michael gove would say he has tried very hard on | would say he has tried very hard on that front. thank you forjoining us. i want to quickly show you if we can pictures from the london city hall because we are waiting for the declaration of sadiq khan as london mayor. you can see people gathering. we will go straight back there as soon as they appear on stage but we arejoined now by soon as they appear on stage but we are joined now by someone from the opposite wing of politics. let's speak to andrew fisher, who served as director of policy of the labour party, underjeremy corbyn, from 2015 to 2019. thank you for your time today. hasn't the results we have seen in

the last three days proved that jeremy corbyn was wrong and keir starmer is right to move the party back into the pluto centre? i think it has proved _ back into the pluto centre? i think it has proved the _ back into the pluto centre? i think it has proved the conservatives i back into the pluto centre? i think| it has proved the conservatives are deeply unpopular, as the opinions shown and indeed the results that we have seen over the last 48 was have shown. and there is good reason for that. the economy is stagnating, nhs waiting lists are the ways they however being, living standards are lower at the end of this parliament than they were at the beginning, thatis than they were at the beginning, that is unique, that has never happened before. and you look around you everywhere there is a shortage of social care workers, teachers, the country is in a terrible state and people want change and it is no surprise. i don't think it is necessary about the positioning of the labour party because what you have seen is yes... the labour party because what you have seen is yes. . ._ have seen is yes... don't you give keir starmer _ have seen is yes... don't you give keir starmer credit _ have seen is yes... don't you give keir starmer credit for _ have seen is yes... don't you give keir starmer credit for these - keir starmer credit for these results? ., , ., ., ~ ., results? no, it is the hard work of labour party _

results? no, it is the hard work of labour party candidates _ results? no, it is the hard work of labour party candidates and - results? no, it is the hard work of labour party candidates and it - results? no, it is the hard work of labour party candidates and it is l labour party candidates and it is not down to individuals. if you look at the results, very good results in direct contest with the conservatives and that is good news, places like redditch, the east midlands, hartlepool and other places, which labour needs to win in a general election and that is good news but what you also see is where there is a younger progressive part of the labour core vote, that is switching a little bit to greens, independents, stay at home, and we have seen similar losses in places or areas where labour could really suffer defeat if it is not careful, places like blackburn, stroud, bristol, which labour has held in the recent past, have been lost or labour has lost ground. there is a wake—up call as well not to be complacent and not to neglect your base which labour has done over issues like gaza, tuition fees, the green new deal, deleting those policies unnecessarily. thea;r

green new deal, deleting those policies unnecessarily. they would not acce -t policies unnecessarily. they would not accept that _ policies unnecessarily. they would not accept that it _ policies unnecessarily. they would not accept that it has _ policies unnecessarily. they would not accept that it has been - policies unnecessarily. they would | not accept that it has been deleted more than they would have to come with the comic assessment. thea;r more than they would have to come with the comic assessment. they have arestatin with the comic assessment. they have gestating gas — with the comic assessment. they have gestating gas -- _ with the comic assessment. they have gestating gas -- justified _ with the comic assessment. they have gestating gas -- justified it _ with the comic assessment. they have gestating gas -- justified it in - gestating gas —— justified it in those terms but they have admitted they are putting in less money because you cannot achieve the outcomes if you not put in the investment. there is no doubt about that. irate investment. there is no doubt about that. ~ ., , investment. there is no doubt about that. ~ . , ., investment. there is no doubt about that. . . , , ., . . that. we have seen some falling and su ort that. we have seen some falling and support from — that. we have seen some falling and support from some _ that. we have seen some falling and support from some parts _ that. we have seen some falling and support from some parts of - that. we have seen some falling and support from some parts of the - support from some parts of the population in gaza. how worried are you a someone who wrote —— work for the labour party to see that and do you think the labour party can realistically change any policy whilst maintaining broad support of the public? i whilst maintaining broad support of the ublic? ., whilst maintaining broad support of the ublic? ~ ., , , whilst maintaining broad support of the ublic? ~ . , , ., the public? i think it has been an unnecessary _ the public? i think it has been an unnecessary mess _ the public? i think it has been an unnecessary mess that _ the public? i think it has been an unnecessary mess that labour i the public? i think it has been an. unnecessary mess that labour has the public? i think it has been an - unnecessary mess that labour has got itself into over this issue.— itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew, itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew. i— itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew, iwill_ itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew, i will have _ itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew, i will have to _ itself into over this issue. sorry, andrew, i will have to interrupt l andrew, i will have to interrupt you. we will take you to the london assembly results. sorry about that. the official declaration as to the result of the poll from thursday.

before i do that, i am going to invite the candidates for the mayor of london contested johnny on the stage. —— contest tojoin me on the stage. whoopeing and cheering. this is the official declaration of the poll result for the gla election for the mayor of london. i give notice as the greater london returning officer that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at this election is as follows. animal

welfare party, people, animals, environment, 29,280. count binface for mayor of london. 24,260. rob blackie, liberal democrat, 145,184. natalie denise campbell, independent, 40,000 815. reform uk, london deserves better, 78,806 t5. amy gallagher, social, party,

34,449. wooden independent, 24,702. susan mary hall, the conservative party candidate, 812,397. sadiq khan, labour party,

whooping and cheering. independent, 26,121. london real party, transform london, 7501. britain first, known to immigration, 20,590. that makes the total number of good votes cast on thursday, 2,484,432. i need to take you through the ballot —— rejected and the reasons. one for an official mark...

for writing all marks by which the voter could be identified, 129. unmarked or void for uncertainty, 7878. making the total number of rejected ballot papers 11,127. the total number of back —— ballot papers counted on thursday, 2,495,559. our papers counted on thursday, 2,495,559. 0ur electorate for this election was 6 million. and we had a turnout on thursday as you know already of 40.5%. i therefore declare that sadiq khan has been duly elected as mayor of

london. whooping and cheering. i invite... iinvite... i i invite... i invite sadiq khan to the left to speak. thank you. thank you from the bottom of my— thank you. thank you from the bottom of my heart _ thank you. thank you from the bottom of my heart. thank you london. can you please... can you please... these security will remove people who disrupt the speech. i made it

very clear that was not to happen. applause. thank you from the bottom of my heart. _ thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you, london. it is the honour— heart, thank you, london. it is the honour of— heart, thank you, london. it is the honour of my— heart, thank you, london. it is the honour of my life to serve the city that i_ honour of my life to serve the city that i love — honour of my life to serve the city that i love. and i are beyond humbled _ that i love. and i are beyond humbled right now. i want to express my deep— humbled right now. i want to express my deep gratitude to my fellow londoners. and make this pledge to you. londoners. and make this pledge to you i_ londoners. and make this pledge to you. i promise to repay the trust you. i promise to repay the trust you have — you. i promise to repay the trust you have placed in me by working tirelessly— you have placed in me by working tirelessly to deliver the fairer, safer— tirelessly to deliver the fairer, safer and _ tirelessly to deliver the fairer, saferand greener tirelessly to deliver the fairer, safer and greener london by you deserve — safer and greener london by you deserve it— safer and greener london by you deserve. it has been a difficult a difficult — deserve. it has been a difficult a difficult few months. we faced a campaign of nonstop negativity but i

could not— campaign of nonstop negativity but i could not be more proud that we answered — could not be more proud that we answered fair mongering with facts. eight, _ answered fair mongering with facts. eight, with— answered fair mongering with facts. eight, with hope. and attempts to divide _ eight, with hope. and attempts to divide with efforts to unite. we run a campaign — divide with efforts to unite. we run a campaign that was in keeping with the spirit _ a campaign that was in keeping with the spirit and values of this great city. the spirit and values of this great city a _ the spirit and values of this great city. a city— the spirit and values of this great city. a city that regards our diversity— city. a city that regards our diversity not as a weakness but an almighty— diversity not as a weakness but an almighty strength. and one that rejects — almighty strength. and one that rejects right hardware and populism and looks— rejects right hardware and populism and looks forward and not back. it is truly— and looks forward and not back. it is truly an— and looks forward and not back. it is truly an honour to be re—elected for a _ is truly an honour to be re—elected for a third — is truly an honour to be re—elected for a third term. and to do so... to do so _ fora third term. and to do so... to do so with— for a third term. and to do so... to do so with record levels of support from _ do so with record levels of support from londoners with an increased margin— from londoners with an increased margin of— from londoners with an increased margin of victory. but today' —— today— margin of victory. but today' —— today is — margin of victory. but today' —— today is not _ margin of victory. but today' —— today is not about making history, it is about — today is not about making history, it is about shaping our future. a future _ it is about shaping our future. a future where our children can be nourished — future where our children can be nourished and free —— with free

school — nourished and free —— with free school meals and breathe cleaner air. school meals and breathe cleaner air~ where — school meals and breathe cleaner air. where all londoners are given the support— air. where all londoners are given the support and helping hand they need to— the support and helping hand they need to fulfil their pension. and where _ need to fulfil their pension. and where our— need to fulfil their pension. and where our social fabric is strengthened and our diverse communities cherished and celebrated. my determination to ensure _ celebrated. my determination to ensure london leaves from the front with world _ ensure london leaves from the front with world leading green action remains — with world leading green action remains a — with world leading green action remains a strong —— as strong as ever. — remains a strong —— as strong as ever. we _ remains a strong —— as strong as ever. we have already made great strides _ ever. we have already made great strides cleaning up the air and we will continue to tackle pollution, whether— will continue to tackle pollution, whether it is found on our streets or in_ whether it is found on our streets or in our— whether it is found on our streets or in our rivers. at the same time, i or in our rivers. at the same time, i pledge _ or in our rivers. at the same time, i pledge to — or in our rivers. at the same time, i pledge to have a constant focus on all the _ i pledge to have a constant focus on all the other issues that londoners also care _ all the other issues that londoners also care about, the rising cost of living, _ also care about, the rising cost of living, crime _ also care about, the rising cost of living, crime on our streets, homelessness, affordable housing. for the _ homelessness, affordable housing. for the last eight years, london has been _ for the last eight years, london has been swimming against the tide of a

tory government. and now, with a labour— tory government. and now, with a labour party— tory government. and now, with a labour party that is ready to govern again— labour party that is ready to govern again under— labour party that is ready to govern again under keir starmer, it is time for rishi _ again under keir starmer, it is time for rishi sunak to give the public choice. _ for rishi sunak to give the public choice. a — for rishi sunak to give the public choice, a general election will not 'ust choice, a general election will not just pave — choice, a general election will not just pave the path to a new direction _ just pave the path to a new direction for our country but it will make _ direction for our country but it will make the bold action londoners want to— will make the bold action londoners want to see a reality. it will also have _ want to see a reality. it will also have a _ want to see a reality. it will also have a message to those londoners who did _ have a message to those londoners who did not — have a message to those londoners who did not vote for me this week. i promise _ who did not vote for me this week. i promise i_ who did not vote for me this week. i promise i will always be a mayor for all londoners and one that takes very seriously the duty i have to represent — very seriously the duty i have to represent the interests of every community. and i must say a massive thank— community. and i must say a massive thank you _ community. and i must say a massive thank you to _ community. and i must say a massive thank you to my campaign team for their hard _ thank you to my campaign team for their hard work and dedication. you have _ their hard work and dedication. you have all— their hard work and dedication. you have all been brilliant. i also want to thank— have all been brilliant. i also want to thank keir starmerand have all been brilliant. i also want to thank keir starmer and the shadow cabinet _ to thank keir starmer and the shadow cabinet for— to thank keir starmer and the shadow cabinet for all their support. to thank keir starmer and the shadow cabinet foralltheir support. our cabinet for all their support. our smb cabinet foralltheir support. our smb members and candidates, our

council— smb members and candidates, our council leaders and councillors across — council leaders and councillors across the _ council leaders and councillors across the country. our volunteers, trade _ across the country. our volunteers, trade unionists and labour party members — trade unionists and labour party members. and the returning officer and everyone here at city hall for ensuring — and everyone here at city hall for ensuring londoners could make their voices— ensuring londoners could make their voices heard. i have a special thank you to _ voices heard. i have a special thank you to my— voices heard. i have a special thank you to my mother for everything she has done _ you to my mother for everything she has done for— you to my mother for everything she has done for me both by love you. and to _ has done for me both by love you. and to my— has done for me both by love you. and to my amazing wife and our daughters — and to my amazing wife and our daughters for their strength and support— daughters for their strength and support throughout all these years. i support throughout all these years. i know— support throughout all these years. i know they have been times when thisiob _ i know they have been times when thisiob has — i know they have been times when thisjob has taken i know they have been times when this job has taken a toll on you and that is— this job has taken a toll on you and that is not— this job has taken a toll on you and that is not right or fair. some of the staff— that is not right or fair. some of the staff on— that is not right or fair. some of the staff on social media, the protests— the staff on social media, the protests at my home, the threats are upsetting. _ protests at my home, the threats are upsetting. it — protests at my home, the threats are upsetting, it is frightening, and it is wrong — upsetting, it is frightening, and it is wrong i— upsetting, it is frightening, and it is wrong. i am truly sorry for putting — is wrong. i am truly sorry for putting you through this. but i also know— putting you through this. but i also

know you _ putting you through this. but i also know you share my belief as hard as it can _ know you share my belief as hard as it can be _ know you share my belief as hard as it can be sometimes this work is worth— it can be sometimes this work is worth doing. because it beans being able to— worth doing. because it beans being able to give to other families the same _ able to give to other families the same life — able to give to other families the same life changing opportunities that this — same life changing opportunities that this wonderful city has extended two hours. i love you all. i extended two hours. i love you all. i find _ extended two hours. i love you all. i find it _ extended two hours. i love you all. i find it -- — extended two hours. i love you all. i find it —— final thank you must go to our— i find it —— final thank you must go to our fellow — i find it —— final thank you must go to our fellow londoners, the people who make _ to our fellow londoners, the people who make the city very special and the greatest city in the world. once again. _ the greatest city in the world. once again. you — the greatest city in the world. once again, you have proved that london is a city— again, you have proved that london is a city of— again, you have proved that london is a city of progress, a city of tourism, _ is a city of progress, a city of tourism, and above all, a city of possibility _ tourism, and above all, a city of possibility. a beacon for openness, inclusion— possibility. a beacon for openness, inclusion and equality across the world _ inclusion and equality across the world it — inclusion and equality across the world it is — inclusion and equality across the world. it is londoners who inspire me every— world. it is londoners who inspire me every day to continue our mission of building _ me every day to continue our mission of building a — me every day to continue our mission of building a fairer, safer and

greener— of building a fairer, safer and greener london and what i hope will be a year— greener london and what i hope will be a year of— greener london and what i hope will be a year of great change, a future labour _ be a year of great change, a future labour government led by keir starmer, — labour government led by keir starmer, working with us in city hall will— starmer, working with us in city hall will mean we can out —— can go much _ hall will mean we can out —— can go much further — hall will mean we can out —— can go much further and accomplish so virtual — much further and accomplish so virtual. ensuring that for our capital— virtual. ensuring that for our capital and our country our brightest days are still ahead of us. brightest days are still ahead of us thank— brightest days are still ahead of us. thank you. sadiq - us. thank you. sadiq khan giving his thanks to his family and supporters and let me just bring injohn curtice. he referred to the toxicity of this campaign. susan halljoining various facebook groups, there has been a lot of worry about his personal safety and he talked about the honour of the job.— safety and he talked about the honour of the job. honour of the 'ob. yes, he did. it was a very — honour of the job. yes, he did. it was a very personal _ honour of the job. yes, he did. it was a very personal speech. - honour of the job. yes, he did. it was a very personal speech. he l honour of the job. yes, he did. it i was a very personal speech. he was indicating the potential toll on his family, his wife, and it is sometimes nice to see a politician

demonstrating a little bit about personal relationships as opposed to rhetoric but clearly the circumstances to which he was referring are not necessarily very nice. susan hall has to take responsibly for herself as to some of the things she has said on twitter, but truth be told, it is rare now to find a politician who has not occasionally said something on twitter that perhaps with a slightly —— might preferred not to have said. and just wrapping up for this hour, where are we with the result is that we have had, a big victory in london but we're still waiting for the from west midlands. it is but we're still waiting for the from west midlands.— west midlands. it is a big victory. and i west midlands. it is a big victory. and i don't _ west midlands. it is a big victory. and i don't want _ west midlands. it is a big victory. and i don't want to _ west midlands. it is a big victory. and i don't want to diminish - west midlands. it is a big victory. | and i don't want to diminish sadiq khan's achievements but actually swinging london of around 3% since 2021 is on the low side as compared with the letter of the results we have had since last thursday. including some of the other mayoral contest. in the west midlands, a

negative information, we have had a result from west midlands, the police and crime commissioner election, labourare police and crime commissioner election, labour are already holding the office and they have defended it, the swing to labour in that, for .5%. it is exactly what richard parker needs in order to defeat andy street. of course, the swing is not necessarily the same in the west midlands mayoralty, another reason why we are into —— anticipating the result could be very close. why we are into -- anticipating the result could be very close.- why we are into -- anticipating the result could be very close. there is a recount going _ result could be very close. there is a recount going on _ result could be very close. there is a recount going on in _ result could be very close. there is a recount going on in coventry - result could be very close. there is a recount going on in coventry for. a recount going on in coventry for that. we are not sure when that result is going to come in. and this confirms your prediction that we have heard from you before that if a general election is called this year, as the prime minister has said he will be out of office.— he will be out of office. across the whole plethora _ he will be out of office. across the whole plethora of _ he will be out of office. across the whole plethora of results. - he will be out of office. across the whole plethora of results. there i he will be out of office. across the i whole plethora of results. there is one silver lining to the electoral cloud that basically has hung over the conservative party since the first results came out on thursday

and that was the victory in tees valley. the trouble is if you look at these mayoral contest, they are about personalities rather than just about personalities rather than just about party. and we can see already from what we know that the west midlands that clearly andy street has done better for his conservative colleagues on the police and crime commissioner elections, that in itself is a testament to the fact that andy street personally can win votes that other conservatives in the west midlands, as early do so. very quickly, any final surprises from this? what is your overall sense? ., , , ., , sense? the honest truth is that this set of results _ sense? the honest truth is that this set of results is _ sense? the honest truth is that this set of results is pretty _ sense? the honest truth is that this set of results is pretty much - sense? the honest truth is that this set of results is pretty much what i set of results is pretty much what we would have anticipated, given what the opinion polls have been telling us about the mood of the country and where the conservative party and the labour party and dribble democrats stand. and to that extent at least it has not really been a set of circumstances... we are waiting for the west midlands and if indeed labour have scraped home, that i think will be the

surprise of the set of elections but we might have to wait quite a long time by the sound of it before we get to know what the outcome of that is. ., , get to know what the outcome of that is. . , ., , , . is. that is the fun of the public vote, democracy _ is. that is the fun of the public vote, democracy in _ is. that is the fun of the public vote, democracy in action, - is. that is the fun of the public| vote, democracy in action, and is. that is the fun of the public . vote, democracy in action, and all that. thank you very much, john curtice. all the results are online of course and we are continuing to bring you a tour live. —— bring you eight all life. thank you for being with us so far today. keep watching. live from london, this is bbc news. efforts are intensifying to secure a deal for the release of hostages in gaza and a ceasefire, as talks take place in egypt. a hamas delegation is attending the talks in cairo. labour's sadiq khan has been re—elected for a record third term as london mayor, defeating conservative susan hall. the death toll in brazil reaches 56, after flooding and mudslides. almost 70 people are missing.

brazilian authorities are warning that rising water levels are putting dams under strain and threatening the metropolis of porto alegre. and the wait is almost over for the world's largest live music event — with the eurovision song contest kicking off in malmo, sweden, this weekend. sport, and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's 0lly foster. many thanks indeed. ipswich town will be back in the premier league next season. they secured promotion on the final day of the championship, beating huddersfield 2—nil. jubilant fans invaded the pitch at fulltime. the win sees them finish

second in the table, behind champions leicester city. ipswich were last in the top division 22 years ago, and this was their second promotion in a row, after coming up from league one last season. it is elation, it is a relief as well to be honest, because we know well to be honest, because we know we put ourselves in an incredible position and for everyone else really, you just want them to face this and you want to get it over the line. so it is relief, it is pride, it is so many emotions, but all positive. arsenal are finishing the season strongly, as they chase their first premier league title in 20 years. they have gone four points clear of manchester city at the top, after beating bournemouth 3—nil at the emirates stadium. despite creating numerous chances, they only led through a bukayo saka penalty at halftime. declan rice set up leandro trossard for a second, before scoring himself deep into injury time. bournemouth were unhappy with a number of refereering decisions, but the gunners deserved the win. and that puts the pressure on city,

who have just kicked off against wolves, and it's four wins in a row now for the gunners. very happy. from the beginning, the quality, the composure, the energy that we played with, it seems like it is not affecting the team and i was really impressed, especially hide the first time, it should have been three, four, five. we were high, there were really difficult ones and you are waiting for something that doesn't happen. but thatis something that doesn't happen. but that is where we are, we are enjoying the race and i want to continue to grow, do our bit and play. continue to grow, do our bit and .la . ., continue to grow, do our bit and -la . ., , ., continue to grow, do our bit and play. for me, i repeat, they were better than _ play. for me, i repeat, they were better than others, _ play. for me, i repeat, they were better than others, but _ play. for me, i repeat, they were better than others, but i - play. for me, i repeat, they were better than others, but i don't - better than others, but i don't think— better than others, but i don't think it — better than others, but i don't think it should go the way it has gone _ think it should go the way it has gone the — think it should go the way it has gone, the game. because in these key moments _ gone, the game. because in these key momentsjust before half—time, that is when _ momentsjust before half—time, that is when we _ momentsjust before half—time, that is when we were playing well, we were _ is when we were playing well, we were pushing, we were having chances 'ust were pushing, we were having chances just scored _ were pushing, we were having chances just scored 2—1, a lot of minutes to

play for— just scored 2—1, a lot of minutes to play for and — just scored 2—1, a lot of minutes to play for and obviously, i do not agree _ play for and obviously, i do not agree with _ play for and obviously, i do not agree with the refereeing today. there is that city game, that has just kicked off against wolves at the etihad. it is goalless, they are only in the fourth minute. city have two games in hand on arsenal. we've had three other results in the premier league. brentford against fulham was goalless. burnley lost 4—1 at home to newcastle. the clarets are now five points off safety, with two to play. they look doomed. that's after nottingham forest came from behind to beat bottom side sheffield united 3—1. a great result for them. they are now three points above relegation. happy, happy for the players, especially for the fans. but since we arrive, all the things that we have produced on the pitch made us feel that maybe this moment will come before, you know what i mean? but it is good because the players,

they reacted really well when sheffield scored it was not easy. that shows and it tells a lot about the character and the togetherness of the players. but we have to go, we have to keep going. it is not over. i think we made a good step, which was important, but it is not over. rest, recoverwell which was important, but it is not over. rest, recover well and which was important, but it is not over. rest, recoverwelland prepare for chelsea. real madrid could win la liga in the next couple of hours. they have beaten cadiz 3—nil to move 14 points clear of barcelona at the top of the table. the goals came in the second half. brahim diaz scored their first and jude bellingham added a second two minutes after coming off the bench. they will win the title if barca fail to beat girona later. real play bayern munich in midweek in the second leg of their champions league semi—final. they were beaten 3—1 by third—placed stuttgart in the bundesliga. dortmund look in better shape for their champions league semi—final against psg, they thumped augbserg 5—1.

and you can see barcelona, who have just scored against gerona, so they are looking to keep that title race alive. although they are a long way behind real madrid. kyren wilson is through to his second world snooker championship final, after beating dave gilbert. resuming their semi—final with a 14—10 lead, wilson clinched the three frames required to eventually win 17 frames to 11. wilson, who lost to ronnie 0'sullivan in 2020, will play eitherjakjones or stuart bingham in the final. the second semi—final resumes in the next 90 minutes, jones leads bingham13—10, after winning five frames in a row in the second session. jones is looking to become the first qualifier since ding junhui in 2016 to reach the final. cycling's first grand tour of the year, the giro d'italia, is under way. the opening stage finished

in turin with ineos grenadiers ecuadorean rider jhonatan narvaez beating maximilian shackman and race favourite tadej pogacar in a sprint finish. last year's runner—up, great britain's geraint thomas, was tenth. lots more on the bbc sport website. gerona havejust lots more on the bbc sport website. gerona have just equalised against barcelona. that could be good news for real madrid. but that's all from me for now. thank you very much indeed. let's return to one of our top stories today — we're following developments in the local election in the uk i hope you have got a feed of the count, because we would like to listen in. because the results are coming in for the birmingham portion of the west midlands election.

1338. just soo—min, please. —— can you just zoom in, please. 1338. just soo-min, please. -- can you just zoom in, please.— 1338. just soo-min, please. -- can you just zoom in, please. thank you, eve one. you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone- just _ you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone- just to _ you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone. just to let _ you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone. just to let you _ you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone. just to let you know, - you just zoom in, please. thank you, everyone. just to let you know, they| everyone. just to let you know, they are just _ everyone. just to let you know, they are just collating... apologies, we were not able to give you a feed close—up of that. but i am joined by the west midlands political editor. i couldn't hear all of that, i have to confess, it was a bit chaotic. tell me what you

heard. it was a bit chaotic. tell me what you heard. ., , ., , was a bit chaotic. tell me what you heard. ., ., , . ., ., . was a bit chaotic. tell me what you heard. ., , . . �*y was a bit chaotic. tell me what you heard. , .. �*y , heard. it was a bit chaotic. by my reckoning. _ heard. it was a bit chaotic. by my reckoning. it _ heard. it was a bit chaotic. by my reckoning, it was _ heard. it was a bit chaotic. by my reckoning, it was the _ heard. it was a bit chaotic. by my| reckoning, it was the birmingham result, _ reckoning, it was the birmingham result, let's explain the result. the birmingham area result for the west midlands mayoral election. by my reckoning, it was a lead for labour— my reckoning, it was a lead for labour of— my reckoning, it was a lead for labour of around 14,000 votes. so that is— labour of around 14,000 votes. so that is a _ labour of around 14,000 votes. so that is a bit— labour of around 14,000 votes. so that is a bit down on where they were _ that is a bit down on where they were in— that is a bit down on where they were in 2021. and i didn't catch, i have _ were in 2021. and i didn't catch, i have got— were in 2021. and i didn't catch, i have got to — were in 2021. and i didn't catch, i have got to confess, the result for the independent candidate who stood on a pro—palestine ticket. i would imagine _ on a pro—palestine ticket. i would imagine he — on a pro—palestine ticket. i would imagine he has done relatively well. ithink— imagine he has done relatively well. i think that — imagine he has done relatively well. i think that will be a bit concerning the labour, it probably shows— concerning the labour, it probably shows how — concerning the labour, it probably shows how close the selection is and why we _ shows how close the selection is and why we are _ shows how close the selection is and why we are waiting on a recount in coventry— why we are waiting on a recount in coventry at— why we are waiting on a recount in coventry at the moment. yes. why we are waiting on a recount in coventry at the moment. yes, indeed. it is worth reminding _ coventry at the moment. yes, indeed. it is worth reminding people _ it is worth reminding people watching this, these things happen quickly so we do just not get that moment because theyjust got to the stage and that was that. but the

point of all of this as there are seven local authorities effectively counting this to decide who is going to be the next mayor of the west midlands. but what we found in the last few hours is that it is not a done deal for any of the candidates. we have been saying throughout the day it was going to be close. but in coventry, they are now on a recount. they have checked the bundles of votes _ they have checked the bundles of votes and — they have checked the bundles of votes and something has been seen which _ votes and something has been seen which caused the conservative to push _ which caused the conservative to push for— which caused the conservative to push for a — which caused the conservative to push for a recount and that is going on at _ push for a recount and that is going on at the _ push for a recount and that is going on at the moment. i am getting the figures _ on at the moment. i am getting the figures through and the independent candidates got 42,923 votes in birmingham, akhmed yakoob. that is a pretty— birmingham, akhmed yakoob. that is a pretty staggering performance from an independent who without wishing to be rude, — an independent who without wishing to be rude, nobody had heard of. he to be rude, nobody had heard of. ho. became to be rude, nobody had heard of. became quite to be rude, nobody had heard of. he: became quite a tiktok sensation. to be rude, nobody had heard of. he| became quite a tiktok sensation. but in political circles, nobody had heard — in political circles, nobody had heard of— in political circles, nobody had heard of him until about a month ago

and when _ heard of him until about a month ago and when the election period started _ and when the election period started. �* , ., ., and when the election period started. �*, ., ,, ., started. let's talk about him, sinale started. let's talk about him, single issue _ started. let's talk about him, single issue candidate - started. let's talk about him, single issue candidate in - started. let's talk about him, | single issue candidate in many started. let's talk about him, - single issue candidate in many ways. he campaigned on the issue of gaza. he campaigned on the issue of gaza. he was trying to appeal, one would assume, looking at his message, to voters who particularly might have favoured the labour party, who were not happy with the way keir starmer has handled the party's position on that. i spoke tojess phillips about an hour ago, that. i spoke tojess phillips about an hourago, she that. i spoke tojess phillips about an hour ago, she was one of the labourfront who quit an hour ago, she was one of the labour front who quit the front bench over the party's stance on gaza, which has now changed. but initially, people likejess phillips were calling for an immediate ceasefire. that is very telling in itself that mr yakoob has managed to get that many votes because if it is a close race overall, could that make a difference? although it is first past the post so explain how that works. it first past the post so explain how that works-— that works. it could make a difference. _ that works. it could make a difference. what _ that works. it could make a difference. what we - that works. it could make a difference. what we don't l that works. it could make a - difference. what we don't know until we can— difference. what we don't know until we can get— difference. what we don't know until we can get into these numbers or go through— we can get into these numbers or go through them, are those 42,000

people. _ through them, are those 42,000 people, the bulk of those people people _ people, the bulk of those people people who would have voted labour or new _ people who would have voted labour or new people who just wouldn't have voted _ or new people who just wouldn't have voted at _ or new people who just wouldn't have voted at all? that is what we don't know _ voted at all? that is what we don't know at _ voted at all? that is what we don't know at the — voted at all? that is what we don't know at the moment. i'm quite astonished by that number, though. he has— astonished by that number, though. he has certainly managed to get a lot of— he has certainly managed to get a lot of support together. he has run guite _ lot of support together. he has run quite an— lot of support together. he has run quite an unconventional campaign, a lot of— quite an unconventional campaign, a lot of it _ quite an unconventional campaign, a lot of it is _ quite an unconventional campaign, a lot of it is online and he hasn't taken — lot of it is online and he hasn't taken part— lot of it is online and he hasn't taken part in the traditional hustings or anything like that. but this issue — hustings or anything like that. but this issue of the conflict in gaza is so _ this issue of the conflict in gaza is so powerful. many people across the west _ is so powerful. many people across the west midlands, it is a very diverse — the west midlands, it is a very diverse part of the country and clearly, — diverse part of the country and clearly he _ diverse part of the country and clearly, he has tapped into that. if you speak— clearly, he has tapped into that. if you speak to people from the labour party in_ you speak to people from the labour party in the — you speak to people from the labour party in the west midlands, they are fairly open— party in the west midlands, they are fairly open about the fact they haven't— fairly open about the fact they haven't managed to deal with that issue _ haven't managed to deal with that issue going right back to when keir starmer— issue going right back to when keir starmer made some comments in a radio— starmer made some comments in a radio broadcast in october and took quite _ radio broadcast in october and took quite a _ radio broadcast in october and took quite a long time to clean them up. they have _ quite a long time to clean them up. they have never really got over that _ they have never really got over that that — they have never really got over that. that number, the 42,000 votes for the _ that. that number, the 42,000 votes for the independent akhmed yakoob, is evidence _ for the independent akhmed yakoob, is evidence of that. we for the independent akhmed yakoob, is evidence of that.—

is evidence of that. we are also waitin: , is evidence of that. we are also waiting. we _ is evidence of that. we are also waiting, we have _ is evidence of that. we are also waiting, we have three - is evidence of that. we are also waiting, we have three now - is evidence of that. we are also waiting, we have three now in, | is evidence of that. we are also i waiting, we have three now in, so is evidence of that. we are also - waiting, we have three now in, so we are waiting for four more, one waiting, we have three now in, so we are waiting forfour more, one is in are waiting forfour more, one is in a recount and that is commentary, tell us about the other three. brute tell us about the other three. we are currently waiting on walsall, i was there — are currently waiting on walsall, i was there yesterday for the local council _ was there yesterday for the local council elections. the conservative vote held _ council elections. the conservative vote held up pretty well, there were independent candidates standing against _ independent candidates standing against labour, a lot of the people were _ against labour, a lot of the people were splinter groups from the labour party and _ were splinter groups from the labour party and they resigned over the gaza _ party and they resigned over the gaza issue — party and they resigned over the gaza issue and labour were not able to take _ gaza issue and labour were not able to take those seats back. so it will be interesting to see what comes from _ be interesting to see what comes from there. we are also waiting to hear from — from there. we are also waiting to hear from dudley. my understanding is the _ hear from dudley. my understanding is the conservatives are pretty happy — is the conservatives are pretty happy with where they are in dudley and they— happy with where they are in dudley and they think they have got to about— and they think they have got to about the place they should be. and that is— about the place they should be. and that is after a council result labour— that is after a council result labour pushed it back into no overall— labour pushed it back into no overall control after several years of conservative control. so lots of interesting — of conservative control. so lots of interesting results still to come. out of— interesting results still to come. out of 600,000 or so votes cast, my understanding from the campaign

teams _ understanding from the campaign teams as— understanding from the campaign teams as we could be talking about less than— teams as we could be talking about less than 2,000. so it really is nip and took, — less than 2,000. so it really is nip and took, very close. 30 less than 2,000. so it really is nip and took, very close.— less than 2,000. so it really is nip and took, very close. so that 41,000 could make — and took, very close. so that 41,000 could make a — and took, very close. so that 41,000 could make a difference. _ and took, very close. so that 41,000 could make a difference. it _ and took, very close. so that 41,000 could make a difference. it could - could make a difference. it could make a difference, _ could make a difference. it could make a difference, absolutely. i could make a difference. it could i make a difference, absolutely. how it works _ make a difference, absolutely. how it works is _ make a difference, absolutely. how it works is everybody in the seven local— it works is everybody in the seven local authority areas vote and eventually, all those votes are piled _ eventually, all those votes are piled into _ eventually, all those votes are piled into one and it is first past the post — piled into one and it is first past the post. simple majority, then. every— the post. simple majority, then. every vote — the post. simple majority, then. every vote will count for the final result _ every vote will count for the final result. ~ . ., every vote will count for the final result. ~ . . ., ,., every vote will count for the final result. . . . ., ,., ., result. we can hear banging and clatterin: result. we can hear banging and clattering because _ result. we can hear banging and clattering because there - result. we can hear banging and clattering because there are - clattering because there are clearing up the tables now, the counting is finished, but it is here where the overall regional result will be announced. it where the overall regional result will be announced.— will be announced. it will be, it could be a _ will be announced. it will be, it could be a couple _ will be announced. it will be, it could be a couple of— will be announced. it will be, it could be a couple of hours' - will be announced. it will be, it| could be a couple of hours' time will be announced. it will be, it - could be a couple of hours' time to .et could be a couple of hours' time to get the _ could be a couple of hours' time to get the recount in coventry so i don't _ get the recount in coventry so i don't think— get the recount in coventry so i don't think we are going anywhere for a _ don't think we are going anywhere for a while — don't think we are going anywhere for a while. but we will get the final— for a while. but we will get the final result here tonight. thank you so much for— final result here tonight. thank you so much for taking _ final result here tonight. thank you so much for taking us _ final result here tonight. thank you so much for taking us through - final result here tonight. thank you | so much for taking us through those results so far. as i was discussing with rob, one issue that could really make a difference in this race is the issue of gaza, the

independent candidate akhmed yakoob getting about 42,000 votes in the birmingham results here. earlier, i spoke to the labour mp for birmingham yardleyjess phillips and she told me more about that. itrefoil. she told me more about that. well, as ou've she told me more about that. well, as you've reported, _ she told me more about that. well, as you've reported, there _ she told me more about that. well, as you've reported, there is - she told me more about that. well, as you've reported, there is a - as you've reported, there is a bundle — as you've reported, there is a bundle check going on. the results seem _ bundle check going on. the results seem varied across the different areas _ seem varied across the different areas and — seem varied across the different areas and there are lots of different local authorities within this area — different local authorities within this area of birmingham, obviously very different to a naturally labour city, very _ very different to a naturally labour city, very different to solihull, are naturally conservative borough. let's pick _ are naturally conservative borough. let's pick up on that, solihull did see a swing, although andy street has got a massive majority in that particular solihull area. there was a 5% swing away from him to the labour party. how much are you reading into that? i labour party. how much are you reading into that?— labour party. how much are you reading into that? i mean, i don't think the labour— reading into that? i mean, i don't think the labour party _ reading into that? i mean, i don't think the labour party is - reading into that? i mean, i don't think the labour party is ever- reading into that? i mean, i don't. think the labour party is ever going to target— think the labour party is ever going to target a — think the labour party is ever going to target a place like solihull in the election, although it was lib dem _ the election, although it was lib dem for— the election, although it was lib dem for a — the election, although it was lib dem for a while before 2015. but i

think— dem for a while before 2015. but i think what— dem for a while before 2015. but i think what we are seeing, what we have _ think what we are seeing, what we have been— think what we are seeing, what we have been seeing across all the areas _ have been seeing across all the areas and — have been seeing across all the areas and through the local elections as well as the mayoralty it is even— elections as well as the mayoralty it is even when tories are getting across— it is even when tories are getting across the — it is even when tories are getting across the line, conservatives are getting _ across the line, conservatives are getting across the line in those seats, — getting across the line in those seats, the swing towards the labour party— seats, the swing towards the labour party is _ seats, the swing towards the labour party is one — seats, the swing towards the labour party is one that gives me reasons to be _ party is one that gives me reasons to be cheerful for the future. do ou to be cheerful for the future. you think to be cheerful for the future. drr you think you can pull it off here? you know what, i have changed my mind _ you know what, i have changed my mind every— you know what, i have changed my mind every five minutes throughout this entire _ mind every five minutes throughout this entire campaign, which has been grilling _ this entire campaign, which has been grilling certainly for the less number— grilling certainly for the less number of weeks. yes, i very much hope _ number of weeks. yes, i very much hope that— number of weeks. yes, i very much hope that we — number of weeks. yes, i very much hope that we can pull it off here, but it _ hope that we can pull it off here, but it is— hope that we can pull it off here, but it is incredibly close. it is not particularly close in any one of the areas. — not particularly close in any one of the areas, there is quite a big difference for both sides in each of the boroughs that makes up the region — the boroughs that makes up the region. and birmingham where we are doing _ region. and birmingham where we are doing a _ region. and birmingham where we are doing a bundle checked, they would have to _ doing a bundle checked, they would have to find quite a lot of bundles in birmingham to change the result in birmingham to change the result in birmingham to change the result in birmingham —— a bundle checked. there _

in birmingham —— a bundle checked. there was— in birmingham —— a bundle checked. there was a — in birmingham —— a bundle checked. there was a clear majority here. one way. there was a clear majority here. one way so _ there was a clear majority here. one way so it _ there was a clear majority here. one way so it is — there was a clear majority here. one way. so it is very close. i am hopeful. _ way. so it is very close. i am hopeful. i_ way. so it is very close. i am hopeful, i am always hopeful, i have been in _ hopeful, i am always hopeful, i have been in this— hopeful, i am always hopeful, i have been in this room for eight hours and i_ been in this room for eight hours and i would — been in this room for eight hours and i would not have stayed here if i and i would not have stayed here if iwasn't _ and i would not have stayed here if i wasn't hopeful, i was meant to be at a barbecue 20 minutes ago! that was a labour _ at a barbecue 20 minutes ago! that was a labour mp _ at a barbecue 20 minutes ago! t'isgt was a labour mpjess phillips. a reminder of those results. from birmingham. and the results for the main two candidates, andy street got 66,296 and richard parkerfor the labour party got 80,000 votes, just over 80,000, just having a look, 80,251. crucially, the independent candidate we were discussing who campaigned solely on the platform of gaza, akhmed yakoob, secured 42,923. so as you can see there, that was

quite a significant margin for the labour party here. but as we were discussing, that is not a surprise in the birmingham metro part of this seat. but what we do know is it is going to be a long night here because we have got a recount in coventry at the moment. so there is a lot of waiting here. and while we wait, i am joined a lot of waiting here. and while we wait, iamjoined by a lot of waiting here. and while we wait, i am joined by andrew mitchell, conservative mp, welcome to bbc news. surely this should have been a done deal for andy street and now we are here waiting for that result? �* , ., ., ., , ., ., result? buy a done deal, you mean if it reflected the _ result? buy a done deal, you mean if it reflected the polls, _ result? buy a done deal, you mean if it reflected the polls, andy _ result? buy a done deal, you mean if it reflected the polls, andy street - it reflected the polls, andy street would _ it reflected the polls, andy street would be — it reflected the polls, andy street would be nowhere. so the fact that we are _ would be nowhere. so the fact that we are now — would be nowhere. so the fact that we are now into recount territory means _ we are now into recount territory means a — we are now into recount territory means a that andy street has won or he has _ means a that andy street has won or he has done — means a that andy street has won or he has done extremely well. and either— he has done extremely well. and either way, he has done extremely well. and eitherway, it he has done extremely well. and either way, it shows the conservative vote here has held up amazingly — conservative vote here has held up amazingly. and were andy street to

win, that _ amazingly. and were andy street to win, that would pose very serious questions — win, that would pose very serious questions i — win, that would pose very serious questions i think for keir starmer about— questions i think for keir starmer about his — questions i think for keir starmer about his electability when the general— about his electability when the general election comes. but whether andy street has won or loss, what it shows _ andy street has won or loss, what it shows is— andy street has won or loss, what it shows is a _ andy street has won or loss, what it shows is a very good result for the conservative party here. if he doesnt conservative party here. if he doesn't win. _ conservative party here. if he doesn't win, that _ conservative party here. if he doesn't win, that is _ conservative party here. if he doesn't win, that is not - conservative party here. if he doesn't win, that is not a - conservative party here. if he | doesn't win, that is not a good result, is it? he is an incumbent, he has run twice here and won. he has been running the birmingham area for two terms, so if he doesn't win, thatis for two terms, so if he doesn't win, that is not a good result for rishi sunak. {3h that is not a good result for rishi sunak. ., , .,, . that is not a good result for rishi sunak. ., , . , sunak. on any ob'ective basis, labour would — sunak. on any objective basis, labour would win _ sunak. on any objective basis, labour would win this - sunak. on any objective basis, labour would win this by - sunak. on any objective basis, | labour would win this by miles. sunak. on any objective basis, - labour would win this by miles. they haven't the two _ labour would win this by miles. iie: haven't the two terms. labour would win this by miles. they haven't the two terms. they - labour would win this by miles. they haven't the two terms. they have . haven't the two terms. they have lost general _ haven't the two terms. they have lost general elections _ haven't the two terms. they have lost general elections during - haven't the two terms. they have lost general elections during that | lost general elections during that time _ lost general elections during that time but— lost general elections during that time. but if andy street is even in contention— time. but if andy street is even in contention here, that is a very good result— contention here, that is a very good result for— contention here, that is a very good result for the conservative party and it _ result for the conservative party and it raises questions for labour, because _ and it raises questions for labour, because this is a real poll, it is not an— because this is a real poll, it is not an opinion poll. and we know

that there — not an opinion poll. and we know that there is a recount here so we know— that there is a recount here so we know andy— that there is a recount here so we know andy street has done extremely well. know andy street has done extremely welt let— know andy street has done extremely well. , , ., , ., ~ well. let me put this to you, mr mitchell. andy _ well. let me put this to you, mr mitchell. andy street _ well. let me put this to you, mr mitchell. andy street barely - mitchell. andy street barely mentioned the conservative party in his campaign literature. he distanced himself from it, it was all about rand andy. he said it was about the place and not the party. firstly, let me be clear, andy street— firstly, let me be clear, andy street has been absolutely brilliant for the _ street has been absolutely brilliant for the west midlands —— brand andy. if for the west midlands —— brand andy. if you _ for the west midlands —— brand andy. if you are _ for the west midlands —— brand andy. if you are not— for the west midlands —— brand andy. if you are not winning, he has left extraordinarily big shoes to be filled — extraordinarily big shoes to be filled. but the fact remains he has done _ filled. but the fact remains he has done an— filled. but the fact remains he has done an absolutely brilliant job. and it _ done an absolutely brilliant job. and it is — done an absolutely brilliant job. and it is slightly patronising of the media to suggest that when people — the media to suggest that when people go to vote, they don't know he is _ people go to vote, they don't know he is a _ people go to vote, they don't know he is a conservative.— he is a conservative. there are len he is a conservative. there are plenty of _ he is a conservative. there are plenty of candidates _ he is a conservative. there are plenty of candidates who - he is a conservative. there are i plenty of candidates who proudly he is a conservative. there are - plenty of candidates who proudly put the conservative logo on their campaign literature, who proudly announce it. his colours, there are green and not even conservative blue. it is not an obvious admission

of him saying, i am a conservative candidate. �* , ,, ., , of him saying, i am a conservative candidate-— candidate. andy street has had a hue candidate. andy street has had a hu . e vote candidate. andy street has had a huge vote on _ candidate. andy street has had a huge vote on any _ candidate. andy street has had a huge vote on any objective - candidate. andy street has had a| huge vote on any objective basis. candidate. andy street has had a i huge vote on any objective basis. in my constituency, people came out and voted _ my constituency, people came out and voted for— my constituency, people came out and voted for him because he was andy street— voted for him because he was andy street and — voted for him because he was andy street and because he was a conservative and that is what most people _ conservative and that is what most people will have done. if you are absolutely adamant she won't vote conservative and you won't have voted _ conservative and you won't have voted for — conservative and you won't have voted for andy street, but he has done _ voted for andy street, but he has done a _ voted for andy street, but he has done a brilliantjob voted for andy street, but he has done a brilliant job and demonstrated conservatives in government, just as ben houchen did being _ government, just as ben houchen did being the _ government, just as ben houchen did being the mayor of the north—east, he has _ being the mayor of the north—east, he has demonstrated conservatives in government can really do things for the people they represent and we are very, the people they represent and we are very very— the people they represent and we are very, very proud in the west midlands _ very, very proud in the west midlands and sutton coldfield of what andy has done during his time as our— what andy has done during his time as our mayor already. you what andy has done during his time as our mayor already.— as our mayor already. you mention ben as our mayor already. you mention iten houchen. _ as our mayor already. you mention ben houchen, he _ as our mayor already. you mention ben houchen, he managed - as our mayor already. you mention ben houchen, he managed to i as our mayor already. you mention ben houchen, he managed to pull| as our mayor already. you mention | ben houchen, he managed to pull it off in tees valley, although i was watching some voters there yesterday saying they voted for him rather than the party. as we go into a general election, everyone is trying to see what lessons can be learnt going into that general election.

whichever way this result goes, what lessons do you think the party needs to take away? i lessons do you think the party needs to take away?— to take away? i think the party needs to face _ to take away? i think the party needs to face to _ to take away? i think the party needs to face to the _ to take away? i think the party needs to face to the front i to take away? i think the party needs to face to the front and | needs to face to the front and deliver— needs to face to the front and deliver for everybody on our pledges _ deliver for everybody on our pledges. rishi sunak has a plan, the plan involves dealing with the migration problems. achieving net zero in _ migration problems. achieving net zero in an— migration problems. achieving net zero in an affordable way. cutting inflatiort — zero in an affordable way. cutting inflation. he is doing well on all of these — inflation. he is doing well on all of these important objectives. i don't _ of these important objectives. i don't see — of these important objectives. i don't see labour having any plan at all. don't see labour having any plan at alt and _ don't see labour having any plan at alt and i_ don't see labour having any plan at all. and i hope that people in the general— all. and i hope that people in the general election comes will stick with the — general election comes will stick with the party that has the plan is to get— with the party that has the plan is to get us— with the party that has the plan is to get us through what is an incredibly difficult situation domestically, but an incredibly worrying — domestically, but an incredibly worrying situation internationally. and i_ worrying situation internationally. and i think when the election comes, people _ and i think when the election comes, people will— and i think when the election comes, people will make a decision as to whether— people will make a decision as to whether they want navigating us through— whether they want navigating us through these very great international difficulties, rishi sunak. — international difficulties, rishi sunak, jeremy hunt and david cameron, _ sunak, jeremy hunt and david cameron, orwhetherthey want sunak, jeremy hunt and david cameron, or whether they want keir starmer— cameron, or whether they want keir starmer and — cameron, or whether they want keir starmer and angela rayner. we cameron, or whether they want keir starmer and angela rayner.- starmer and angela rayner. we will find out in a — starmer and angela rayner. we will find out in a few— starmer and angela rayner. we will find out in a few months _ starmer and angela rayner. we will find out in a few months from - starmer and angela rayner. we will find out in a few months from now. | find out in a few months from now. thank you forjoining us, andrew mitchell, and bbc news. and it is going to be a long night isn't it? i

think it may be. commentary is in a recount and we not expecting a result from that local authority for at least another hour —— coventry. we have had a birmingham and wolverhampton in solihull, so we have more to go. what we thought might be results that would come in around four o'clock could go well into the evening.— into the evening. thank you very much indeed. _ preparations are under way for the eurovision song contest in sweden's third city, malmo. festivities kick—off this weekend. around 100,000 visitors are expected to visit the south—west coast for the world's largest live music event. security is being tightened with large demonstrations planned to coincide with the event. police and organisers say they're well—prepared. the annual pop concert this year is shrouded by complaints from some critics over israel's participation due to the conflict in gaza. let's speak now to pauljordan. he's an expert and media commentator on the eurovision song contest. he's also known as dr eurovision,

due to his phd in the contest. thanks very much for being with us. so one week to go, what can we expect this time around?- expect this time around? good afternoon. _ expect this time around? good afternoon. i — expect this time around? good afternoon, i think— expect this time around? good afternoon, i think we _ expect this time around? good afternoon, i think we can i expect this time around? good | afternoon, i think we can expect expect this time around? cmc afternoon, i think we can expect a brilliant show from sweden, they are a world—class broadcaster. they have brilliant enthusiasm for eurovision. malmo is set for eurovision, we will have three exciting live shows and a range of things happening in the city. so we will see brilliant performances, lots of glitter and costume changes, but also hopefully a lot of fun and the theme this year is, united by music, about bringing people together despite our business —— differences. people together despite our business -- differences-— -- differences. used to work for the son: -- differences. used to work for the song contest. _ -- differences. used to work for the song contest, how— -- differences. used to work for the song contest, how much _ -- differences. used to work for the l song contest, how much organisation goes into an event like this? i was art of goes into an event like this? i was part of the — goes into an event like this? i was part of the communications - goes into an event like this? i —" part of the communications team for three years and a night to the country wins, that is when the planning begins. so i can take my hat off to sweden, i worked in sweden in 2016, they worked incredibly hard. but it is a massive show and 12 months is very ambitious

to turn this around. but they are prepared for it, they know what they are doing. a lot of work goes on, there are lots of rehearsals. it is almost one of the most rehearsed shows in the world. but there is still an element ofjeopardy because it is live television and anything can happen. we have seen stage invasions, performances go wrong. but hopefully on the night, everything will be ok. haifa but hopefully on the night, everything will be ok. how much is the controversy _ everything will be ok. how much is the controversy over _ everything will be ok. how much is the controversy over israel - the controversy over israel overshadowing this particular event? i think it is casting a bit of a shadow. hopefully, the music will be louder than the politics. i understand it is a very difficult situation, but it is also a difficult situation for the organisers because they throughout russia and belarus were breaking the rules and there have been complaints about israel's participation. but technically, the israeli broadcaster and it is a competition between public broadcasters, the israelis technically have not broken rules. they were asked to change the lyrics of their song and their entry because it would seem be political. it was called 0ctober rain, in connection with the terrorist attacks last year. they have changed

the song and they have complied with the song and they have complied with the rules. technically, israel has every right to participate, but it is difficult in what is a political song and what is not depends very much in context. a song about world peace could be seen as political for example. peace could be seen as political for examle. ~ ., peace could be seen as political for examle. ~ . ., peace could be seen as political for examle_ . ., . , , peace could be seen as political for examle.. ., , i. , example. what about briefly any frontrunners? _ example. what about briefly any frontrunners? switzerland - example. what about briefly any frontrunners? switzerland is i example. what about briefly any frontrunners? switzerland is the | example. what about briefly any i frontrunners? switzerland is the big favourites, they _ frontrunners? switzerland is the big favourites, they have _ frontrunners? switzerland is the big favourites, they have got _ frontrunners? switzerland is the big favourites, they have got a - frontrunners? switzerland is the big favourites, they have got a very i favourites, they have got a very good actor. they have not won since 1988, celine dion took the crown one point ahead of the uk.— point ahead of the uk. croatia as well. point ahead of the uk. croatia as well- thank _ point ahead of the uk. croatia as well. thank you _ point ahead of the uk. croatia as well. thank you very _ point ahead of the uk. croatia as well. thank you very much. i point ahead of the uk. croatia as well. thank you very much. stay| point ahead of the uk. croatia as i well. thank you very much. stay with us on bbc news. hello there. saturday saw much cooler weather across scotland and northern ireland. now, friday was a really warm and sunny day, one of the warmest we've seen actually this year, with temperatures widely of 23 degrees in western scotland today, while temperatures are about nine degrees lower today. the big reason for that change is we had much more extensive cloud and the cloud was thick enough to bring some quite persistent rain to northern ireland.

cloud sheets extended southwards from scotland into the north of both england and wales. the rest of the sunshine was to the south of that. now, overnight tonight, we're going to keep those cloudy skies in place across scotland and northern ireland, still with a few patches of rain around, probably a few mist areas as well. across wales, the midlands, east anglia, southern england, dry to start off with the night, we'll probably start to see some splashes of rain arrive towards south—west england by the end of the night. and that rain is all tied in with the weather front that's moving up from france. so through sunday, that weather front will extend northwards, bringing some rain across from south—west england into southern wales, central southern england. scotland and northern ireland stay cloudy, with a few patches of rain. the best of the sunshine will be across north wales, parts of northern england, the midlands, east anglia

and south—east england. where the sunshine comes out, it should feel quite pleasant. now heading into bank holiday monday, low pressures to the south of the uk with this weather fronts still bringing the threat of some rain across southern counties of england. the rain may well turn more showery nature through the afternoon, but those showers could be heavy and thundery over the north. we're also likely to see some thunderstorms break out across parts of scotland and northern england as well, but that still leaves parts of wales, into the midlands and parts of northern england where we'll have the best of the day's sunshine breaking through. temperatures not doing too badly. we're looking at highs between 15 and 17 degrees. but then as we look at the forecast deeper into next week, high pressure is going to start to dominate the weather picture. it's not the strongest high you've ever seen, so there probably will still be some showers around. and for tuesday, those showers are most likely to form across western areas of the country. the best of the sunshine, east anglia, southern parts of england, northern ireland, probably not doing too badly as well. top temperatures ranging from around 16 to 19 degrees celsius. feeling pleasant in any sunshine. and the trend is for there to be quite a lot of dry weather through the rest of the week ahead, with temperatures rising in the warmest spots more

widely into the low 20s.

live from london. this is bbc news... in london it's a record third term as the capital's mayor for labour's sadiq khan after he defeated conservative susan hall. andy burnham is also re—elected to a third term as mayor of greater manchester, while in the west midlands, the race is too close to call, with conservative incumbent andy street hoping to hold on. hamas officials are taking part in talks in cairo on a possible deal for the release of hostages

and a ceasefire in gaza. and tens of thousands of madonna fans are set to crowd rio's copacabana beach in brazil, ahead of a free concert by the us pop star. hello and welcome to the programme. labour's sadiq khan has secured a record third term as mayor of london beating conservative susan hall. mr khan is london's first leader to secure three terms since the post was created in 2000. within the last hour we've heard from sadiq khan, here's his reaction to the result. it has been a difficult few months. we have faced a campaign of nonstop negativity. but i could not be more

proud that we answered fear