until the early hours of tomorrow. lots to talk about, but first, jonathan blake has a round—up of all the election news. overnight success for labour in london as the first results came in. the party one councils they've never held in the capital as the conservatives lost long—held packets of control. celebrations in the sunshine for the labour leader, but there were questions early on about his party's limited gains further afield. . , ., his party's limited gains further afield. . ., his party's limited gains further afield. . , ., ., ., his party's limited gains further afield. . ., ., ., , afield. have you done enough outside london? this — afield. have you done enough outside london? this is _ afield. have you done enough outside london? this is a _ afield. have you done enough outside london? this is a massive _ afield. have you done enough outside london? this is a massive turning - london? this is a massive turning oint, london? this is a massive turning point. from _ london? this is a massive turning point. from the — london? this is a massive turning point, from the depths _ london? this is a massive turning point, from the depths of- london? this is a massive turning point, from the depths of 2019, i london? this is a massive turning. point, from the depths of 2019, we are back— point, from the depths of 2019, we are back on — point, from the depths of 2019, we are back on track now for the general— are back on track now for the general election, showing that change — general election, showing that change that we've done, the hard change _ change that we've done, the hard change we — change that we've done, the hard change we in the last two years. what _ change we in the last two years. what a — change we in the last two years. what a difference it has made. in what a difference it has made.

cumbria, what a difference it has made. in cumbria, where they were labour did win control... find cumbria, where they were labour did win control. . ._ win control... and be heard from durham police? _ win control... and be heard from durham police? difficult - win control... and be heard from i durham police? difficult questions or kier starmer _ durham police? difficult questions or kier starmer as _ durham police? difficult questions or kier starmer as police - durham police? difficult questions| or kier starmer as police confirmed date investigate an event he attended during covid restrictions, labour insists no rules are broken. the conservatives were braced for bad results, and that's largely what they got, losing control of several areas in england down more than 250 council seats. areas in england down more than 250 councilseats. even areas in england down more than 250 council seats. even in local elections, the buck stops with him and borisjohnson acknowledged about her�*s verdict. this and boris johnson acknowledged about her's verdict. , ., , , and boris johnson acknowledged about her's verdict. , . , , ., ., her's verdict. this has been a tough niuht for her's verdict. this has been a tough night for conservatives _ her's verdict. this has been a tough night for conservatives in _ her's verdict. this has been a tough night for conservatives in some - night for conservatives in some parts of the country, and in other parts of the country, and in other parts of the country, and in other parts of the country, we are actually moving forward, so, for midterm, it's quite interesting that it's a mixed set of results. the full picture _ it's a mixed set of results. the full picture of _ it's a mixed set of results. the full picture of these _ it's a mixed set of results. the full picture of these elections is yet to emerge, but after the party gate saga dominated campaigns, some local conservatives say the blame must lie with their leader. the

owers must lie with their leader. the powers in _ must lie with their leader. the powers in westminster really do need to take _ powers in westminster really do need to take a _ powers in westminster really do need to take a good hard look in the mirror, — to take a good hard look in the mirror, because it's the rank and file grassroots members that they rely on _ file grassroots members that they rely on that are actually losing their_ rely on that are actually losing their seats tonight.— rely on that are actually losing their seats tonight. there have been clear wins for— their seats tonight. there have been clear wins for the _ their seats tonight. there have been clear wins for the liberal _ clear wins for the liberal democrats, sweeping aside the conservatives in places his party is to call its own.— to call its own. with our victories and furnace _ to call its own. with our victories and furnace and _ to call its own. with our victories and furnace and our _ to call its own. with our victories and furnace and our victories - to call its own. with our victories | and furnace and our victories here in somerset... and furnace and our victories here in somerset. . ._ in somerset... cheering it has in somerset... cheering it has now— in somerset... cheering it has now become - in somerset... cheering it has now become a - in somerset... cheering - it has now become a political shock waves that could bring down this appalling conservative government. the green party have made big gains, roughly doubling their showing of counsellors in england. itruihat roughly doubling their showing of counsellors in england. what they had seen his _ counsellors in england. what they had seen his greens _ counsellors in england. what they had seen his greens had - counsellors in england. what they had seen his greens had been - counsellors in england. what they - had seen his greens had been working hard in _ had seen his greens had been working hard in their— had seen his greens had been working hard in their communities. there is no such— hard in their communities. there is no such thing — hard in their communities. there is no such thing as safe seats any more, — no such thing as safe seats any more. only— no such thing as safe seats any more, only safe voters.- more, only safe voters. early results in _ more, only safe voters. early results in scotland _ more, only safe voters. early results in scotland show - more, only safe voters. early results in scotland show the | more, only safe voters. early - results in scotland show the snp more, only safe voters. esfly results in scotland show the snp on course for continued success of significant losses for the conservatives and labour making

gains, and in wales, labour looked to be themselves, a significant shift looks likely in northern ireland, where the irish nationalists, sinn fein, could become the largest party on the default assembly for the first time. jonathan blake, bbc news. quite a lot to catch up on all over the country. i think my first of all, we are just going to talk to our political correspondent, layla, at westminster. results coming in, some really key results particularly for example northern ireland, we will be there in the next few minutes, your assessment of the mood among the main parties, what are you picking up on? i among the main parties, what are you picking up on?— picking up on? i think as at any local election, _ picking up on? i think as at any local election, there _ picking up on? i think as at any local election, there are - picking up on? i think as at any l local election, there are different stories in different parts of the country, but certainly a few big themes emerging. tories have made significant losses, no doubt about that, they have certainly led away light of their support in their traditionally sung the next strong areas, like say to the benefit of

the liberal democrats, which i think it's been the most black—and—white story of the day so far, the liberal democrats have actually made a lot of gains and have taken a lot of support from the tories and the areas where they hold safe parliamentary seats, the liberal democrats feeling pretty chipper today. labour hoping to make very big gains in this local election, hoping to capitalise around the mood about the party gate finds, but the cost of living crisis, labour will be pleased with its performance in london, it was a trend that's been happening recently commenced on even more labour, and they will certainly be celebrating those victories, but i think in terms of the absolutely definitive games that it hoped to make across the country, we have been saying the word modest, and i think that's exactly right, labour has made modest gains, and appealing way of the conservative support has actually benefited the different opposition parties, labour would've certainly helped to take more of that support directly away from the conservative government. shill that support directly away from the conservative government. all right, we will let you _ conservative government. all right, we will let you get _ conservative government. all right, we will let you get back _ conservative government. all right, we will let you get back to - conservative government. all right, we will let you get back to watching | we will let you get back to watching

the results. thank you very for now. much more over the course of the evening. as i mentioned, northern ireland, in fact, the bbc is now forecasting that sinn fein will emerge as the party with the highest vote in the new northern ireland assembly, so let's return to my colleague, anita, who has been following this price throughout and she joins me from the count centre there in belfast, a fascinating period for you. over to you. jane, thank you — period for you. over to you. jane, thank you very — period for you. over to you. jane, thank you very much. _ period for you. over to you. jane, thank you very much. three - period for you. over to you. ii:uéi thank you very much. three centres in total in northern ireland, let me just give you the latest update on seats one, there are 90 seats in play in total, so far, sinn fein to alliance come across community alliance come across community alliance party to the ulster unionist party, one seat has gone to an independent so far, but a long way to go stale in discount. joining me now is a former dup leader, edwin, standing in the constituency of south belfast. thank you for joining us. how is it going so far?

it's going pretty well for the dp. 0pinion— it's going pretty well for the dp. opinion polls has protected many states, _ opinion polls has protected many states, but we are looking to cause most _ states, but we are looking to cause most of _ states, but we are looking to cause most of them with two or three at the most — most of them with two or three at the most. do most of them with two or three at the most. , ., ~ ., ,, the most. do you think that sinn fein, the most. do you think that sinn fein. though. — the most. do you think that sinn fein, though, going _ the most. do you think that sinn fein, though, going to _ the most. do you think that sinn fein, though, going to emerge l the most. do you think that sinnl fein, though, going to emerge as the most. do you think that sinn - fein, though, going to emerge as the biggest party, certainly we are forecasting that they are going to get the biggest share of the vote based on the constituency so far. that potential exists, but a lot depends on the latter counts and where _ depends on the latter counts and where the — depends on the latter counts and where the seats go at the very end, so, we _ where the seats go at the very end, so, we just— where the seats go at the very end, so, we just have to wait and see, it's not over— so, we just have to wait and see, it's not over until the final votes are counted, and therefore we are not taking — are counted, and therefore we are not taking any —— making any assumptions until we get to that state _ assumptions until we get to that state. ., . . assumptions until we get to that state. ., ., . ., state. how are concerned are you about the tv — state. how are concerned are you about the tv party _ state. how are concerned are you about the tv party and _ state. how are concerned are you about the tv party and its - about the tv party and its potential? other anti—part of the party and its potential to pull votes away from you know, maybe two pulsates away from the dop. it certainly demonstrates that the unionist— certainly demonstrates that the unionist position is actually hardening that's even further, and

therefore. — hardening that's even further, and therefore, we really need and should have had _ therefore, we really need and should have had actions already on the northern— have had actions already on the northern ireland protocol. i have to say that— northern ireland protocol. i have to say that we — northern ireland protocol. i have to say that we have been let down badly lry say that we have been let down badly by her— say that we have been let down badly by her majesty's government and that they've _ by her majesty's government and that they've allowed a barrier to be placed — they've allowed a barrier to be placed between great britain and northern— placed between great britain and northern ireland at the behest of the european union, that is not what was voted _ the european union, that is not what was voted for when we have voted to leave _ was voted for when we have voted to leave the _ was voted for when we have voted to leave the european union, we voted for the _ leave the european union, we voted for the uk _ leave the european union, we voted for the uk to leave the european union, _ for the uk to leave the european union, not — for the uk to leave the european union, not great britain. but for the uk to leave the european union, not great britain. but you of course supported — union, not great britain. but you of course supported brexit, _ union, not great britain. but you of course supported brexit, you - course supported brexit, you supported the conservative government as well, has that trust broken down? we government as well, has that trust broken down?— broken down? we think it's been badly damaged _ broken down? we think it's been badly damaged and _ broken down? we think it's been badly damaged and we _ broken down? we think it's been badly damaged and we have - broken down? we think it's been | badly damaged and we have been promised — badly damaged and we have been promised now for over a year that action— promised now for over a year that action will— promised now for over a year that action will be taken on the protocol and there _ action will be taken on the protocol and there hasn't been any action. i have _ and there hasn't been any action. i have to _ and there hasn't been any action. i have to say, — and there hasn't been any action. i have to say, unless borisjohnson's government— have to say, unless borisjohnson's government wants to damage the northern— government wants to damage the northern ireland peace process and set it— northern ireland peace process and set it back— northern ireland peace process and set it back for many years, they really _ set it back for many years, they really need to take action, and quickly— really need to take action, and quickly on _ really need to take action, and quickly on this issue. at really need to take action, and quickly on this issue.— really need to take action, and quickly on this issue. at the end of this account today, _ quickly on this issue. at the end of this account today, is _ this account today, is there anything that would persuade the dop to return to the power—sharing

government on the understanding that the protocol would be examined? trio. the protocolwould be examined? no. we need the protocol would be examined? no. we need actions because we have been told about— we need actions because we have been told about various things over the last year. — told about various things over the last year, what was going to happen, none of— last year, what was going to happen, none of these things have led to anything — none of these things have led to anything of any significance. we need _ anything of any significance. we need to— anything of any significance. we need to take those barriers between great _ need to take those barriers between great britain and northern ireland away, _ great britain and northern ireland away, and — great britain and northern ireland away, and we need our allies as being _ away, and we need our allies as being passed in the united kingdom coming _ being passed in the united kingdom coming from the united kingdom government in westminster and stormont, not from brussels. obviously— stormont, not from brussels. obviously there is a big debate about that, i mean, the majority, it looks like, the majority of people who will be returned to the power—sharing assembly are either in favour of the protocol or are prepared to work with the protocol. so what do you say to that? are you ignoring the voters in that sense? the basis of how this assembly was established flow is from the good friday— established flow is from the good friday agreement, and what that tells us _ friday agreement, and what that tells us is — friday agreement, and what that

tells us is that you have support of the greatest number of both communities to take something like this forward. that isn't achieved with the — this forward. that isn't achieved with the unionist community, and therefore. — with the unionist community, and therefore, if you don't want to have an assembly, if you do want that peace _ an assembly, if you do want that peace process to be moving ahead smoothly, — peace process to be moving ahead smoothly, then don't do anything on the protocol. that message is clear to her— the protocol. that message is clear to her majesty government, you really, _ to her majesty government, you really, really need to do something. you talk— really, really need to do something. you talk about action on the protocol, what about action on the other issues that voters want their politicians to manage, like the cost of living crisis, like health care, like education. if you say that you are not going to go back into the power—sharing assembly, are you letting them down on those issues? because of those issues precisely, that is— because of those issues precisely, that is why— because of those issues precisely, that is why we need action, if the grace _ that is why we need action, if the grace period goes and they support services no — grace period goes and they support services no longer propped up by the governments, we are looking at tens of millions. — governments, we are looking at tens of millions, hundreds of millions of extra _ of millions, hundreds of millions of extra cost— of millions, hundreds of millions of extra cost to consumers and northern ireland, we're looking at a situation _ ireland, we're looking at a situation where the eu is blocking health— situation where the eu is blocking health care coming to northern

ireland, — health care coming to northern ireland, drugs coming from great britain _ ireland, drugs coming from great britain to— ireland, drugs coming from great britain to northern ireland, this is entirely— britain to northern ireland, this is entirely unacceptable for any part of her— entirely unacceptable for any part of her majesty's united kingdom. i don't think the dop has been, for example, looking at the vaguest edge, yes, their increased costs from gb to northern ireland when you're talking about get moving between the two, but of course, some people would say that that is offset by greater trade within northern ireland and of course trade with the eu and the republic of ireland. let mejust finally ask eu and the republic of ireland. let me just finally ask you, because we are nearly out of time, there is an eight day process after this vote, isn't there, where there is the opportunity to nominate to the positions of first minister and deputy first minister, if sinn fein emerge as the largest party, would you nominate and you and second, would you nominate to the position of deputy first minister? fiur would you nominate to the position of deputy first minister?— of deputy first minister? our focus the next eight _ of deputy first minister? our focus the next eight days _ of deputy first minister? our focus the next eight days is _ of deputy first minister? our focus the next eight days is on _ of deputy first minister? our focus the next eight days is on the - the next eight days is on the protocol, _ the next eight days is on the protocol, if the protocol is not sorted, then we don't get to moving forward, _ sorted, then we don't get to moving forward, it's— sorted, then we don't get to moving forward, it's as simple as that from the other— forward, it's as simple as that from the other issue is the secondary issue _ the other issue is the secondary issue to — the other issue is the secondary issue to this. a the other issue is the secondary issue to this.— the other issue is the secondary issue to this. �* ., ., , ., issue to this. a lot of people would not sa it issue to this. a lot of people would rrot say it is — issue to this. a lot of people would not say it is secondary _ issue to this. a lot of people would not say it is secondary commit - issue to this. a lot of people would not say it is secondary commit is i not say it is secondary commit is

democracy, they would say. irrespective of valid dp coming out on top or not, we will not go irrespective of valid dp coming out on top or not, we will not— on top or not, we will not go back in until we — on top or not, we will not go back in until we get — on top or not, we will not go back in until we get something - on top or not, we will not go back| in until we get something concrete on the _ in until we get something concrete on the protocol. we in until we get something concrete on the protocol.— on the protocol. we must leave it there, on the protocol. we must leave it there. edwin _ on the protocol. we must leave it there, edwin from _ on the protocol. we must leave it there, edwin from the _ on the protocol. we must leave it there, edwin from the dop, - on the protocol. we must leave it there, edwin from the dop, back| on the protocol. we must leave it i there, edwin from the dop, back to you from the county here in belfast. anita, many thanks more from any that there to come, but right now, we turn to scotland, let's go to lindsay, following a bidding for us in glasgow. lindsay? the accounting here in glasgow _ in glasgow. lindsay? the accounting here in glasgow has _ in glasgow. lindsay? the accounting here in glasgow has finished, - in glasgow. lindsay? the accounting here in glasgow has finished, and i here in glasgow has finished, and the snp has emerged as the city with 37 seats, just picking labour to the post with 36. the snp also emerging as the party with the largest share of first preference boats across scotland as well, and i am joined now by the first minister, nicola sturgeon. nicola sturgeon, your reaction to the results that we are seeing in these elections?- seeing in these elections? well, i am thrilled _ seeing in these elections? well, i am thrilled at _ seeing in these elections? well, i am thrilled at the _ seeing in these elections? well, i am thrilled at the snp _ seeing in these elections? well, i am thrilled at the snp results. i l am thrilled at the snp results. i mean. — am thrilled at the snp results. i mean. it— am thrilled at the snp results. i mean. it is— am thrilled at the snp results. i mean, it is a quite incredible

outcome, _ mean, it is a quite incredible outcome, you know, we have not only won the _ outcome, you know, we have not only won the election, i think, our eight consecutive — won the election, i think, our eight consecutive election victory since i have _ consecutive election victory since i have been— consecutive election victory since i have been leader of the snp, but we have when— have been leader of the snp, but we have when it overwhelmingly, i think we're _ have when it overwhelmingly, i think we're going — have when it overwhelmingly, i think we're going to end up 12 to 13 percentage points ahead of our nearest — percentage points ahead of our nearest rival. we've increased our share _ nearest rival. we've increased our share of— nearest rival. we've increased our share of the — nearest rival. we've increased our share of the vote, we'd increase the number— share of the vote, we'd increase the number of— share of the vote, we'd increase the number of counsellors that we won, and i_ number of counsellors that we won, and i think— number of counsellors that we won, and i think we're going to be the largest— and i think we're going to be the largest party and mark councils was the case _ largest party and mark councils was the case going into the election now. _ the case going into the election now. all— the case going into the election now, all of that would be a fantastic— now, all of that would be a fantastic about for any party in any circumstance, but the snp has been in government and scotland now for 50 years. _ in government and scotland now for 50 years, and this result says that people _ 50 years, and this result says that people across scotland —— 15 years, they absolutely recognise that the snp is _ they absolutely recognise that the snp is not perfect, no party, no government is, we trust the snp and have faith _ government is, we trust the snp and have faith in — government is, we trust the snp and have faith in it to leave the country _ have faith in it to leave the country forward at national, and crucially. — country forward at national, and crucially, local level. in terms of the other— crucially, local level. in terms of the other parties, fighting it out for second place, some way behind the snp. _ for second place, some way behind the snp, labour will be pleased at second _ the snp, labour will be pleased at second place again, but i think it's more _ second place again, but i think it's more down — second place again, but i think it's more down to the collapse of the tory votes — more down to the collapse of the tory votes than any genuine progress on the _ tory votes than any genuine progress on the part— tory votes than any genuine progress

on the part of labour and for the scottish— on the part of labour and for the scottish tories, and absolutely devastating results, one that i think— devastating results, one that i think since the clearest possible message — think since the clearest possible message to them here in scotland, but also _ message to them here in scotland, but also to— message to them here in scotland, but also to boris johnson in westminster.— but also to boris johnson in westminster. ., . ., , ., ~' westminster. how much do you think that national— westminster. how much do you think that national issues _ westminster. how much do you think that national issues such _ westminster. how much do you think that national issues such as _ westminster. how much do you think that national issues such as the - that national issues such as the constitutional debate and scotland are coming into play, even though these are local elections which are about to councils making decisions on local issues? you about to councils making decisions on local issues?— about to councils making decisions on local issues? you know what can i don't think— on local issues? you know what can i don't think i'm _ on local issues? you know what can i don't think i'm going _ on local issues? you know what can i don't think i'm going to _ on local issues? you know what can i don't think i'm going to tell- don't think i'm going to tell anybody— don't think i'm going to tell anybody anything they don't already know. _ anybody anything they don't already know, there are a lot of people in scotland — know, there are a lot of people in scotland to — know, there are a lot of people in scotland to support independence and wants. _ scotland to support independence and wants. to _ scotland to support independence and wants, to an independent country, but the _ wants, to an independent country, but the desperation of our opponents to use _ but the desperation of our opponents to use that— but the desperation of our opponents to use that is somehow an attempt to delegitimize boats and election victories — delegitimize boats and election victories for the snp, i think it's really— victories for the snp, i think it's really desperate. the fact of the matter— really desperate. the fact of the matter is — really desperate. the fact of the matter is people vote for a variety of reasons — matter is people vote for a variety of reasons. yesterday when i spent the day _ of reasons. yesterday when i spent the day my— of reasons. yesterday when i spent the day my own constituency and polling _ the day my own constituency and polling stations talking to hundreds of people over the course of day, most _ of people over the course of day, most people go into boat snp, yes, they will— most people go into boat snp, yes, they will probably vote yes in an independence referendum, but the things— independence referendum, but the things they were talking to me about

it, things they were talking to me about it. you _ things they were talking to me about it, you know, the fact that they thought— it, you know, the fact that they thought the snp led the country to co-bed. _ thought the snp led the country to co—bed, the right party to lead the national— co—bed, the right party to lead the national health service notwithstanding the challenges, the fact that _ notwithstanding the challenges, the fact that they trust the snp here to lead the _ fact that they trust the snp here to lead the city forward, people are voting _ lead the city forward, people are voting for— lead the city forward, people are voting for the snp because they judge _ voting for the snp because they judge our record, they recognise when _ judge our record, they recognise when we — judge our record, they recognise when we get things wrong, but that's party to— when we get things wrong, but that's party to take scotland forward nationally and locally, and crucially— nationally and locally, and crucially there also judging our opponents and coming to the conclusion that they simply don't have _ conclusion that they simply don't have the — conclusion that they simply don't have the leadership from the ideas, the policies are the values to take scotland — the policies are the values to take scotland in the right direction. in terms scotland in the right direction. terms of scotland in the right direction. in terms of that result here in glasgow, labour almost getting there, just one counsellor more than labour, we are seeing earlier on that that is proof that their message on the cost of living crisis can match being addressed on some of the local issues that glasgow is facing, things like cleansing the

streets, and pin collection from your being pressurised on that. lets me make a — your being pressurised on that. lets me make a couple _ your being pressurised on that. lets me make a couple of points in relation — me make a couple of points in relation to— me make a couple of points in relation to that. firstly, indulge me in— relation to that. firstly, indulge me in some personal reminiscence here. _ me in some personal reminiscence here. when— me in some personal reminiscence here. when i— me in some personal reminiscence here, when i was a much younger women _ here, when i was a much younger women in — here, when i was a much younger women in politics, being defeated in elections _ women in politics, being defeated in elections in — women in politics, being defeated in elections in glasgow by labour, if you tell— elections in glasgow by labour, if you tell me that at any point the snp would be the largest party in glasgow. — snp would be the largest party in glasgow, not for one term, but to be reelected _ glasgow, not for one term, but to be reelected as — glasgow, not for one term, but to be reelected as the largest party, what a struggle _ reelected as the largest party, what a struggle to believe that, and the extent— a struggle to believe that, and the extent of— a struggle to believe that, and the extent of the snp's six in glasgow is quite _ extent of the snp's six in glasgow is quite considerable. the second point _ is quite considerable. the second point is _ is quite considerable. the second point is about labour, labour it through— point is about labour, labour it through the kitchen sink at glasgow. they have _ through the kitchen sink at glasgow. they have benefited hugely from the collapse _ they have benefited hugely from the collapse of the tory boat from 2017, yet, collapse of the tory boat from 2017, yet. they— collapse of the tory boat from 2017, yet, they still haven't managed to defeat _ yet, they still haven't managed to defeat the snp either in terms of numbers— defeat the snp either in terms of numbers or in terms of the share of the vote _ numbers or in terms of the share of the vote i— numbers or in terms of the share of the vote. i think we've won glasgow on both— the vote. i think we've won glasgow on both counts now. i know that labour— on both counts now. i know that labour will— on both counts now. i know that labour will be deeply disappointed at this— labour will be deeply disappointed at this outcome because they thought they could _ at this outcome because they thought they could beat the snp here. i also think that _ they could beat the snp here. i also think that is a reflection on the fact that —

think that is a reflection on the fact that regions, wherever they think— fact that regions, wherever they think about their city administration, they don't like people — administration, they don't like people who tuck glasgow down, and anna sauer— people who tuck glasgow down, and anna sauer has done a lot of that in recent— anna sauer has done a lot of that in recent months than he should bear reflect— recent months than he should bear reflect on— recent months than he should bear reflect on that. we recent months than he should bear reflect on that.— reflect on that. we see a lot of councils where _ reflect on that. we see a lot of councils where there _ reflect on that. we see a lot of councils where there is - reflect on that. we see a lot of councils where there is no - reflect on that. we see a lot of. councils where there is no overall control. we have seen... the neck that was a case in arkansas at the last election, so that's no change. absolutely. it's not unusual to see that in this system in the last election, we did see minority governments, we also saw coalitions forming. what is your approach going to be? what is the snp approach going to be to working with other parties? the smp is now a majority and it wasn't _ the smp is now a majority and it wasn't the — the smp is now a majority and it wasn't the case and we are the largest— wasn't the case and we are the largest now and more councils than was the _ largest now and more councils than was the case before north lancashire for example. we are the largest party— for example. we are the largest party in — for example. we are the largest party in a — for example. we are the largest party in a number of counts use you councils _ party in a number of counts use you councils. that puts us in pole position _ councils. that puts us in pole position. our position in coming to

agreements of what's best for local communicate these and we won't do deals— communicate these and we won't do deals and _ communicate these and we won't do deals and quite frankly the tories have _ deals and quite frankly the tories have taken such a defeat today i don't _ have taken such a defeat today i don't think that will be in prospect for many— don't think that will be in prospect for many councils anyway. beyond that. _ for many councils anyway. beyond that. we _ for many councils anyway. beyond that, we will look to work with other— that, we will look to work with other parties, we can put together progressive platform so that we you met at _ progressive platform so that we you met at holyrood with a greedy doing a greens. _ met at holyrood with a greedy doing a greens, that snp and the greens working _ a greens, that snp and the greens working together. here in glasgow the clear— working together. here in glasgow the clear winner of the election but after that— the clear winner of the election but after that the big winner is probably the green party here in glasgow— probably the green party here in glasgow then the labour party. possible — glasgow then the labour party. possible you could be repeating what you've done at holyrood with agreements?— you've done at holyrood with agreements? you've done at holyrood with aureements? , ,. ,, ., , agreements? these discussions will have to take — agreements? these discussions will have to take place. _ agreements? these discussions will have to take place. i _ agreements? these discussions will have to take place. i can _ agreements? these discussions will have to take place. i can only - agreements? these discussions will have to take place. i can only speak| have to take place. i can only speak for the _ have to take place. i can only speak for the 801. — have to take place. i can only speak for the 801, of course it stands to reason that — for the 801, of course it stands to reason that would be open to some kind of— reason that would be open to some kind of working arrangement because we do _ kind of working arrangement because we do that— kind of working arrangement because we do that in holyrood but clearly the greens will have views on this as welt _ the greens will have views on this as welt i'm — the greens will have views on this as well. i'm not taking anything for granted _ as well. i'm not taking anything for granted. we will be looking to be an

administration with as many councils as possible _ administration with as many councils as possible because with the election— as possible because with the election victory comes responsibility to lead and to implement policies to make peoples lives better. we will be willing to talk to _ lives better. we will be willing to talk to those who share those progressive principles and want to work _ progressive principles and want to work together constructively. labour and the _ work together constructively. labour and the snp of the city have worked well together over the past few years _ well together over the past few years although the greens have done very well— years although the greens have done very well in— years although the greens have done very well in edinburgh as well. let's _ very well in edinburgh as well. let's see — very well in edinburgh as well. let's see where these discussions take us— let's see where these discussions take us with up to come back to the central point of today's result after — central point of today's result after 15 — central point of today's result after 15 years in government the s and p is _ after 15 years in government the s and p is a — after 15 years in government the s and p is a clear and emphatic winner of this— and p is a clear and emphatic winner of this election. —— snp. that is pretty— of this election. —— snp. that is pretty astonishing for a party that has been — pretty astonishing for a party that has been a government as long as we have _ has been a government as long as we have.~ . has been a government as long as we have. ~ ., ., , has been a government as long as we have.~ . ., , , has been a government as long as we have. ~ ., ., , , ., ., has been a government as long as we have. . . ., , , . ., have. what does this mean for your case for independence _ have. what does this mean for your case for independence and - have. what does this mean for your case for independence and another| case for independence and another referendum, doesn't mean anything given that you can win this election but the west minister government, the tories at west minister can say that they are not to give you permission to hold a referendum? i think the tories again connected to or reflecting on a lot of things.

the tories _ or reflecting on a lot of things. the tories been rounded beaten in scotland _ the tories been rounded beaten in scotland and have suffered horrendous defeat in large parts of england _ horrendous defeat in large parts of england as well as sol horrendous defeat in large parts of england as well as so i think the tories _ england as well as so i think the tories have got to reflect on a lot of things — tories have got to reflect on a lot of things. in terms of what this election— of things. in terms of what this election means for independence, we want to— election means for independence, we want to mandate for an independence referendum this time i should exactly— referendum this time i should exactly a _ referendum this time i should exactly a year ago i was sitting on the spot— exactly a year ago i was sitting on the spot talking about this. that stands _ the spot talking about this. that stands and we are taking forward the preparations for that. but this shows— preparations for that. but this shows that the snp continues to command — shows that the snp continues to command trust and faith in scotland and i command trust and faith in scotland and i think— command trust and faith in scotland and i think that is something that should _ and i think that is something that should be — and i think that is something that should be the key message over the selection _ should be the key message over the selection. . ~ should be the key message over the selection. ., ,, , ., , should be the key message over the selection. . ~' , ., , . should be the key message over the selection. ., ,, , ., , . ., selection. thank you very much for “oininr selection. thank you very much for joining us- — selection. thank you very much for joining us- first — selection. thank you very much for joining us. first minister _ selection. thank you very much for joining us. first minister nicola - joining us. first minister nicola sergent reflecting on the local election results here in scotland where the smp have emerged as the party with a larger share of first preference votes —— snp. party with a larger share of first preference votes -- snp. thanks for that. preference votes -- snp. thanks for that- lindsay — preference votes -- snp. thanks for that. lindsay who _ preference votes -- snp. thanks for that. lindsay who has _ preference votes -- snp. thanks for that. lindsay who has been - preference votes -- snp. thanks for| that. lindsay who has been following the picture in scotland for us throughout win two with the first minister. throughout win two with the first minister. let's look at the picture in wales. our correspondent,

tomos morgan, is in cardiff. evening thomas, bring us right up today for people justjoining us with what's been happening there. labour are the big winners here in wales today. 30 for seats up from 2017, the tories losing 3a were almost at the halfway stage now. half the counts declared labour, the council laws in 2017 they lost in 2017 they lasted to the independence. they form one seat short of retaking for the bill be a little bit of a setback. how is strengthening their position in other areas. an interesting result in northeast wales. historically that area has been a labour heartland however, since the brexit bowed up until the pandemic there has been moving towards the conservatives seeds in local and general election going that way. as i mentioned, since the pandemic would the senate election last year

it has been coming back to labor. we've seen today that they were doing that once far more seeds and some sort of coalition in denver share. this evening all eyes will be looking toward monmouthshire. that is a counsel, the only ones that the tories hold is a majority in wales. we've heard several sources saying that they will lose overall control of monmouthshire, not sure how badly some suggesting incredibly badly there. looking towards there as well. the other big winners today have been clapped cumbria. they made gains. they were already in control and added anglesey as well here. pushing towards carmarthenshire trying to get full councils in wales but a big win for them. labour have been the big winners, a few smaller stories in mid wales, lib dems becoming the biggest party they the

green party getting four seats in wales, the highest ever in local elections. i think what we are seeing here really three things that people have been mentioning, some of the tory candidates have been saying it has been down to the pm, that's what they been hearing on their doorstep and that is certainly their wells lib dem leader saying as well. we've also heard the welsh economy minister on the cost of living crisis but also on the welsh government had handled the covid pandemic far more cautiously than borisjohnson... pandemic far more cautiously than boris johnson. . ._ boris johnson. .. thank you very much. boris johnson. .. thank you very much- all _ boris johnson. .. thank you very much. all the _ latest from cardiff. we are going to pause, we will be forgiven but that it was very nearly the weekend. where to catch up with some sports news.

if you're a durham fan, you want ben stokes to be named england test captain every week because he was in blistering form for his county today. he hit a record—breaking century, including 3a runs offjust one over. he was announced as the new england captain last week and he marked it by hitting five sixes and a four off the bowling of worcestershire's josh baker. the sixth ball felljust short of the ropes. stokes is now out for 161 off 88 balls, including 17 sixes, the most in an innings in first—class cricket in england. his durham side are in a commanding position at new road — they declared on 580 for six. worcester are 138—4 in reply. west ham could be facing disciplinary action against both their manager and captain following their europa league semi—final exit to eintract frankfurt last night. the england midfielder declan rice was caught on video after the 3—1 aggregate defeat in germany appearing to accuse the officials of corruption. his club say they won't be

commenting further until there are complete opposite emotions for fans of rangers today. they will head for seville for the europa league final in 12 days time, against frankfurt, after the scottish champions came from behind on aggregate to beat rb leipzig. john lundstram's goal ten minutes from time sent rangers to their first european final in ia years. frankfurt are 11th in the bundesliga, and already this season rangers have beaten german sides who sit in second and fifth in that division. can he take it, i think he cancels her ranges are incredibly hard to be. yeah, it's going to be in seville. if you knock a ticket to get there i still think everybody deserves to trying get there. 80,000 scotsmen there. whether they are not to get into the stadium it's going to get into the stadium it's going to be an incredible evening. in the premier league, the arsenal manager mikel arteta has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2025. (oov)arsenal are fourth in the premier league and are on track to secure a champions league spot for next season. he said he wants to take the club to the next level and to compete

really with the top teams. liverpool go into their match at home to tottenham tomorrow buoyed by winning their champions league semi final in the week but today jurgen klopp's joined supporters�* groups in criticising the number of tickets they've been given for the final in paris. the spirit of shankly supporters group has written a letter to uefa protesting at the decision to give liverpool an allocation of less than 20 thousand for the game at the stade de france. and liverpool's manager thinks more of the 75 thousand capacity should be filled by fans of the clubs involved. glad of the clubs involved. you see ticket prices in the amount glad you see ticket prices in the amount of tickets you get only for i'm not sure, is it right we get only 20,000, they get 20,000? 75,000? that makes 35,000, or what? where are these tickets.

american football meets formula one this weekend as miami dolphins hard rock stadium complex hosts a grand prix for the first time. the cars will race on a track built on the stadium's car park. as you can imagine they've been hyping the event up for weeks and are determined to put on a big show. there's already been an opening ceremony the likes of which formula one has never seen before. all the drivers and team bosses were paraded in front of hundreds of fans. first practice gets underway from half past seven this evening. cycling's first grand tour of the year, the giro d'italia is underway. budapest has had to wait two years to host the start of the race because of the coronavirus pandemic. there was a thrilling end to the opening stage with australia's caleb ewan crashing in the sprint for the finish. eritrea's biniam girmayjust missed out on becoming the first black african to win a grand tour stage, finishing second to dutch rider mathieu van der poel. we'll have more for you in

sportsday at half past six. thank you. are you very latest sports news. i'm going to talk about some of the days main stories before we returned to elections but the first of those, you might have heard that term police are going to investigate the leader of the labour parties are keir starmer in relation to that photo that you're probably for and familiar with now of him apparently drinking there. let's find out more. any savage itjoins me from durham. explain exactly what's been announced earlier today, danny. what's been announced earlier today, dann . . . what's been announced earlier today, dann . , . ., , what's been announced earlier today, dann. ,. ., , what's been announced earlier today, dann. ., , ., danny. this all dates back to the 30th of april _ danny. this all dates back to the 30th of april last _ danny. this all dates back to the 30th of april last year, - danny. this all dates back to the 30th of april last year, the - 30th of april last year, the question is, dates are keir starmer break lockdown rules in a visit here to durham during which he drank beer in a local mps office. they conservative process. visit beer gate over the last few days and wants more detail and answers. the

labour party and says no rules were broken. in an assessment by durham police earlier this year established that no offence taken place and therefore no further action was taken. that was the situation up until today. taken. that was the situation up untiltoday. but taken. that was the situation up until today. but durham police have released a statement and saying that following receipt of significant new information over recent days a new investigation is now underway. so what were the rules back on the 30th of april 21? gathering indoors with people from outside your house or support bubble was banned. there was exemption for workers. this is where the focus of the police investigation will be, the question for them is whether labour officials eating and drinking together would have been reasonably necessary for work and was that consumption of bear or make any different to that assessment? at best this is uncomfortable for sir keir starmer,

at worst he could be seen as a rule breaker two. at worst he could be seen as a rule breakertwo. he at worst he could be seen as a rule breaker two. he has painted himself as the man of integrity throughout party gate, posing the difficult questions in parliament to the prime minister and the charles locke who both received fixed penalty notice suggesting they should both resign. he will no doubt face calls to re—sign, sir keir starmer if he is bound to a broken the rules. labour say no rules were broken but these must be nervous times in the life two labour hierarchy. watch this as the investigation continues. mange the investigation continues. many thanks. the investigation continues. many thanks- we _ the investigation continues. many thanks. we will _ the investigation continues. many thanks. we will turn _ the investigation continues. many thanks. we will turn our - the investigation continues. many thanks. we will turn our attention to thejubilee. lots of announcements have been made about what will be happening over thejubilee the jubilee weekend. printed thejubilee weekend. printed or prince harry and his wife meghan will not be appearing on the ceremony. the

palace said this decision to include only royals who carry out official public duties was taken after careful consideration. let's start with that announcement on the balcony. this is one of the significant events of a long week and explain exactly what's been decided. yes and tripping the colour is the one of the first picket fence that would kick off this platinum jubilee weekend on the 2nd ofjune. tripping the collar is when the royals are all on the balcony, it's a big annual photo opportunity, the red arrows fly by, all great. announced today that the duke of york will not be on the balcony and the duke and duchess of sussex will not be on the balcony. there been a lot of debate as to whether they were to be there and worries that might take away the focus from the queen, who of course should be the centre of attention on a day. that now has been clarified. it was a decision by the queen after careful

consideration but only those undertaking official