Bill Jacobs

Lancashire Telegraph politics reporter, email [email protected] or 01254 298271

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

And we will bringing you the results from Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle and the rest of Lancashire as well in these local elections that most of the existing council bosses with weren't happening

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Here we are at last - the results of the local elections are coming in. Blackburn with Darwen's count starts soon. The big question is whether Reform UK's surge spreads to the borough. Find out on the LT live blog as the day progresses .....

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Tomorrow is the big day when we find out who runs local services in dozens of council areas and who governs Scotland and Wales. I hope you have voted but even if not the full Lancashire results and reaction will be on the Lancashire Telegraph website tomorrow in print on Saturday

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

It's election day tomorrow. Vote to decide who runs your local council services and give your verdict on the political parties. All the results from Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, and Pendle on the Lancashire Telegraph on Friday and @billacobsLT

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

The big election day is getting closer - who will be the big winners in East Lancs? Find out on the LT on Friday online and Saturday in print.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Elections - almost there

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

How the parties stand now: Reform 53; Conservatives 8; Independent 7; Labour 5; LibDem 5; Greens 4; Our West Lancashire 2.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

And for two veteran politicians - former Labour leader Graham Jones and ex-borough council leader Peter Britcliffe - todays results may have ended their careers.

Former Labour and Independent borough council leader Miles Parkinson saw his son Lance elected for Reform .

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Big political figures fell at the election hurdle including Hyndburn borough leader Munsif Dad and his deputy Noordad Aziz.

Also defeated was Tory group leader on the borough council Zak Khan.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

The political earthquake that saw Reform UK seize control of Lancashire County Council was reflected in the five Hyndburn divisions - one elected two councillors.

Reform saw five candidates elected and the Green Party one.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Noordad Aziz said: "It is disappointing but there were clearly outside factors at play as well.

"I will continue to serve the people of Great Harwood in my district seat."

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Former Hyndburn Council Labour and Independent leader Miles Parkinson - not a Reform UK strategist - said: "What and exciting day.

"It has sent a big shock across Lancashire.

"It is the biggest political change we have seen in the county for 100 years."

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Returning Officer Mark Wynn said: "I would like to say thank-you to everyone who helped to make sure the election process ran smoothly in the county.

"A lot of hard work went on behind the scenes to ensure people were aware that the elections were taking place."

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

LCC statement on the election results:

The party has won more than the 43 seats it needs to form a majority.

Counting is continuing in seats across the county.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Nationally Reform have gained 393 councillors.

The Conservatives have lost 342 and Labour 107.

The LibDems are up 60 and the Greens up 18.

There are 21 less Independent councillors

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

It's now just four more Reform councillors to take control of LCC.

With 43 seats needed for an a majority the state of the parties is: Reform UK - 39. Conservatives - 7. Independents - 7. Labour - 5.Liberal Democrats - 4. Our West Lancashire - https://t.co/QewqGqmZDS - 1.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Ribble Valley South West - Divisional result
Reform UK Win - Steve Atkinson was newly elected with a majority of 1,032. A total of 4610 votes were cast, representing a turnout of 40.25%.

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

Reform UK are doing well all over the county and look on the verge of taking control of the giant authority - the are six councillors short of an overall majority

[Bill Jacobs @BillJacobsLT]

She added: ""They have been the party of protest so far and they don't have a plan."

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Hyndburn Labour MP Sarah Smith said: "Clearly not the results we were hoping for.

"It's not been the best day.

"The question for Reform now is that they will be held accountable for cracking on and doing the job."