Lib Dems lead Labour in Local Election Results

2.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 5th May 2006

The Lib Dem's have consolidated second place in the popular vote

With results from 175 out of 176 councils now in, the BBC's projected national share of the vote based on the 2006 local elections puts the Lib Dems at 27%, ahead of Labour on this measure for only the second time.

The Lib Dems have gained a net one additional council in the elections, with virtually no net change in the party's number of councillors, consolidating gains of around 350 seats made over the previous four years. The party gained control of Richmond-upon-Thames from the Tories, and South Lakeland and St Albans from no overall control, but lost overall control of Milton Keynes and Islington, although remaining largest party in both (and effectively retaining control in Islington with the casting vote of the Mayor).

The biggest gainers of the night were the Conservatives, with net gains of more than 270 seats, although they will be disappointed to have failed to win a single seat in cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool, despite this being identified as a key aim by David Cameron.