Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer take their wives on the local election trail - ... trends now
Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer took their wives on the local election trail today as they brace for the verdict of voters.
The PM and Akshata posed for pictures out campaigning in Chelsea, while the Labour leader went to vote with wife Victoria.
Other politicians gave a glimpse into their family lives, with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen carrying his baby into a polling station - and many beloved dogs on show.
Tories fear they could lose up to half of the council seats they are defending, with rebels circling if Mr Sunak fails the electoral test.
The premier is hoping that Mr Houchen and Andy Street in the West Mids can hold on to give him positive news to trumpet.
But the bleak wider picture was underlined today with a Westminster poll suggesting Labour has a massive 26 point lead, with the Tories on 18 per cent - just three points ahead of Reform UK.
Most of the council seats up for re-election were last contested in 2021, at the peak of Boris Johnson's popularity as the Covid-19 vaccine was rolled out.
Rishi Sunak was out canvassing in Chelsea with wife Akshata this morning
Keir Starmer, pictured with wife Victoria today, said Labour is 'hopeful' it will win the West Midlands contest in an interview with Sky News
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen voted with wife Rachel and their baby this morning
A polling station in Yarm prepares to open for voting in local elections today
A total of 11 mayoral contests are also taking place, including for the London mayoralty where Sadiq Khan is seeking a third term.
Polls have give Mr Khan a significant lead over against Tory challenger Susan Hall despite backlash on crime and policing issues - although some believe the final result might be closer.
Labour is widely expected to win the Blackpool South Westminster by-election, which also taking place.
Although some council results and the by-election will declare in the early hours of the morning, most of the outcomes will not emerge until tomorrow and Saturday.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt tried to manage expectations last night, insisting governments can get 'punished' in local votes.
He told Sky News' Politics Hub: 'Tony Blair easily lost those amounts of councillors. And, you know, David Cameron lost hundreds of councillors in the run up to the 2015 general election.
