Ben Houchen, the controversial Tees Valley Mayor who has attracted unprecedented criticism for his use of public assets, will be hoping voters keep faith with his style in office.

His fate hangs in the balance on what has already been a damning night for the Conservative Party and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Houchen is up against Chris McEwan for Labour and Simon Thorley for the Liberal Democrats. The result of the count is expected at around midday today (May 3).

The Tories lost control of three authorities and 96 councillors lost their seats.

Labour gained three authorities and 58 councillors.

Elections expert Professor Sir John Curtice said the Tories could be on course to lose 500 councillors in “one of the worst, if not the worst” performances by the party in 40 years.

Voters across England and Wales also had the chance to choose their police and crime commissioners.

Key results include:

– Labour won Rushmoor in Hampshire for the first time and claimed the council in general election bellwether Redditch.

– Labour won Hartlepool council, regaining ground in an area where the party suffered a Westminster by-election disaster in 2021.

– Labour won Thurrock, one of its top targets and an area of the country that will be a key battleground with the Tories at the next general election.

– The Tories clung on by a single seat in Harlow, a council targeted by Sir Keir on the eve of polling day.

– Labour lost control in Oldham, with gains made by independents possibly as a result of Sir Keir’s stance on the war in Gaza.

– The Greens put on 12 councillors and the Liberal Democrats also gained 12, while there were also increases for independents and residents’ groups.

– Labour gained police and crime commissioners from the Conservatives in Cumbria and Avon and Somerset.

Tees Valley mayor: Here's when the Teesside vote count will be announced

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