'Balance of power' up for grabs in tonight's Plymouth elections

Counting is taking place this evening at the Life Centre

The counting is underway in Plymouth's Life Centre
Author: Andrew KayPublished 4th May 2023
Last updated 4th May 2023

While some parts of Devon have been held by the conservatives for more than 180 years, that's certainly not the case in Plymouth - as counting gets underway tonight,

Over the past 25 years we've seen different Tory and labour controlled councils in the city and until tonight the conservatives were leading a minority government.

It's been said if Plymouth was a political Facebook page its status would be "it's complicated"

Tonight a third of the seats are up for grabs - which could alter the balance of power.

During the election campaign there's been a focus on the impact of the decision - by the former tory council leader - to chop down the Armada Way trees as part of city centre regeneration plans .

Cllr Bingley had to resign as leader following public outcry - and the chopped trees are still there more than a month later as a High Court legal challenge continues.

Tonight some candidates say the trees was not the most prominent issue on the doorsteps. with some saying concerns over investment and stalled infrastructure projects are bigger worries.

For the election results click here

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.