Voting begins in London and throughout the UK for mayor and council elections.

As the clock strikes on election day, candidates from Kent to Cumbria are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the massive local elections taking place across England and Wales. From councils to mayoral and police positions, the ballots are filled with important roles that will shape the future of these regions.

In London, incumbent mayor Sadiq Khan is vying for a historic third term in office. He faces tough competition from Conservative candidate Susan Hall, Green Party's Zoe Garbett, and Lib Dem Rob Blackie. Throughout the campaign, they have sparred over issues such as crime, housing, and the controversial expansion of the city's Ulez. However, Khan appears to have a strong lead going into election day.

The North East, East Midlands, and York and North Yorkshire are also making history by electing their first ever mayors through the new "combined authorities." Labour is expected to secure at least two of these positions, while the Tories are hoping to hold onto the West Midlands and Tees Valley mayoral roles with Andy Street and Ben Houchen respectively.

Despite the intense competition, this election is not just about political parties and their victories. It is a crucial opportunity for the people to have a say in who will be making decisions that directly impact their daily lives. From trash pick-up schedules to fixing potholes, these local leaders will play a significant role in shaping the communities they serve.

For those who may not be well-versed in the world of politics, Metro offers a solution with its new newsletter, Alright, Gov?. This newsletter provides regular updates from Westminster and beyond, exclusive interviews with influential figures, and easy-to-understand breakdowns of how current events will affect the average person. Sign up now to stay informed and engaged in the political landscape.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]