Harry Phibbs

The LGA's defenders would argue it also has a more positive role. That it champions innovation, best practice and efficiency and thus, with all this useful advice, offers good value for money. The difficulty with this defence is that it turns out to be untrue. I have asked all English local authorities, via a Freedom of Information request, for details of any efficiency savings in the past year due to LGA advice. None of them could think of a single one. “None,” was the overwhelming, brutal response. A few were diplomatic – “none had been recorded” or “none were directly attributable”, etc. But no Council could positively identify a single item.

The Conservatices gained a seat from the Green Party in the Cotswolds, while the Green Party gained a seat from Labour in Brighton and Hove.

Their plans won't actually solve the housing crisis

Blackpool – Claremont Labour 458 (41.8 per cent, -10.5) Reform UK 419 (38.2 per cent, +38.2) Restore Britain 79 (7.2 per cent, +7.2) Conservatives

Aberdeen – Rosemount/Midstocket SNP 861 (27.9 per cent, -9.9 on 2022) Conservatives 743 (24.1 per cent, -0.5) Labour 535 (17.3 per

The UK should expect punitive terms if it tries to rejoin the EU

Flintshire – Higher Kinnerton Flintshire People's Voice 566 (91.3 per cent) Conservatives 21 (3.4 per cent) Reform UK 21 (3.4 per cent) Heritage 10 (1.6 per cent) Independent 2 (0.3 per cent)

Higher rates on passing businesses to the next generation would be a disaster

Carmarthenshire – Saron Plaid Cymru 397 (43.9 per cent, +3.5 on 2022) Reform UK 253 (28.0 per cent, +28.0) Labour 159 (17.6 per

Reform UK gained a seat from the Lib Dems in Halton and a seat from Labour in Bassetlaw but lost a seat to Labour in Dudley.