the people of blackpool south have spoken to britain. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they have had enough. it's just one outcome on a night of counting in the local elections across england. labour is making key gains from the conservatives. these elections are a huge test of public opinion. millions of votes are being counted. what happens next will shape the political landscape as we web up for that general election. take that — the group — becomes the latest act to move gigs away from the troubled co—op arena. good morning. a lovely start to the day in north yorkshire. the recent rainy weather and cost of living worries seem to be putting people off from booking a uk break. i will

be finding out more. a nightmare night for aston villa. they now have a mountain to climb to keep their european dream alive, after a big defeat at home, to olympiacos. stormzy and the beautiful game. the rapper on home ground, as he opens his own youth centre in south london. good morning. we will see some sunshine for scotland and later southern england. very cloudy with patchy rain elsewhere. all the bank holiday details coming up. it's friday, the 3rd of may. our main story. labour has won the blackpool south by—election with a convincing majority. the conservatives came second, they previously held the seat until their mp resigned after a lobbying scandal. the reform party came a close third. the first wave of results for the local elections in parts of england has also started to come through overnight — so far, the conservatives have lost council seats, while labour's made some key gains. our political correspondent,

damian grammaticus, has the latest. commonly known as chris, labour party 10,825. blackpool south, a little before 5 am, and a decisive labour victory. they were confident of emerging winners in the by election, but this was emphatic. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they've had enough. they've had enough for m years of the conservatives being in power. they have lost trust of the british people and blackpool has had enough of this failed government. the conservatives, who had held the seat, were beaten into second place. but the shock for tories will be that reform very nearly pushed them into third. they didn't get brexit done properly, they didn't cut immigration and people are tired and sick and tired of the tory incompetence and lies. we're done with it. we're done with the tories. it's time for change. it's time for reform.

and the first council of the night to change control, hartlepool. labour and co—operative party 649 votes. the conservatives lost six councillors here. labour in charge again. the win is symbolic for them clawing back lost ground. thomas william, labour party. 806. in rushmoor in hampshire, labour have taken control directly from the conservatives. boundary changes helped here, but it's also been gaining wards from tories. mounting losses, an unwelcome sight for the conservative minister at the count. and in north east lincolnshire, more labour cheer. wow. conservatives lost control of the council here. grimsby is exactly the sort of place labour will hope to win back at the general election. sadly, in local elections, they tend to mirror the polls at national

level and clearly it's a statement of the obvious. we're far behind in the polls nationally and people followed through at local level. but there are warning signs for labour, too. this is oldham. in some areas with substantial numbers of muslim voters, labour are struggling to hold on to support and elsewhere the greens have been picking up votes, often at labour's expense. voters are really, really sick of this conservative government and the way they've run this country into the ground over the last 1a years. but they're not really feeling inspired by what keir starmer�*s labour party is offering in stockport, where they're counting in a car park. liberal democrats could make gains from labour, but what they're most focused on are the places they face off with conservatives.

we're expecting to see gains, we're expecting to see good progress, but specifically in the areas where we hope to win parliamentary seats. and i do hereby declare that carol ann shevlin is duly elected. so the picture emerging is one of labour chalking up gains, conservatives slipping back and smaller parties winning support from both of them. damian grammaticus, bbc news. let's take a closer look at the result breakdown in the blackpool south by—election. labour's chris webb won 10,825 votes — a majority of 7,607. conservative david jones came in second with 3,218 votes, just 117 ahead of reform uk's mark butcher. labour won 59% of the vote, conservatives are on 18% and reform uk came a close third. it means the labour vote rose by 21%, while the conservatives�* fell by more than 30%. the 26.33% swing was the third

biggest from the conservatives to labour at a by—election since the second world war. our political correspondent helen cattjoins us now from blackpool. hello. the iconic tower behind you. what does this say. what does it indicate? sir keir starmer is calling this result seismic. as you just said, it is the scale of the victory. the third biggest swing for conservatives to labour in by—election history. to add to woes, there is the closeness for second place between the conservatives and were formed. at the start of the night it was not that apparent. over the course of the night reform seems to be performing a lot better than even they anticipated. it is going

to cause jitters through the party and certainly it is not the result the conservatives would have wanted. we have heard from richard tyson in terms of the reform issue, how is he saying what is happening if there were an expectation for reform to be in second place? it is their best performance in a by—election. in other parts of northern england they were seeing themselves as real challenges. they are pretty happy with this as a result. coming in third but coming in with such a small margin behind the conservatives. this morning the conservatives, i was speaking to a

conservatives, i was speaking to a conservative this morning asking what they may develop. this reinforces their message that voting for reform and updating for labour. no denying this is a very bad night we will be talking to you throughout the morning. we will be looking at all the analysis today. 107 councils are holding elections in england. counting will continue into the weekend but let's take a closer look at the results we do know so far. a short time ago, labour had gained 58 seats, while the conservatives had lost 117. the liberal democrats have seen gains so far of 16 seats. both the green and independent candidates have also increased the number of council seats they hold. we're joined now by our political correspondent alex forsyth.

this is a funny set of elections. anyone coming into it cold might think, oh my goodness. it is hard to unpick what is happening. we have results from some councils. what you can broadly take away from there so far is the conservatives have done badly and labour doing well. some really key results for the liberal democrats will come through the course of the afternoon. figs democrats will come through the course of the afternoon.- democrats will come through the course of the afternoon. as you say, the cautionary _ course of the afternoon. as you say, the cautionary element _ course of the afternoon. as you say, the cautionary element about - course of the afternoon. as you say, the cautionary element about this, l the cautionary element about this, it is early days in terms of the result. if you were going to take us to a place that gives a snapshot of where we were talking about, where might that be? cast where we were talking about, where might that be?— might that be? cast your mind back to about two _ might that be? cast your mind back to about two o'clock _ might that be? cast your mind back to about two o'clock this morning i to about two o'clock this morning when in hartlepool there would have been real celebrations for labour because they took control of that

council. the reason that there is so significant, it was not unexpected. the reason it was significant, it was the kind of place where a few years ago the conservatives were really doing well, they were really encroaching on traditional labour heartland territory. in fact, in 2021, there was a by—election for a parliamentary seat in hartlepool which the conservatives won. labour had taken back control of that council. it is symbolic for the labour party of where they are reversing what happened with the fading tide on their porch and take you years ago. in fading tide on their porch and take you years ago-— you years ago. in the north of england. _ you years ago. in the north of england. we _ you years ago. in the north of england, we spoke _ you years ago. in the north of england, we spoke a - you years ago. in the north of england, we spoke a lot - you years ago. in the north of| england, we spoke a lot about you years ago. in the north of- england, we spoke a lot about the north of england and the changes. in the south of england, is there any way you thought this is interesting, what we need to keep an eye on. the bi one what we need to keep an eye on. the big one we — what we need to keep an eye on. tue: big one we need what we need to keep an eye on. tte: big one we need to what we need to keep an eye on. t"t2 big one we need to keep what we need to keep an eye on. tt2 big one we need to keep an what we need to keep an eye on. t“t2 big one we need to keep an eye on is rational in hampshire. that has been controlled by the conservatives folsom time. it covers aldershot, a

military town, a solid conservative base. i do not think they were expecting to take down. when your phone starts tipping in the early hours of the morning, a lot of labour people saying, that is really significant for us was that there are other places like redditch in worcestershire where labour really wanted to show they were gaining ground ahead of the general election. they are significant results. the conservatives have held on in places. had results. the conservatives have held on in places-— on in places. had they gained anything? — on in places. had they gained anything? they _ on in places. had they gained anything? they have - on in places. had they gained| anything? they have managed on in places. had they gained - anything? they have managed to just anything? they have managed to 'ust about hold anything? they have managed to 'ust about how on — anything? they have managed to 'ust about hold on to �* anything? they have managed to 'ust about hold on to a i anything? they have managed to 'ust about hold on to a council, * anything? they have managed to just about hold on to a council, harlow, . about hold on to a council, harlow, which is quite important for them and in hampshire. when you look at the scale of the losses, so far they are losing half of the seats they are losing half of the seats they are defending. still a way to go but if that trajectory continues through the weekend, it is a bleak picture for the conservative party. at the weekend, it is a bleak picture for the conservative party. at this oint of for the conservative party. at this point of the _ for the conservative party. at this point of the morning, _ for the conservative party. at this point of the morning, not - for the conservative party. at this point of the morning, not all- for the conservative party. at this

point of the morning, not all the i point of the morning, not all the results are in yet. the ones to watch other big mayoral contest. they are going to have east midlands and the tees valley results and on saturday, london and the west midlands. they are important because they might set the mood in the conservative party. if they cling onto a couple, they might go, there is a gleam of light in all of this. if they lose some of the big mayoral contest, things will look pretty dismal. have you slept much? about three hours- — our chief political correspondent, henry zeffman, joins us now from downing street. just like you, everyone has been poring over the results as they come in. what is your take thus far? morning. i am sure they have been poring over the results and in conservative party headquarters. i

am sure they wish they were not poring over the results because they are a really bad set of results for the conservatives so far. it is a patchwork of results, it is early doors. one trend pops out. that is the conservatives are going backwards really quite dramatically compared to when these local elections were last contested three years ago. for the conservative party, that is a fairly bleak picture because these are not any old set of local elections. they are taking place months before a general election. forthe taking place months before a general election. for the conservative party and the labour party and other parties looking at what these results tell us about the general election, whenever it may come, they tell us the conservative party is in real danger of losing and losing badly. real danger of losing and losing badl . ., y real danger of losing and losing badl . ., , ., real danger of losing and losing badl. ., «g ., badly. how quickly do those questions — badly. how quickly do those questions become - badly. how quickly do those questions become personal| badly. how quickly do those - questions become personal about

rishi sunak and his position? there will be ramblings, _ rishi sunak and his position? tt22 will be ramblings, conversations about rishi sunak, especially as we get through the weekend when we had poor results. the picture might change a bit, of course. the conservative party has been adamant for weeks that the big results to watch out for our two mayoral results. one of which is the west midlands election, results of which we will get tomorrow. they say it shows the conservative party can do 0k. shows the conservative party can do ok. if you are a conservative mp and those are your crumbs of comfort, things which, where individuals, mayors have big personal votes, do not correspond closely to westminster, it tells its own story about what sort of naive has been for the conservative party and what weekend it will be. just for the conservative party and what weekend it will be.—

weekend it will be. just a thought about the other _ weekend it will be. just a thought about the other political - weekend it will be. just a thought about the other political parties. l about the other political parties. many of them had high hopes. we do not know the full results. other parties had a lot riding on this as well. ~ .,, parties had a lot riding on this as well. ., _ well. most obviously the labour pa , he well. most obviously the labour party. he had — well. most obviously the labour party. he had a _ well. most obviously the labour party, he had a pretty _ well. most obviously the labour party, he had a pretty good - well. most obviously the labour l party, he had a pretty good night. that shows as the national polls would suggest, they are on course for government. we should not forget thatis for government. we should not forget that is five years of a historically large landslide defeat. not without complications for the labour party at all. there are some areas where it seems in particular like their stance on the israel war in gaza has been harming them. the green party has made some strides. the lib dems seem to be doing decently in some tory heartlands in the south. a wide picture with lots for the different parties to think about. we picture with lots for the different parties to think about.— picture with lots for the different parties to think about. we will be talkin: parties to think about. we will be talking plenty _ parties to think about. we will be talking plenty throughout - parties to think about. we will be talking plenty throughout the - talking plenty throughout the morning. we will see you later on.

we'll have more on the elections in the next half hour. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app — and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. when you go out to vote, they often keep an eye on the weather, don't they? it can make a massive difference, can't it? a fairly decent day yesterday if people want to get away from election news or are planning their day, what can they expect? are planning their day, what can they exoect?_ they expect? yesterday was the warmest day — they expect? yesterday was the warmest day of _ they expect? yesterday was the warmest day of the _ they expect? yesterday was the warmest day of the year - they expect? yesterday was the warmest day of the year so - they expect? yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far. | warmest day of the year so far. today will not be as warm. some sunshine in a few spots. this is the picture in the western isles. much of western scotland will have another warm and sunny day. most of us more proud than yesterday, bringing the temperatures down. some rain in the forecast as well. a

slow—moving frontal system bringing allotted cloud and patchy rain. we kids see thundery showers moving on from the east. a future eyes full southern scotland, perhaps northern ireland. the best of the sunshine will be across central and northern scotland where temperatures could be 21 degrees. sunshine appearing close to the south coast later. temperatures for some 10 degrees cooler than yesterday. in sussex, 23 yesterday and 13 today. the best weather will be in the west of scotland. this evening and overnight as area of cloud and rain nudging further north. clearing spells in the south and there could be the mist and fog patch around. most of us bug free. this frontal system still with us tomorrow. —— fog free.

more cloud in scotland, ireland, northern england and wales. more sunshine either side of the night. temperatures between 12 and 17 degrees. temperatures between 12 and 17 decrees. . ~ temperatures between 12 and 17 decrees. ., ,, , . let's take a look at today's papers. the telegraph reports that the uk government has asked ireland if it wants tojoin the rwanda deal. it comes as the two countries argue about asylum seekers relocating from the uk. the mirror leads on talks being held by fa cup bosses, following the decision to scrap replay matches for the first round of the tournament, which is played by lower and non—league teams. the times reports on a protesters blocking a coach in south east london, which prevented the home office from sending dozens of migrants to the bibby stockholm barge in dorset. 45 people were arrested during the demonstration. and the guardian has this image, from another protest, this time in the us. this is from the pro—palestine demonstration held at the university of california, following days of similar action at campuses across the country. the paper quotes president biden in its headline saying:

"order must prevail". let's bring you up—to—date with the news that is coming through. take that have become the latest act to move concerts from the troubled co—op live arena, which has paused holding events due to technical issues. its rival, the ao arena, will now host the band's five upcoming manchester dates, as well as gigs by keane and the us rapper a boogie wit da hoodie. our reporter graham satchell has more. # a little patience...# take that — the latest band to cancel their gig at the new co—op live arena in manchester. their shows next week will be staged at a rival venue instead. i think everybody in manchester really has been excited for it, and then when something like this happens and it's just such a letdown, really. the co—op arena is meant to be one of the best music venues in the world. so far, its left the streets of manchester echoing with disappointment, anger and frustration.

one of the security guards just comes over and then tells us it's like, cancelled, you know? everyone thought he was joking. and then tons of people just started leaving the queue. people came and people are crying, kicking off and everything. i'm, like, hitting - the security guard crying. and everyone's upset - because it's been cancelled. we've been waiting for months for it. l you're joking! it's hard to imagine a more disastrous start. shows by the comedian peter kay and us rock band the black keys have been cancelled. this weekend's gigs by olivia rodrigo have also been called off. # but i stay focussed, yes#. american rapper a boogie wit da hoodie's show will now take place at the ao arena instead. the £365 million venue has been plagued by technical and safety issues. it's rapidly becoming a problem for the reputation of manchester itself. brand manchester is taking some flak over this as well. we want to be seen as a modern,

progressive city, competing with not only london but other great european cities. and not being able to open a venue like this in this way is becoming embarrassing. co—op live's owners have apologised for the disruption and say the venue will be taking what it calls a short pause. the first gig is now scheduled for the 14th of may. liam gallagher, the former oasis frontman, who is scheduled to play the co—op arena injune, joked on social media he'd gig in lidl if the venue wasn't ready by then. graham satchell, bbc news. the foreign secretary lord cameron has said the uk will give at least £3 billion worth of aid to ukraine, every year, for as long as necessary. he met with president zelensky in the capital, kyiv. lord cameron also said that ukraine has a right to use british weapons to strike inside russia. in terms of what the ukrainians do, in our view, it is their decision about how to use these weapons. they�* re defending their country. they were illegally invaded by putin and they must take those steps. we don't discuss any caveats

that we put on those things. but let's be absolutely clear. russia has launched an attack into ukraine, and ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at russia. a hydroelectric dam has collapsed in southern brazil, after days of torrential rain and flooding that killed 31 people. at least 60 people are missing and 15,000 have been forced to leave their homes since the storms began on saturday. the extreme weather has been caused by a combination of hotter than average temperatures, high humidity and strong winds. apple has announced that demand for its flagship product — the iphone — dropped sharply in the first three months of the year. sales for the iphone were down 10% compared with the same period last year. the tech firm also reported an overall drop in its quarterly revenue. president biden has said protests at universities in america, over the conflict in gaza, have not caused him to re—think us

policy towards israel. at least 200 people were arrested after police dismantled a pro—palestinian camp at the university of california in los angeles. there have also been clashes in dallas and new york city. our north america correspondent david willis reports. at one of america's most prestigious universities, they were clearing away boards that had formed the barricades to a sprawling encampment that had been in place a week. it was broken up by riot police, hundreds of whom swarmed the campus shortly before dawn. a dramatic show of force, which saw officers firing rubber bullets and stun grenades, to push through the lines of protesters. more than 200 arrests were made, prompting president biden, who had yet to comment on the protests, to plead for a return to law and order.

destroying property is not a peaceful protest. it's against the law. vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations. none of this is a peaceful protest. asked if the protests would prompt him to reconsider his policies in the middle east, the president replied, "no." but, in an election year, his resolute backing of israel has left him at odds with progressive voters aghast at the rising death toll in gaza. protests have spread to more than 130 colleges and universities nationwide, and more than 2,000 people have been arrested in the last two weeks alone. but this is a movement that is sweeping the country. and, as one encampment is cleared, others emerge. arrests have been made at other colleges and universities, as officials weigh the demand

for law and order with competing calls for freedom of speech. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. coming up... rakus, the orangutan, the first wild animal spotted using a medicinal plant to treat an injury. scientists in indonesia saw him applying paste to a wound, which one month later had fully healed. this is quite extraordinary, seeing wild animals using medicinal plants, plants they believe are medicinal, to heal their wounds. we will talk to heal their wounds. we will talk to an ape specialist about the intelligence involved in these magnificent creatures.

time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning from bbc london. i'm thomas magill. as you've been hearing, results from yesterday's local elections are starting to be declared. in harlow, the conservatives have retained control of the council, but their majority has been reduced to one. labour have gained control of thurrock council with both southend and rochford councils have remained under no overall control. with some of ther details here's our bbc essex political reporter simon dedman. sir keir starmer has said derek and harlow where labour's real targets in essex in these local elections. ai in essex in these local elections. a1 thurrock by a in essex in these local elections. a1thurrock by a landslide. in harlow they lost out by 55 votes. they have managed to keep control of harlow council. in berkshire, the labour party have retained control of reading borough council.

of the 16 seats up for election, labour ended up with 12. one for the liberal democrats and the conservatives finished the night empty—handed. the greens won three, to become the second party there.mr pal singh thanked voters in emmer green for "putting their trust in him. in other news, passengers who use the new elizabeth line say the gap between the train and the platforms in west london is dangerous. eric leach broke his foot getting off the train at ealing broadway. tfl says the platform meets safety standards and is working to make its stations accessible. but passengers want tfl to reduce the gaps on the platforms. my my concern is how i hit my head i could have killed myself. but mums with buggies, people with heavy luggage, disabled people, it doesn't work. itjust doesn't work. and, as i said, £19 billion worth of bespoke train and a brand—new station. let's take a look at the tubes now. there's minor delays on piccadilly line. now onto the weather.

good morning. it's a rather grey and misty start once again. we've had showers overnight, more showers to come this morning and they could be quite heavy but gradually they are lifting northwards, drier and brighter further south, perhaps hanging on to cloud and a few showers further north later on this afternoon. temperatures, despite any sunshine later, only managing round 14-15 sunshine later, only managing round 111—15 so chillier than the last couple of days. overnight it is dry and clear with cloud continuing to left. mist and fog patches, the wind is light, minimum temperature down to five celsius. for saturday, we start to see a friend trying to edge into the south—west. for us it means a bright start, some sunshine but the cloud will start to move in and read that some showers through saturday as well. still some sunny spells though. temperatures tomorrow, 17 celsius. in two sunday and looking like a dry start but then the possibility of some showers later on in the day with spells of

rain for bank holiday monday and temperatures across the weekend around 16. that's it for now. we will continue to bring you the results through—out the morning as we get them. you can off—course keep across all the twists and turns with live coverage on your local bbc radio station. i'll be back with you in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. as local election counts continue, the first wave of results in england are starting to come in. meanwhile, labour won the blackpool south by—election, taking the seat from the conservatives. reeta chakrabarti has been looking at the results in more detail. ina night in a night of big results this one stood out. blackpool south, the only by—election of the night, triggered

by—election of the night, triggered by the resignation of the conservative mp and it was a resounding labour victory. labours chris webber won it with a majority of 7600 and ijust chris webber won it with a majority of 7600 and i just want to show you the swing from conservative to labour. that is a whopping 26% and i can tell you this was the third largest drop in conservative support in any by—election since the war, so a really thumping victory there. in terms of local council results, these are some of the most eye—catching. redditch and the west midlands, that was conservative. it's a labour gain from the conservatives. the conservatives had a three seat majority on this council and that's been translated into a 15 seat majority for labour and you can see here the figures speaking for themselves. labour gaining ten seats, the conservatives

losing 11 and one seat going to the greens. so a really interesting result there. i want to take you next to rushmore in hampshire. this had been conservative since the start of the century and it had never been labour, but this is also a labour gainfrom never been labour, but this is also a labour gain from the conservatives. you can see labour picked up seven seats. the conservatives lost eight seats and the lib dems gained one, so that has become a labour council and labour have a majority of three seats there in rushmore. one more council i want to bring you, and that is hartlepool. it had been a hung council. there was no one party in charge and that is a labour gain. labour picking up eight seats. the conservatives losing six and the independence losing six, as well.

this was a notorious by—election. westminster by—election defeat for labour, in 2021, so this goes quite some way for them in terms of being able to hold their heads up high again in hartlepool. much more on the election results. all the stories are on the website for you, you can put in your postcode and find out what has happened in your own area. that is the address and of course you can also use the bbc news app. counts have been taking place at 35 councils in england overnight — let's get an update from harlow and grimsby. well, despite the national opinion polls being pretty difficult for the conservatives, they managed to keep their majority share in harlow, but it's been cut to just one and labour missed out on taking control of this council byjust missed out on taking control of this council by just 55 votes. it missed out on taking control of this council byjust 55 votes. it came

down to one ward, and this was a council area that sir keir starmer had visited on the eve of poll and told the bbc locally that this was one of labours real targets in this local election. they did manage to win a large majority on thurrock and they have become the largest party in southend which is in no overall control so labour have made gains. if they want to do well in the general election. but they have come up general election. but they have come up short in this seat, which has been a bellwether in general elections for 40 years. tt’s been a bellwether in general elections for 40 years. it's been a niuht of elections for 40 years. it's been a night of conservative _ elections for 40 years. it's been a night of conservative losses - elections for 40 years. it's been a night of conservative losses here | elections for 40 years. it's been a l night of conservative losses here in north_ night of conservative losses here in north east— night of conservative losses here in north east lincolnshire, going into the selection of the tories had a sizeabie — the selection of the tories had a sizeable majority on this council, but its— sizeable majority on this council, but it's now— sizeable majority on this council, but it's now gone after labour gained — but it's now gone after labour gained six— but it's now gone after labour gained six seats at the conservatives expense. there will be many _ conservatives expense. there will be many eyes _ conservatives expense. there will be many eyes on this area because it covers _ many eyes on this area because it covers the — many eyes on this area because it covers the parliamentary constituency of great grimsby, which was won—

constituency of great grimsby, which was won by— constituency of great grimsby, which was won by the conservatives at the last general election in 2019, and a boris _ last general election in 2019, and a borisjohnson of course, last general election in 2019, and a boris johnson of course, after decades— boris johnson of course, after decades of labour control. one of the local— decades of labour control. one of the local tory mps decades of labour control. one of the local tory mp5 for this area for great _ the local tory mp5 for this area for great grimsby told me why she believes— great grimsby told me why she believes voters are turned away from the party— believes voters are turned away from the party in _ believes voters are turned away from the party in these local elections is because they have not seen levelling — is because they have not seen levelling up in action. they have not seen — levelling up in action. they have not seen the kind of economic progress — not seen the kind of economic progress they were promised back in 2019 _ progress they were promised back in 2019 so _ progress they were promised back in 2019. so that's a real worry for the tories _ 2019. so that's a real worry for the tories going — 2019. so that's a real worry for the tories going into the upcoming generat— tories going into the upcoming general election.— tories going into the upcoming general election. there's been a lot auoin on general election. there's been a lot going on overnight. _ let's go now to lincoln where our reporter jessica lane is. good morning to you. what has happened where you are? labour has held the council? that's right, yes. i'm outside the university in lincoln and the reason i'm outside is because this is where all the action has been going on until about half an hour ago when everybody was very delighted to finish and pack up and go home after

a very busy night. they have been doing the counting here in lincoln and counting was for the city of lincoln council and also for the police and crime commissioner. that's the person whose job it is to make sure that we have an efficient and an effective police service. the fcc and an effective police service. the pcc candidate here for the conservatives was markjones, and he retained that role this year. and we spoke to him when his result was announced at about 3:45 this morning. announced at about 3:45 this morninu. ~ ~ . ., , announced at about 3:45 this mornina.~ ~ . ., , ,, morning. well, i think elections ebb and flow and — morning. well, i think elections ebb and flow and the _ morning. well, i think elections ebb and flow and the last _ morning. well, i think elections ebb and flow and the last pcc _ morning. well, i think elections ebb and flow and the last pcc election i and flow and the last pcc election it's fair— and flow and the last pcc election it's fair to — and flow and the last pcc election it's fair to say the conservatives did better— it's fair to say the conservatives did better than they would have expected to so it's inevitable that that will— expected to so it's inevitable that that will go back the other way but what's _ that will go back the other way but what's really important is that people — what's really important is that people get the opportunity to elect their local councillors, the local police _ their local councillors, the local police and _ their local councillors, the local police and crime commissioners, and -et police and crime commissioners, and get that— police and crime commissioners, and get that representation so here in lincolnshire i'm glad they have chosen — lincolnshire i'm glad they have chosen me to do that and i'm obviously— chosen me to do that and i'm obviously committed to doing the bestiob _ obviously committed to doing the bestiob i — obviously committed to doing the bestjob i can. so

obviously committed to doing the best job i can-— obviously committed to doing the best job i can. so the conservative candidate did _ best job i can. so the conservative candidate did held _ best job i can. so the conservative candidate did held that _ best job i can. so the conservative candidate did held that role - best job i can. so the conservative candidate did held that role of - best job i can. so the conservative candidate did held that role of the | candidate did held that role of the police and crime commissioner, but on the city of lincoln council, it was a different story. one third of the seats on the city of lincoln council was up for election this year so there are 11 wards, each one with three councillors, and one seat from each ward was up for election. and the story here tonight is that it was a real success for labour. they gained four seats from the conservatives although they did lose one to the liberal democrats. the conservatives lost four seats and held one and that one was held with just a handful of votes and there was actually an audible gasp in the room when those results were read out. and i spoke to the conservative council for more than 30 years and he is one of those councillors who lost a seat last night. t’m he is one of those councillors who lost a seat last night.— lost a seat last night. i'm trying to be magnanimous _ lost a seat last night. i'm trying to be magnanimous about - lost a seat last night. i'm trying to be magnanimous about it. lost a seat last night. i'm trying to be magnanimous about it in | lost a seat last night. i'm trying i to be magnanimous about it in the sense _ to be magnanimous about it in the sense that — to be magnanimous about it in the sense that you know no sour grapes or anything. — sense that you know no sour grapes oranything, but i

sense that you know no sour grapes or anything, but i think, sense that you know no sour grapes oranything, but i think, not sense that you know no sour grapes or anything, but i think, not like to think. — or anything, but i think, not like to think, they were mainly conservative voters in the past this affected _ conservative voters in the past this affected i— conservative voters in the past this affected. i know on the streets when i'm affected. i know on the streets when i'm talking _ affected. i know on the streets when i'm talking to known conservative supporters, and i've had them today as well, _ supporters, and i've had them today as well, said — supporters, and i've had them today as well, said theyjust will not vote _ as well, said theyjust will not vote at— as well, said theyjust will not vote at all. they are not going to vote _ vote at all. they are not going to vote against me but they will not vote against me but they will not vote at _ vote against me but they will not vote at all, and that is disappointing and i think the national— disappointing and i think the national politics scene has ruined as in_ national politics scene has ruined as in lincoln city but i think it is replicated — as in lincoln city but i think it is replicated throughout the country to be fair~ _ replicated throughout the country to be fair. so _ replicated throughout the country to be fair. , ., be fair. so disappointment for the conservatives _ be fair. so disappointment for the conservatives as _ be fair. so disappointment for the conservatives as we _ be fair. so disappointment for the conservatives as we were - be fair. so disappointment for the conservatives as we were hearing | conservatives as we were hearing there but not really a surprise because labours majority on the city of lincoln council was never really under threat with just a third of those votes. however, lots of people in the ward tonight are talking about whether this is a bit of a hint about how things may go in the general election so i also spoke to

hamish falconer, lincoln's parliamentary candidate in the general election for the labour party. general election for the labour pa . ., , general election for the labour pa . , general election for the labour pa . ., ., party. nobody has voted for the reneral party. nobody has voted for the general election _ party. nobody has voted for the general election yet, _ party. nobody has voted for the general election yet, so - party. nobody has voted for the general election yet, so i'm - party. nobody has voted for the | general election yet, so i'm very cautious— general election yet, so i'm very cautious and i will be asking for each _ cautious and i will be asking for each and — cautious and i will be asking for each and every vote, people voted for local— each and every vote, people voted for local things here but will be voting — for local things here but will be voting for— for local things here but will be voting for national things when the general— voting for national things when the general election comes, but this i think— general election comes, but this i think is— general election comes, but this i think is a — general election comes, but this i think is a sign people in lincoln are really— think is a sign people in lincoln are really looking to the labour party— are really looking to the labour party to — are really looking to the labour party to try and bring the changes people _ party to try and bring the changes people want to see. 30, party to try and bring the changes people want to see.— people want to see. so, as i said, lots of people _ people want to see. so, as i said, lots of people here _ people want to see. so, as i said, lots of people here talking - people want to see. so, as i said, lots of people here talking about | lots of people here talking about whether this is going to be any kind of guide to what is going to happen in the general election but of course everyone across the country will have their chance to go out and have their say. will have their chance to go out and have their say-— have their say. jessica, thanks so much for that. _ have their say. jessica, thanks so much for that. really _ have their say. jessica, thanks so much for that. really interesting | much for that. really interesting learning have the night has progressed there in lincoln. thank you, jessica. what we need to do now is speak to the nations number cruncher. professor sirjohn curtis about how things are shaking up. good morning to you. you've been up

all night so are you ok? weill. good morning to you. you've been up all night so are you 0k?— all night so are you 0k? well, i'm manauuin all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still— all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still to _ all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still to sit _ all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still to sit on _ all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still to sit on this - all night so are you 0k? well, i'm managing still to sit on this stool. j managing still to sit on this stool. if i nod off, you will know why. t if i nod off, you will know why. i won't take it personally. for those peoplejoining bbc breakfast, won't take it personally. for those people joining bbc breakfast, just coming up to 6.40, on friday morning, what do they need to know this morning? how would you sum things up? t this morning? how would you sum thins u - ? ~ this morning? how would you sum thina-su? ~' , . , things up? i think the principle messare things up? i think the principle message they _ things up? i think the principle message they need _ things up? i think the principle message they need to - things up? i think the principle message they need to take - things up? i think the principle l message they need to take away things up? i think the principle - message they need to take away is that the constant message of the opinion polls that the conservative party are struggling to narrow the gap on labour and labour are still seeming to be way ahead of course in the country, these local ballot boxes suggest that that broad message is still correct. now of course it's true the conservatives were defending a very high baseline so inevitably we are talking about how big the losses were, where they just once but suggested there was progress on last year or it would suggest that if there was much

progress at all? unfortunately for them, the answer is on the detailed voting figures we got so far, we've only got about a third of them, if anything it looks as though the conservative vote is down a bit on the local elections last year. that, together with the blackpool south by—election, which was the third biggest swing from conservative to labour, in post—war electoral history, we have now had five parliamentary by—elections with swings of over 20% from conservative to labour. you put all of this together and you have to say, bearing in mind a lot of the results are still to be counted, but unless they come up with something markedly different, the message to the conservative party is going to be you are still in a very deep electoral hole.— you are still in a very deep electoral hole. g ., , , electoral hole. john, 'ust focusing a little bit more _ electoral hole. john, 'ust focusing a little bit more for _ electoral hole. john, just focusing a little bit more for people - electoral hole. john, just focusing a little bit more for people who i electoral hole. john, just focusing l a little bit more for people who are justjoining us this morning, blackpool south, that result declared just after five o'clock this morning, just take us through

the significance of the swing of air. you mentioned it, it enters the record books in a way the conservatives wouldn't like but there are other elements to that vote which have interest in relation to reform for example? and vote which have interest in relation to reform for example? and indeed what we are — to reform for example? and indeed what we are going _ to reform for example? and indeed what we are going to _ to reform for example? and indeed what we are going to talk— to reform for example? and indeed what we are going to talk about - to reform for example? and indeed what we are going to talk about is l what we are going to talk about is also relevant to the local elections are basically the reform party got nearly 17% of the vote, they almost took second place in the race from the conservatives and it seems pretty clear what is also by the way the third biggest fall in conservative support ever in a by—election, that that was at least in part occasioned by the progress of reform, their best performance in a parliamentary by—election although one has to say it's still not on a par with the kinds of by—election performances that ukip, the previous standard bearer of the eurosceptic cause, were gaining in the 2010—15 parliament. if we also look at what happened in the local elections,

reform didn't fight most of the council seats but where they did, the fall in the conservative vote was markedly higher than where they did not so again, one of the other measures in the opinion polls more recently, which is a rise of reform and arise particular damaging the conservatives, that also was confirmed by the local ballot boxes. give us some context, john, because we are talking about local elections. a new mp. to what extent does this translate into general election which we will be coming in the relatively near future? weill. the relatively near future? well, what local— the relatively near future? well, what local elections _ the relatively near future? well, what local elections do - the relatively near future? well, what local elections do as - the relatively near future? well, what local elections do as they l the relatively near future? 2ii what local elections do as they give you admission in real votes of where the country is now. in other words, what we can say is the country still seems to be minded to vote in far more numbers for labour than for the conservatives, that that has not really changed in the last 12

months, and that therefore unless things change between now and the general election which might still be six months away, the conservatives do seem to be heading for defeat but local elections are not addictive. it may be that, despite the fact that the conservatives have made so little progress so far, things do change in the next six months, but the point is unless things change these local results are sending a message in the opinion polls which is that at the moment the conservatives are on course for defeat.— moment the conservatives are on course for defeat. john, always good to catch u- course for defeat. john, always good to catch up with _ course for defeat. john, always good to catch up with you _ course for defeat. john, always good to catch up with you on _ course for defeat. john, always good to catch up with you on these - to catch up with you on these mornings. sirjohn curtis, still awake, i think that's the headline on that story. i hope you get to sleep soon. and he is still on his stool which he did warn us about. he's number one number cruncher, it'sjust that the detail which we will endeavour to take you through this morning, because asjohn said, not a huge number of the council results are in

us yet, it takes a longer period of time through friday into saturday as well. all the results expected to be declared by late saturday evening. you can of course follow all of those results, reactions and analysis for councils, police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app and on bbc television, radio and special podcasts. mike is with us on the sofa now. sport. good morning. it's a results business and sometimes at shocking results, when you are not expecting but a great season for aston villa hoping to cap it off with a little trip to athens later this month being the only british team in the european final. it seems less likely now unfortunately after last night. i don't think many of us expected this. aston villa's hopes of that first european final since 1982, are hanging by a thread after they were stunned by greek side olympiacos in the first leg, of their europa conference league, semi final, losing 4—2 at villa park.

joe wilson was watching. at villa park, they wanted to create a dramatic occasion while they got one, but the football was beyond anyone's control. rubalcaba, his hat trick for olympiakos began with an onside goal proved by var. still, villa tried to play the offside game once more. they were punished if unai emery felt the tie was slipping away. ollie watkins responded with precision. 2—1 at half time. king of finishes. prince of wales. could moussa diaby score from there? yeah. 2-2. villa had the initiative, then lost it. douglas luis raised his arm in a way that enabled the referee to say penalty. and here comes 3—2. villa's luck. watch it fly from kunze back into the net for two some clumsy defending then gave villa another chance a penalty. douglas luiz after lengthy delay after picking his spot,

he missed it. everything that could have gone wrong basically did. was the verdict of villa's captain. after a night of frustrations, one thing is still certain there is a second leg, and as hard as it may seem for aston villa, now is not the time to slow down. joe wilson, bbc news at villa park. a bad night for villa in europe, but their chances of finishing in the top four of the premier league, have improved, after tottenham lost 2—0, against london rivals chelsea at stamford bridge. the second goal, summed up spur�*s night. a cracking free kick from cole palmer cannons off the bar, and it's nicolas jackson who gets to the rebound. it leaves spurs seven points behind villa, withjust one game in hand. spurs defeat also means liverpool are now guaranteed champions league football next season. chelsea are now eyeing a top six finish. trying to catch manchester united. the world of cricket has been paying

tributes to one of its young stars, after the tragic news, that worcestershire spin bowler josh baker, has died at the age of 20. baker has played twice, in the county championship this season, the last time against durham last month. he was playing in a county second 11 fixture this week, taking three wickets on wednesday. the club has not said how baker died. former england bowler ashley giles, who is chief executive at warwickshire, said in a club statement, the news ofjosh's passing has left us all devastated. josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family. we will all miss him terribly. wigan warriors climbed above catalans dragons in the super league table after beating them 30—8 last night. the defending champions scored five tries, with abbas miski's sixth of the season putting the icing on the cake. wigan are second, only behind st helens on points difference. we're at the semi—finals stage in the world snooker championship at the crucible. there's quite a battle going on betweenjakjones

and stuart bingham jones slipped to three frames to nil down before fighting back against the former champion. they'll return to the table this afternoon with the match balanced at four all. kyren wilson is also level with david gilbert in the other semifinal. they'll resume at ten o'clock this morning with the score tied at four frames all. in golf, england's matt wallace leads the way, at the byron nelson, pga tour event in texas, after the opening round. but all eyes were on another englishman — 16—year—old kris kim, who we heard from yesterday on the programme. just a week before his gcses back home, he stunned his seniors, by chipping in an eagle, on the 18th. he finished the day on three under par, just five shots behind wallace, and ahead of players like robert macintyre, who played for europe at the ryder cup. age is no barrier. if you've got the talent and you're confident enough.

only yesterday you were saying watch out for him. the ryder cup is the second time you've mentioned it around his name, as well, it's great to see. back next week for his exams. an eagle is a what? two under par, so if you are supposed to get the ball in the hole in five shots, if you get it in in three that's illegal but if you get in in four, one under, that's a birdie. all good information. looking ahead to summer now. with summerjust around the corner, fewer people are planning a holiday in the uk — as high costs and bad weather are putting people off — according to the tourist board visit britain. ben's at a caravan site in north yorkshire this morning. lovely views. i tell you what, to wake up to that and look out of your window and wake up to that on holiday is no bad thing at all. certainly isn't. sheep, lambs, peacefully grazing in

the field, somejust the field, some just about coming up, it's gorgeous here. absolutely utterly peaceful. and you might think why do with the hassle of an airport and a flight and travelling abroad when you can come somewhere like this. the thing is it seems that a lot of people are opting for a foreign holiday. some recent researches found that in march in the uk this year there were 340,000 short—term holiday nets available, 18% more than in march last year. that could be because there are more properties available or it could be that people simply aren't as much. some of the reasons that, two highlighted in the research was a recent rainy weather we've been having but also cost of living pressures deterring people. you might think people would stay local. only around a third say they are

planning a uk break rather than a foreign trip in the coming months. and i can be done to the fact you can get some cheap flights as simon calder explain to us as he was about tojet off for a calder explain to us as he was about to jet off for a little break. there's all sorts of places i could have gone to this weekend. but frankly if an airline is going to say we'll fly you to vienna for 15 quid that's a pretty good start. there aren't actually that many other places in the uk you can get to for 15 quid you get here. it's exotic, it's enthralling, it's surprising, it'sjust beautiful. and therefore, well, i'm afraid we are pretty addicted to travelling abroad, especially at silly prices. well, simon talking about the virtues of going abroad but have a look inside this lodge. this is one of the properties they have at the caravan park. a fully fitted kitchen, an oven and hob, you could

make a full breakfast, a full fry up in there. let's speak to a couple of the people who have been here for many years on and off. 50 years you've been coming? brian and angela. what keeps you coming back? it's an easy dry from leeds to get here and you have a fantastic view and we have the three peaks here so great walking area.— great walking area. when people would say. _ great walking area. when people would say, well, _ great walking area. when people would say, well, actually - great walking area. when people would say, well, actually get - would say, well, actually get guaranteed better weather in the wet, what would you say to them? it's just great to come up you because — it's just great to come up you because you canjust relax and get good _ because you canjust relax and get good days— because you canjust relax and get good days and bad days but relaxing and taking _ good days and bad days but relaxing and taking stress away from whatever your other _ and taking stress away from whatever your other life as god, it's a lifestyle _ your other life as god, it's a lifestyle choice, what we like to do and to _ lifestyle choice, what we like to do and to be — lifestyle choice, what we like to do and to be enjoyed.— and to be en'oyed. thank you for bein: u- and to be en'oyed. thank you for being up so — and to be enjoyed. thank you for being up so early _ and to be enjoyed. thank you for being up so early for— and to be enjoyed. thank you for being up so early for us - and to be enjoyed. thank you for being up so early for us to - and to be enjoyed. thank you for being up so early for us to have i and to be enjoyed. thank you for| being up so early for us to have a chat. let's speak to thomas, who is in charge of this whole park. thomas, thanks for having us down here and acting as having a nose around. we have seen a large, and

we've got caravan pitches and touring caravans that come here. has the wet weather had an impact on your bookings, though? tia. the wet weather had an impact on your bookings, though? no, people have 'ust your bookings, though? no, people have just chosen _ your bookings, though? no, people have just chosen to _ your bookings, though? no, people have just chosen to come _ your bookings, though? no, people have just chosen to come at - your bookings, though? no, people have just chosen to come at the - have just chosen to come at the right times of the year, just packed the right clothing and away they go. they are quite hardy in yorkshire so they tend to come round and just go off walking and doing what they enjoy the most. it's a beautiful part of the world to come to. has the fact that _ part of the world to come to. has the fact that easter _ part of the world to come to. has the fact that easter was very early this year had a negative impact? the weather wasn't so good, was it? easter is always better if it is earlier, and the simple reason that everybody gets in the holiday mode, they get the thought process of coming away on holiday in the uk all the time, they get everything tried out and put everything in the touring caravan, come up to the lodge, the static holiday home, the touring caravan, and enjoy it and get a longer extended season. when easter is early it's brilliant, minutes later, it's very tight and we got three bank holidays in the

space of five weeks, and it puts undue pressure on the staff because they are having to get up and go every day. they are having to get up and go eve da . ~ �* they are having to get up and go every day-— they are having to get up and go eve da. �* ., ., every day. we've heard the cost of livin: every day. we've heard the cost of living pressures _ every day. we've heard the cost of living pressures are _ every day. we've heard the cost of living pressures are affecting - living pressures are affecting people holiday decisions, so what patterns are you noticing? the only one we know _ patterns are you noticing? the only one we know on _ patterns are you noticing? the only one we know on the _ patterns are you noticing? the only one we know on the touring - patterns are you noticing? the only one we know on the touring side i one we know on the touring side people are not booking the top package, just tailoring their holiday or travel the way to what they can afford and know how much is going to cost and pack accordingly and is to get the benefits of a rural or coastal environment and enjoying it all the time. qt rural or coastal environment and enjoying it all the time. of course, --eole enjoying it all the time. of course, people are — enjoying it all the time. of course, people are choosing _ enjoying it all the time. of course, people are choosing a _ enjoying it all the time. of course, people are choosing a uk - enjoying it all the time. of course, people are choosing a uk break. enjoying it all the time. of course, people are choosing a uk break is| people are choosing a uk break is good for businesses like yours, but you were explaining to me just before we started filming that the benefit goes more widely than that? i'm a big advocate of using community and making sure the local community and making sure the local community benefits from the holiday—makers that come. we have a brilliant baker in the village, a brilliant baker in the village, a brilliant post office and fruit and veg shop, but people enjoy walking

up veg shop, but people enjoy walking up the street and getting the proper home—made bread and meat and vegetables so we got a couple of nice pubs and various other things and it makes the experience enjoyable for the whole of the customers over the weekend and they thoroughly enjoy it. tqm. customers over the weekend and they thoroughly enjoy it— thoroughly enjoy it. ok, thomas, appreciate you — thoroughly enjoy it. ok, thomas, appreciate you having _ thoroughly enjoy it. ok, thomas, appreciate you having us - thoroughly enjoy it. ok, thomas, appreciate you having us down i thoroughly enjoy it. ok, thomas, i appreciate you having us down here. i was asking thomas earlier if they have a tannoy because if you come to a holiday park you want to greet everyone whether cheerful hi—de—hi and what is the response? studio: ben, i'm not going to do it. how do you know, there you go, i did it. thanks, ben. that lifted the spirits, didn't it? if i show you a picture now, this is blackpool and you will know the scene very well so there are two things really to report from blackpool this morning. a lot more significant than the other, one is, you can't see

blackpool tower it's shrouded in mist, the meteorological piece of information. but there is a picture emerging overnight because there has been a development in blackpool south, this is where the labour party's chris webb won the parliamentary by—election from the conservatives with a significant majority. it is seen as a key win and in his victory speech, but now labour mp for blackpool south said this is time now for rishi sunak to admit he has failed and call a general election, said the reason we are bringing you this is i'm not sure we were getting analysis through the morning about how significant or how much of a pointer these local elections will be towards the general election, but may be offering a clearer picture in certain parts of the country. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are.

see today a very good morning from bbc london. i'm thomas magill. more now on the local elections from around london and it was a bad night for the conservatives. in harlow, they held on to control of the council — with their majority reduced to just one. labour have gained control of thurrock council — with both southend and rochford councils remained under no overall control. —— remaining. with some of the details here's our bbc essex political reporter simon dedman. sir keir starmer has said thurrock and harlow were labour's real targets in essex in these local elections. they won thurrock by a landslide. in harlow, they lost out by just 55 votes. and the conservatives, against the national polls, have managed to keep control of harlow council. in hertfordshire, the tories have held on to broxbourne. and in berkshire, the labour party have retained control of reading borough council. of the 16 seats up for election, labour ended up with 12. one for the liberal democrats and the conservatives finished the night empty—handed.

the greens won three, to become the second party there. in other news, passengers who use the new elizabeth line say the gap between the train and the platforms in west london is dangerous. eric leach broke his foot getting off the train at ealing broadway. tfl says the platform meets safety standards and is working to make its stations accessible. but passengers want tfl to reduce the gaps on the platforms. my concern is that had i hit my head, i could have killed myself. but mums with buggies, people with heavy luggage, disabled people, it doesn't work. it just doesn't work. and, as i said, £19 billion worth of bespoke train and a brand—new station. let's take a look at the tubes now. there's minor delays on the piccadilly line. now, on to the weather with kate kinsella. good morning.

it's a rather grey and misty start once again. we've had showers overnight, there's more showers to come this morning. they could be quite heavy but gradually they are lifting northwards, drier and brighterfurther south, perhaps hanging on to cloud and a few showers further north later on this afternoon. temperatures, despite any sunshine later, only managing around 14—15. so chillier than the last couple of days. overnight, it is dry and clear with cloud continuing to lift. we will see some mist and fog patches, the wind is light, minimum temperature down to 5 celsius. for saturday, we start to see a front trying to edge into the south—west. for us, it means a bright start, some sunshine but the cloud will start to move in and with that some showers through saturday as well. still some sunny spells though. temperatures tomorrow, 17 celsius. into sunday, it is looking like a dry start but then the possibility of some showers later on in the day. spells of rain for bank holiday monday and temperatures across the weekend around 16c. for all of the results for your

area, go to the bbc news app where you can find the decisions for your postcode. i'll be back with you in half an hour.

good morning. welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. our headlines today... labour wins the blackpool south by—election, on a bruising night for the conservatives and a strong performance from the reform party. the people of blackpool south have spoken for britain. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they have had enough. it's just one outcome on a night of counting in the local elections across england — labour is making key gains from the conservatives. this is a really important set of local elections. millions of votes are still being counted around the country. what they say will dominate the political landscape as we head up the political landscape as we head up to that general election. greek agony

for aston villa. they now have a mountain to climb to keep their european dream alive, after a big defeat at home to olympiacos. a fascinating insight into the life in the jungle — rakkus the orangutan is seen treating his wounds with self—medication — in a first for wild animals. and good morning. for most of us cooler than yesterday. a lot of low cloud, drizzly rain as well. warm sunshine across the north of scotland and it will brighten up in the south. all of the details coming up the south. all of the details coming up shortly. it's friday, the 3rd of may. our main story. labour has won the blackpool south by—election with a convincing majority. the conservatives came second, they previously held the seat until their mp resigned after a lobbying scandal. the reform party came a close third. the first wave of results for the local elections in parts of england has also started to come through overnight — so far, the conservative party has lost council seats, while labour's made some key gains. our political correspondent,

damian grammaticus, has the latest. commonly known as chris, labour party 10,825. cheering. blackpool south, a little before 5am, and a decisive labour victory. they were confident of emerging winners in the by election, but this was emphatic. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they've had enough. they've had enough for 14 years of the conservatives being in power. they have lost trust of the british people and blackpool has had enough of this failed government. the conservatives, who had held the seat, were beaten into second place. but the shock for tories will be that reform very nearly pushed them into third. they didn't get brexit done properly, they didn't cut immigration and people are tired — sick and tired of the tory incompetence and lies. we're done with it. we're done with the tories. it's time for change. it's time for reform. and the first council of the night to change control, hartlepool. labour and co—operative

party 649 votes. the conservatives lost six councillors here. labour in charge again. the win is symbolic for them clawing back lost ground. day, thomas william, labour party. 806. cheering. in rushmoor in hampshire, labour have taken control directly from the conservatives. boundary changes helped here, but it's also been gaining wards from tories. mounting losses, an unwelcome sight for the conservative minister at the count. and in north east lincolnshire, more labour cheer. wow. conservatives lost control of the council here. grimsby is exactly the sort of place labour will hope to win back at the general election. sadly, in local elections, they tend to mirror the polls at national level, and clearly it's

a statement of the obvious. we're far behind in the polls nationally and people have followed through at local level. but there are warning signs for labour, too. this is oldham. in oldham, labourlost in oldham, labour lost control of the council. in some areas with substantial numbers of muslim voters, labour are struggling to hold on to support, and elsewhere the greens have been picking up votes, often at labour's expense. voters are really, really sick of this conservative government and the way they've run this country into the ground over the last 14 years. but they're not really feeling inspired by what keir starmer�*s labour party is offering. in stockport, where they're counting in a car park, liberal democrats could make gains from labour, but what they're most focused on are the places they face off with conservatives. we're expecting to see gains, we're expecting to see good progress, but specifically in the areas where we hope to win

parliamentary seats. and i do hereby declare that carol ann shevlin—ney is duly elected. so the picture emerging is one of labour chalking up gains, conservatives slipping back and smaller parties winning support from both of them. damian grammaticus, bbc news. let's take a closer look at the result breakdown in the blackpool south by—election. labour's chris webb won 10,825 votes — a majority of 7,607. conservative david jones came in second with 3,218 votes, just 117 ahead of reform uk's mark butcher. labour won 59% of the vote, conservatives won 18% and reform uk came a close third. it means the labour vote rose by 21%, while the conservatives' fell by more than 30%. the 26% swing was the third biggest from the conservatives to labour at a by—election

since the second world war. our political correspondent helen cattjoins us now from blackpool. a little bit misty, a little bit windy. good morning to you. people are reading feral —— from all those numbers and statistics. tell us the tale of blackpool south. tt numbers and statistics. tell us the tale of blackpool south.— tale of blackpool south. it was re tale of blackpool south. it was pretty obvious _ tale of blackpool south. it was pretty obvious from _ tale of blackpool south. it was pretty obvious from the - tale of blackpool south. it was l pretty obvious from the moment tale of blackpool south. it was i pretty obvious from the moment we arrived last night it was going to be labour he was going to win this seat. when you look at those numbers, what it shows is the conservatives being squeezed on both sides. their vote dropped by about 30%. a lot of that seems to have gone into labour on the big swing. a third of it seems to have gone to reform. the fact they are losing votes in both directions will be a concern. the conservatives have ordered a complete nightmare

scenario of being pushed into third by reform, they only did it by a tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will cause jitters tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will causejitters and tiny margin, 100 or so votes. that will cause jitters and concerns among some conservative mps looking at those numbers this morning. we have had from a conservative spokesman this morning saying it would always be a difficult election for them, would always be a difficult election forthem, given would always be a difficult election for them, given the difficult circumstances related to the previous incumbent. sir keir starmer calling this a seismic victory for them and they say it is the most important result of the night. tell us a bit more _ important result of the night. tell us a bit more about the campaign itself. obviously, a very strong when the labour. how hard was it fought by those other parties? there are some questions _ fought by those other parties? there are some questions around - fought by those other parties? tt22 are some questions around that. labour did really chuck the kitchen sink at it. sir keir starmer has been up here and there has been quite a lot of activity. there does

seem to be markedly less activity from the conservatives unless money spent on it. you would expect had they built that might have happened. reform had a slightly different approach. they had a local candidate here who was pretty well known. they have been giving this a big push from them as well.— have been giving this a big push from them as well. thank you very much. 107 councils are holding elections in england. counting will continue into the weekend. let's take a closer look at the results we do know so far. a short time ago, labour had gained 52 seats, while the conservatives had lost 121. the liberal democrats have seen gains so far of 17 seats. both the green and independent candidates have also increased the number of council seats they hold. we're joined now by our political correspondent alex forsyth. it is so lovely to have you on the sofa. with very little sleep. we were talking tojohn curtis earlier,

and he said if he stayed on his stool, he would be great. this is more comfortable, a shorter distance to full. what is your impression? if you have been following it through the night. is it going the way largely predicted? the overall takeaway is — largely predicted? the overall takeaway is that _ largely predicted? the overall takeaway is that this - largely predicted? the overall takeaway is that this is - largely predicted? the overall takeaway is that this is a i largely predicted? the overall| takeaway is that this is a bleak picture for the conservative party. at the moment they are losing about half of the seats they are defending. if that carries on through the weekend, that is a bad result for them. in terms of picking out a couple of places illustrative of what is going on, i think labour has done well in some places they expected and even some places they did not. one worth keeping your eye on, which really matters, is a symbol, hartlepool. hartlepool is very symbolic of the kind of place where a couple of years ago the tories were really encroaching into

labour territory, parking their tanks on labour's lohan and winning in places like hartlepool for the first time in ages. this has now gone to labour. it is a real sign of labour gaining ground in some places. the labour party as you can imagine has been really welcoming that result. we can hear from the labour leader now of hartlepool council. idate labour leader now of hartlepool council. ~ ., ., , . council. we had quite a difficult time in hartlepool— council. we had quite a difficult time in hartlepool going - council. we had quite a difficult time in hartlepool going back. council. we had quite a difficult| time in hartlepool going back in council. we had quite a difficult i time in hartlepool going back in a few years. — time in hartlepool going back in a few years, where we actually then dropped _ few years, where we actually then dropped to six councillors in the labour— dropped to six councillors in the labour party, the labour group. we have risen— labour party, the labour group. we have risen up over the years, bit by bit, have risen up over the years, bit by bit. and _ have risen up over the years, bit by bit. and got — have risen up over the years, bit by bit, and got back to actually, i think— bit, and got back to actually, i think making people realise that we are to _ think making people realise that we are to be _ think making people realise that we are to be trusted and that we can do the job _ are to be trusted and that we can do the job that— are to be trusted and that we can do the job. that we are now going to be doing _ the job. that we are now going to be doinu. ., the job. that we are now going to be doin. _ ., ., , the job. that we are now going to be doinu. ., .,, �* ., the job. that we are now going to be doing. that was brenda harrison, now labour leader— doing. that was brenda harrison, now labour leader of _ doing. that was brenda harrison, now labour leader of hartlepool— doing. that was brenda harrison, now labour leader of hartlepool council. i

labour leader of hartlepool council. that one was broadly expected. one not so broadly expected was rushmore council, covering aldershot, a military town. labour has taken out. some really big wins for labour but notjubilation across some really big wins for labour but not jubilation across the some really big wins for labour but notjubilation across the board. in the last hour, we have had the results from oldham. labour has lost control of that council. what happened is that was real descent of the labour party over its approach on the war in gaza. a couple of independent candidates stood on a deliberate antilabour platform because of the standing about gaza and a1. overall a good picture but not without some problems. == and a1. overall a good picture but not without some problems. -- and the won. not without some problems. -- and they won- its _ not without some problems. -- and they won. as for _ not without some problems. -- and they won. as for the _ not without some problems. -- and they won. as for the conservatives, j they won. as for the conservatives, aren't they able to point to anywhere and go, in that place, not so bad? they have held seats,

haven't they? obviously, there have been a lot of places. in some places, they have held. i guess they will point to this as success. let me let you _ will point to this as success. let me let you in — will point to this as success. let me let you in on _ will point to this as success. l2t me let you in on this. the parties text whatsapp messages to big groups of generous, talking about things they are particularly pleased and proud about. my message penned about harlow council. the conservatives held on to harlow council. it was a very close fight. the conservatives are pointing out the fact that keir starmer had said he wanted to when in harlow and he did not. maybe when you look at the bigger picture, this is the conservative party trying to find a glimmer of light in what is otherwise a boutique medicinal night for them. there are always local factors at play in these local elections. one of the few things the

conservative party can point to where it has gone may be better than they hoped. not taking away from the fact broadly speaking across the board it is looking pretty bad for them. they have another 24, 48 hours of results to come in. t them. they have another 24, 48 hours of results to come in.— of results to come in. i expect your text messages _ of results to come in. i expect your text messages are _ of results to come in. i expect your. text messages are quite interesting. they are fascinating. one day i will come in and read them all out. that is our come in and read them all out. that is your last — come in and read them all out. that is your last day _ come in and read them all out. that is your last day of _ come in and read them all out. that is your last day of work, is it? final. we can speak now to labour's pat mcfadden. you are sitting here after the count of many local councils, obviously, it is not finished yet. what was the picture you are seeing?— picture you are seeing? feeling aood. picture you are seeing? feeling good- the _ picture you are seeing? feeling good. the most _ picture you are seeing? feeling good. the most significant i picture you are seeing? feeling i good. the most significant results overnight is the blackpool south by—election where we had won a stunning victory. 26% swing with the

tories barely hanging on to second place. elsewhere, in the local council elections, games like in hartlepool in the north, we have just been discussing, in rushmore in the south. we are feeling good. we thought a good, positive campaign. the results are good for us overnight so far. we have a lot more to come over the next couple of days. to come over the next couple of da s. ., ., ., , ., , days. he would have heard, 'ust as our days. he would have heard, 'ust as your camera — days. he would have heard, 'ust as your camera was i days. he would have heard, 'ust as your camera was being i days. he would have heard, 'ust as your camera was being set i days. he would have heard, just as your camera was being set up, i days. he would have heard, just as your camera was being set up, he. your camera was being set up, he would have heard me talking to our political correspondent, alex forsyth. —— you would have heard. a couple of places she mentioned, halle, which the conservatives have held. she was talking about the whatsapp messages from various political advisers of all the parties. the conservatives keen to point out harlow was one particular place where sir keir starmer said he

wanted to win. what do you think went wrong there? we wanted to win. what do you think went wrong there?— wanted to win. what do you think went wrong there? we are making rains went wrong there? we are making gains across _ went wrong there? we are making gains across the _ went wrong there? we are making gains across the country. - went wrong there? we are making gains across the country. we i went wrong there? we are making l gains across the country. we fought a good campaign in harlow. what we are looking at more than anything across all of these result is what is the picture in the kind of constituency that is needed to decide the general election? that is the most important thing for us over the most important thing for us over the next couple of days. if you look at notjust blackpool south and the by—election but places like thurrock, grimsby, places like south and east and rochford, these are the kind of parliamentary constituencies that will be really decisive at a general election and overnight ensures we are doing really well. we are really encouraged by what we have seen so far. we know there is a lot more counting to come.— lot more counting to come. plenty more to come- — lot more counting to come. plenty more to come. we _ lot more counting to come. plenty more to come. we do _ lot more counting to come. plenty more to come. we do not - lot more counting to come. plenty more to come. we do not expect i lot more counting to come. plenty| more to come. we do not expect it lot more counting to come. plenty i more to come. we do not expect it to

be done by saturday evening. even though you are getting an overall picture, there will be mistakes, things that have been overlooked. that is part of the strategy now for any party. labour has lost oldham to the council to appraise gaza independent party. oldham council has no overall control. this was specifically issue led electoral issue. do you think that more careful thinking needs to be put into place by the labour party if, for example, places like oldham can go? for example, places like oldham can no? for example, places like oldham can to? ., ., for example, places like oldham can no? ., ., , _ go? there are two things i will say. on the go? there are two things i will say. 0n the issue _ go? there are two things i will say. on the issue of— go? there are two things i will say. on the issue of the _ go? there are two things i will say. on the issue of the middle - go? there are two things i will say. on the issue of the middle east, i i on the issue of the middle east, i do think has been a factor in some places. no point in denying that. it does get raised. i understand why people have strong feelings about it. this issue does arouse strong feelings. what we have seen on tv

screens over the past six months, so many innocent people being killed, i am not surprised that people have strong feelings about that. specifically, with oldham, perhaps something that viewers do not realise is that we have been losing seats in oldham for a few years. we lost seats last year and a year before. regarding the middle east issue, there are specific local factors in oldham knocking it out of line with the sort of laboured gains we have been seeing in local elections, notjust this yet but for the past three years and long predating the last six months in the middle east. horse predating the last six months in the middle east-— predating the last six months in the middle east. ., ., ~ ., ., middle east. how thankful are you to reform uk for— middle east. how thankful are you to reform uk for hurting _ middle east. how thankful are you to reform uk for hurting the _ reform uk for hurting the conservatives so far in the local elections? t conservatives so far in the local elections?— elections? i think it is another as-ect elections? i think it is another aspect of _ elections? i think it is another aspect of disillusionment i elections? i think it is another aspect of disillusionment with | elections? i think it is another i aspect of disillusionment with the conservative party. across the country, people want to change. we

are going to have a general election sometime later this year. the elections are notjust mid—term when results can be dismissed by government. this is on the eve of a general election. what is the mood behind these results? the moody's it is time for change. when it comes to the general election, there are only two possible outcomes in terms of who can form a government. either five more years of the conservatives all a new government with labour. that is the question, more than anything, that will be on the mind of that is when it comes to the general election itself.- of that is when it comes to the general election itself. thank you for our general election itself. thank you for your time _ general election itself. thank you for your time with _ general election itself. thank you for your time with us _ general election itself. thank you for your time with us here - general election itself. thank you for your time with us here this i for your time with us here this morning. our chief political correspondent henry zeffman joins us now from downing street. you know that building behind you very well. what do you think is going on inside, given what we know so far? t going on inside, given what we know so far? ., ., ., ., ., .,

so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but — so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i — so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i think _ so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i think the _ so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i think the rain - so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i think the rain might- so far? i do not want to resort to a cliche but i think the rain might be| cliche but i think the rain might be a metaphorfor what is happening to the conservative party. the mood will be dark, stormy and gloomy. while they knew it was going to be a bad set of election results, from what we have seen so far and it is an early, they are worse than most people expected. blackpool south constituency has the clearest read across to a general election, the third largest swing from the conservatives to labour in any by—election since the second world war. not the kind of result you get if you are a government which is going to hold onto power at a general election.— going to hold onto power at a general election. what about the implications— general election. what about the implications for _ general election. what about the implications for rishi _ general election. what about the implications for rishi sunak, i general election. what about the l implications for rishi sunak, prime minister, personally? tt is implications for rishi sunak, prime minister, personally?— minister, personally? it is a bit too soon to _ minister, personally? it is a bit too soon to tell. _ minister, personally? it is a bit too soon to tell. there - minister, personally? it is a bit too soon to tell. there is i minister, personally? it is a bit too soon to tell. there is a i minister, personally? it is a bit i too soon to tell. there is a debate simmering since rishi sunak became prime minister 18 months or so ago.

conservative mps can see the polls haven't really budged. he steadied the ship after liz truss economically and politically. since then peoples opinions of the conservative party have frozen. i would have said yesterday, overwhelmingly the majority of conservative mps think it would be even worse if they decided to change leader yet again and that would make their political peril more severe. frankly, not enough of them have woken up yet and responded to my whatsapp messages to know if that has changed. if any set of results would change that, it would be results like this. they are really bad. you can bet any amount of money that conservative mps standing at the general election will wake up, look at what happened, think of what it means for their constituency and their career at the general election. their career at the general election-— their career at the general election. ., ~ ., , election. you know this full well. the conservatives _ election. you know this full well. the conservatives have - election. you know this full well. the conservatives have braced i the conservatives have braced themselves for difficult results. other parties thought they had a lot

to gain coming into this round of voting. who has come out of it? labour is doing very well. outside of labour, who is celebrating this morning, do you think? aha, of labour, who is celebrating this morning, do you think?— of labour, who is celebrating this morning, do you think? a good set of results for the _ morning, do you think? a good set of results for the green _ morning, do you think? a good set of results for the green party _ morning, do you think? a good set of results for the green party who i morning, do you think? a good set of results for the green party who have i results for the green party who have in particular benefited from what you havejust in particular benefited from what you have just been talking about. pat mcfadden and some difficulties for the labour party around gaza. it could be some of the best results in england they have ever seen. it is not clear they are doing as well as she would expect. the lib dems, perhaps a bit more action in places counting today. they seem to be holding their position in making decent but not spectacular incursions into tory territory in the south. t incursions into tory territory in the south-— the south. i will put out this message- — the south. i will put out this message. message - the south. i will put out this message. message henry. the south. i will put out this i message. message henry because the south. i will put out this - message. message henry because he needs to hear from you. they need to

get up, don't they? thank you very much. they should be awake by now. there is always that thing. we're never sure entirely he will come to the cameras, are we? of course, if any senior members of the party leaders to come out and face the cameras, we will bring you those pictures and interviews. we will be talking to members of the conservative party throughout the programme as well. richard holden will talk to us at half past seven. it will be speaking to the deputy leader of the liberal democrats at half past eight. we'll have more on the elections in the next half hour. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app — and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. here's sarah with a look at this morning's weather.

good morning. bank holiday weekend is almost upon us. the weather is looking mixed. yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far. today cooler for most of us. quite a lot of cloud. this is the picture on anglesey. drizzly rain. mothers. let's have a look at the temperature difference. it was the warmest day. in suffolk, it got to 23. today only 13 degrees. in the west of scotland we are likely to see temperatures around 22. a slow—moving front today bringing cloud across the bulk of england and wales. thunderstorms moving in. drizzly rain. a few showers. the best of the dry weather with longer spells of sunshine will be across the northern half of scotland. 22 degrees possible once again. it will brighten up along the south coast of england. you are under the cloud, only 12 to 14. this

evening and overnight low cloud and drizzly rain edging further north. claire espoused further north across scotland on the south of england as well. there could be mist and fog patches to start your saturday. —— clearer spells further north. there will be a lot of cloud on saturday. northern ireland, wales, england and central scotland to some outbreaks of rain. a few showers in the south and temperatures for most of us tomorrow somewhere between 12 to 17. back to you both. tomorrow somewhere between 12 to 17. itack to you both-— back to you both. thank you very much. the foreign secretary lord cameron has said the uk will give at least £3 billion worth of aid to ukraine every year for as long as necessary, after meeting with president zelensky in kyiv. our ukraine correspondentjames waterhouse joins us now. a very good morning to you. just take us through what has been said in terms of the sums and the

reaction? t in terms of the sums and the reaction?— reaction? i think it is not 'ust what lord �* reaction? i think it is not 'ust what lord cameron i reaction? i think it is not 'ust what lord cameron said, i reaction? i think it is notjust what lord cameron said, it i reaction? i think it is notjust} what lord cameron said, it is reaction? i think it is notjust - what lord cameron said, it is the way he delivered in. he is here to weatherstone a sizeable commitment by the uk, £3 billion a yearfor as long as it takes. —— he is here to rubber stamp. long as it takes. —— he is here to rubberstamp. it long as it takes. —— he is here to rubber stamp. it will include long range missiles, like storm shadows, which ukraine has used effectively. it will use our defence equipment. towns and cities across ukraine are trying to shoot down incoming drains. lord cameron was also in a hawkish mood. he said ukraine essentially has no right to use these missiles provided to hit targets inside russia. that view is not shared by other western allies. listen to this.

in terms of what the ukrainians do, in our view, it is their decision about how to use these weapons. they're defending their country. they were illegally invaded by putin and they must take those steps. we don't discuss any caveats that we put on those things. but let's be absolutely clear. russia has launched an attack into ukraine, and ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at russia. despite political turbulence at home, domestically, this has been a conservative government which has tried to almost lead the way as much as it can when it comes to military aid for uk, to the delight of kyiv. it has described uk is one of its staunchest allies. this visit and sizeable pledge is an attempt by the uk to drag other western allies to speed and keep the likes of germany and the us about that, saying we should do as much as we can for ukraine to keep in the fight because it is losing territory and fast at

the moment. it is losing territory and fast at the moment-— time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning from bbc london. i'm thomas magill. more now on the local elections from around london in harlow the conservatives have held on to control of the council but their majority was reduced to just one seat. labour gained control of thurrock and both southend and rochford councils remained under no overall control. with some of the details here's our bbc essex political reporter simon dedman. sir keir starmer has said thurrock and harlow were labour's real targets in essex in these local elections. they won thurrock by a landslide. in harlow, they lost out by just 55 votes. and the conservatives, against the national polls, have managed to keep control of harlow council. in berkshire, the labour party have retained control of reading borough council.

of the 16 seats up for election, labour took 12. there was one for the liberal democrats and the conservatives finished the night empty—handed. the greens won three to become the second party on the council there. in other news, passengers on elizabeth line say the gap between the train and some of the platforms in west london are dangerous. eric leach broke his foot getting off the train at ealing broadway. tfl says the platform meets safety standards and is working to make its stations more accessible. my concern is that had i hit my head, i could have killed myself. but mums with buggies, people with heavy luggage, disabled people, it doesn't work. it just doesn't work. and, as i said, £19 billion worth of bespoke train and a brand—new station. let's take a look at the tubes now. there's minor delays on northern and piccadilly line, otherwise a good service.

now onto the weather. good morning. it's a rather grey and misty start once again. we've had showers overnight, there's more showers to come this morning. they could be quite heavy but gradually they are lifting northwards, drier and brighter further south, perhaps hanging on to cloud and a few showers further north later on this afternoon. temperatures, despite any sunshine later, only managing around iii—15. so chillier than the last couple of days. overnight, it is dry and clear with cloud continuing to lift. we will see some mist and fog patches, the wind is light, minimum temperature down to 5 celsius. for saturday, we start to see a front trying to edge into the south—west. for us, it means a bright start, some sunshine but the cloud will start to move in and with that some showers through saturday as well. still some sunny spells though. temperatures tomorrow, 17 celsius. into sunday, it is looking like a dry start but then the possibility of some showers later on in the day. spells of rain for bank holiday monday and temperatures

across the weekend around 16c. for all of the results as they happen go to the bbc news app where there is a postcode tracker. there's also live coverage over on your local bbc radio station across the morning. it's also worth reminding you that counting of the london mayor and london assembly members votes won't begin until tomorrow. i'll be back with you in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with naga munchetty and charlie stayt. there's been a significant win for labour overnight, as they took a seat from the conservative party in the blackpool south by—election. meanwhile, results from local elections are starting to come in. our political correspondent nick eardley is keeping across the numbers. you've got a magic screen with you

to help explain at the picture around england and wales. i do. to help explain at the picture around england and wales. i do, good mornin: , around england and wales. i do, good morning. and — around england and wales. i do, good morning. and we _ around england and wales. i do, good morning, and we are _ around england and wales. i do, good morning, and we are going _ around england and wales. i do, good morning, and we are going to - around england and wales. i do, good morning, and we are going to try - around england and wales. i do, good morning, and we are going to try and| morning, and we are going to try and explain what all the different results are, what they mean for the big picture and also dive into some local areas to tell you what they might tell us as well. let's start off with the big picture at 730 this morning. 35 of 107 councils counted and you can see the picture is emerging pretty quickly. labour doing pretty well. the conservatives doing pretty well. the conservatives doing badly and it looks like they could be a push to very badly. lib dems and greens will be happy where things are so far. this is what it means in terms of councils changing hands. labourare up means in terms of councils changing hands. labour are up three and the conservatives are down three, but this is the thing we watch closely by the main parties, look at that, the conservative vote since 2021 when these seats were last contested

is down 1li%, that's a big fall in the tory vote. labour are making up some of that, the lib dems, the greens and reform are doing all right as well. i want to show you some particular results that i think are really interesting and it gives us a sense of what might be changing in england. redditch was conservative, now labour, hartlepool was a hung council, the ward was in overall control and is now in labour. thurrock is now labour, rushmore used to be conservative and is now labour. if you are a tory waking up this morning and you want some comfort you might be able to find itjust in places like carlow where labour had wanted to take the council there, where labour had wanted to take the councilthere, but where labour had wanted to take the council there, but there aren't that many examples of places where the conservatives will be properly heartened this morning. i'm going to come back to this one in a moment, oldham, you will notice it is now grey which means there is no overall control and it was labour. we think

there could be a reason for that and i will come back to that in a moment. but let's have a look at some of those areas i think start to illustrate the picture of the evening. redditch, this is a bellwether seat, one of those areas parties look to to see what might be happening across the country. labour reckon that this is a really important result for them. if you look down the bottom you can just about see it, it's quite small writing, but since 2018 it's all blue, which means the conservatives were in charge. not any more. have a look at results overnight, 21 seats for labour to the tories on five. labour are comfortably in control in redditch no. that's a sign of what's changed. the tories down 11, labour are up ten. so that's a pretty big result for labour and so is this one. in hartlepool, if you cast your mind back almost exactly three years, we were talking on bbc breakfast and out of any bad result

for labour in hartlepool, a seat they'd held for years, the tories had won it at a by—election. that was a sign that labour were in a pretty bad place. that's not the case any more. labour have a pretty comfortable majority now in hartlepool. the conservatives are way behind on the six. this is the change overnight. labour are up eight, the conservatives are down six, the independents have lost a couple of seats, as well. so really interesting that both in hartlepool and redditch things have been going well, but hold on, remember i was talking about a couple of moments ago, this is a very interesting results because oldham and greater manchester was one of the places where labour did have control. they don't any more. and this is why independents have done really well overnight. have a look at the change. labour have lost five seats and independents have gained seven.

why? one of the big issues on oldham council has been the war in gaza. you might remember a few months ago some labour councillors resigned over the issue. they are some of the independents were taken seats from labour overnight, so although the picture more broadly looks good for labour, that's an area in greater manchester where i think there will be cause for concern about what is happening to labour's vote in areas where it normally does extremely well. ~ , ., where it normally does extremely well. , ., ., ., ~ where it normally does extremely well. ~ , ., ., ., ~ ., well. we should also talk about the by-eleetion — well. we should also talk about the by-eleetion in _ well. we should also talk about the by-election in blackpool _ well. we should also talk about the by-election in blackpool south. - by—election in blackpool south. absolutely, you are going to hear people like me obsessed today about what all of these results mean for a general election. let's have a look at blackpool south. here it is. labour won that by a big majority. almost 11,000 votes for labour's chris webb. the conservatives, 7000 votes behind. this is very interesting. look at the successor to the brexit party reform, a big

result for them, because they've only just result for them, because they've onlyjust been beaten by the conservatives in blackpool. they will be very happy about that, the tories will be worried, but labour are absolutely cock—a—hoop. look at the percentages they come almost 60% of the vote for labour and look at the change. labour up 21%, the conservative vote is down by almost a third. when you speak to people like richard holden this morning, that's the sort of stuff that is going to worry them and the next slide is a proper wow, one thing you will see all day today. look at that. that's a massive, massive swing from the conservatives to labour. 26%, the third biggest swing from the tories to labour since the second world war.— second world war. nick, thanks so much for taking _ second world war. nick, thanks so much for taking a _ second world war. nick, thanks so much for taking a through - second world war. nick, thanks so much for taking a through all - second world war. nick, thanks so much for taking a through all that. | much for taking a through all that. there are some remarkable statistics coming through. we will speak soon.

nick mentioned richard holden and we can speak to him right now. our first chance to speak to a member of the conservative party this morning. the cabinet office minister. good morning and thank you for your time this morning. do you want to give us an overall thought first? , ., ., ., first? first of all, look, we are cominu first? first of all, look, we are coming off— first? first of all, look, we are coming off very _ first? first of all, look, we are coming off very high _ first? first of all, look, we are coming off very high election | coming off very high election results from 2021 when we gain seats in the local elections, very unusual for a sitting government. obviously, my heart goes out to a lot of my conservative colleagues i've been campaigning with across the country who have lost their seats over night and although we've only seen around and although we've only seen around a third of councils, a couple of the pcc is and none of the big mayoral contest yet, obviously some disappointing results so far. it also some areas like fareham and harlow where we have managed to hold a conservative council. up in newcastle on tyne, when we finally got a conservative councillor on

there for the first time in 32 years, but overall, a disappointing night for us. but, you know, that's what you would expect from a party in the mid term of government. 50 in the mid term of government. so let's look specifically at blackpool south. you have used the word disappointing, you send us the results you would have expected. let's be clear to people just joining us this morning, the swing from the conservative party to the labour party is the third biggest since the second world war. people will have seen the statistics a moment ago. how do you account for the scale of that loss?— the scale of that loss? well, i think it a _ the scale of that loss? well, i think it a few— the scale of that loss? well, i think it a few points _ the scale of that loss? well, i think it a few points to - the scale of that loss? well, i think it a few points to put - think it a few points to put specifically about blackpool south. the circumstances of the individual by—election were not great. the fact that during the campaign an mp in a neighbouring seat lost the conservative whip, was not very helpful either. and obviously, the

fact that reform came up is not good either for us although it's quite clear from that result that all reform voters, people vote for them, helping the labour party in this instance. and we are seeing that reflected in other results across the country. and i think that is what i would say about blackpool. obviously, i campaigned on the ground there. david jones and some of those campaign guys i was out with a couple of times and they've done a very very good job in difficult circumstances. it’s done a very very good job in difficult circumstances. it's very interesting. _ difficult circumstances. it's very interesting, richard, _ difficult circumstances. it's very interesting, richard, hearing i difficult circumstances. it's very l interesting, richard, hearing your rationale. the one thing people are not hearing you say is that voters do not like what we, the conservative party are offering, which, to many people, would seem like a very reasonable conclusion.

what do you think about that? what like a very reasonable conclusion. what do you think about that? what i would say is — what do you think about that? what i would say is that _ what do you think about that? what i would say is that i _ what do you think about that? what i would say is that i think _ what do you think about that? what i would say is that i think voters - what do you think about that? what i would say is that i think voters in - would say is that i think voters in blackpool south, we saw fewer votes for labour than at the previous general election there. i think we also have a situation where voters in blackpool south do want to see us fulfil our pledge to stop the boats but we are only going to do that when our robe and the scheme takes off. ., . , , when our robe and the scheme takes off. ., ., , ., when our robe and the scheme takes off. ., ., _ , ., ., off. you are saying they want what ou're off. you are saying they want what you're offering _ off. you are saying they want what you're offering but _ off. you are saying they want what you're offering but they _ off. you are saying they want what you're offering but they didn't - off. you are saying they want whatj you're offering but they didn't vote for you —— rwanda. the? you're offering but they didn't vote for you -- rwanda.— you're offering but they didn't vote for you -- rwanda. they want to see us delivering — for you -- rwanda. they want to see us delivering on _ for you -- rwanda. they want to see us delivering on things _ for you -- rwanda. they want to see us delivering on things like _ for you -- rwanda. they want to see us delivering on things like the - us delivering on things like the rwanda scheme which the labour party has opposed. this all sorts of individual circumstances which come through. also in blackpool south, nobody was coming up to me on the doorstep and saying you know what we don't like the triple lock on pensions which was introduced in 2010 and have been carrying on for 14 2010 and have been carrying on for 1h years, which has helped protect 1a years, which has helped protect pensioners all the way through and will be carried on by the next conservative government. nobody was coming up to be on the doorstep and saying you know what, those cuts to

national insurance tax which is a double tax onjobs, national insurance tax which is a double tax on jobs, that's not welcome. i think what they will want to see is more conservative delivery on things like dealing with illegal migration, they want to see that deterrent. �* ., ., ., ., deterrent. ok, i'm going to have to sto there deterrent. ok, i'm going to have to stop there because _ deterrent. ok, i'm going to have to stop there because obviously - deterrent. ok, i'm going to have to stop there because obviously when | deterrent. ok, i'm going to have to i stop there because obviously when we look at the facts, the fact is they didn't want to see a conservative mp. i think you used the word a moment ago a mid—term election. we arejust months away moment ago a mid—term election. we are just months away from a general election. does this not pose questions for your party and rishi sunak personally in terms of his leadership? is that going to be addressed in any way, shape or form? you a cabinet office minister so how will you address any of that? what you a cabinet office minister so how will you address any of that?- will you address any of that? what i would sa , will you address any of that? what i would say. just _ will you address any of that? what i would say, just to _ will you address any of that? what i would say, just to be _ will you address any of that? what i would say, just to be clear, - will you address any of that? what i would say, just to be clear, when i would say, just to be clear, when people are voting in individual by—election they know they are voting for the government of the country, that's why we often see turnouts which are now in by—elections and we see in a general

election. so i don't think you can read it quite as you are portraying it there. i do think people want to see delivery from the government. i think i have started a sea with tax cuts are starting to come through over the last few months, after what has been a very difficult time where we have had to stand behind families with a £400 billion worth of support during covid pandemic, followed up by inflation linked to the war in ukraine and obviously the war in the middle east. we are now seeing inflation coming down and are heading in the right direction now but i think people are rightly out there in the country wanting to see more delivery on the ground. i was in blackpool south a couple of times during the campaign, there was no massive love for keir starmer and the labour party. i didn't see it on the labour party. i didn't see it on the ground when i was there which is probably why they didn't get as many votes as they did at the last general election. 50 votes as they did at the last general election.— votes as they did at the last general election. votes as they did at the last

aeneral election. .., , , general election. so ifi can sum up what i'm hearing _ general election. so ifi can sum up what i'm hearing from _ general election. so ifi can sum up what i'm hearing from you - general election. so ifi can sum up what i'm hearing from you this - what i'm hearing from you this morning, and you have a first senior member of the conservative party we have spoken to today, so it matters what you are saying, tell me if i'm wrong about this, i'm summarising that, having looked at what you describe as disappointing results, other people have put it more bluntly, that you are saying we carry on doing the same thing? is that what you are saying? i carry on doing the same thing? is that what you are saying?- that what you are saying? i think --eole that what you are saying? i think people want _ that what you are saying? i think people want to _ that what you are saying? i think people want to see _ that what you are saying? i think people want to see us _ that what you are saying? i think people want to see us doing - that what you are saying? i think people want to see us doing the | people want to see us doing the delivery on a lot of these policy areas. one of the things which definitely annoyed people in blackpool south was the fact we have a legal migration in the channel. we've got a plan to deal with it, still making sure flights will be going at the next 11 weeks, it's quite clear labour have a very different approach to that, they want amnesty for anybody who can get to the uk. i don't think when it comes to a general election, and people are think about the government of the country, i don't think that's what we'll be at the forefront of their minds. i think

by—elections are different beasts, at 32% turnout in blackpool south, reflective of a lot of the votes for the people know they're not choosing a new government and they are looking at what's happened locally with their previous mp, what's happened to their neighbouring mp as well, and that's not ideal circumstances to fight a by—election in. and i think people do want to see us getting on with the job. {lila see us getting on with the 'ob. 0k, ou've see us getting on with the 'ob. 0k, you-ve already * see us getting on with the job. 0k, you've already said that so i want to address something specifically if you will. professor richard curtis speaking to us earlier on on the issue of reform, he spent the night looking specifically at what he can analyse so far, he has seen a pattern where reform is standing in a council election, that they can analyse there has been a direct correlation between the fall in the conservative vote and again in

reform. how seriously are you taking that? ., ., 4' 4' reform. how seriously are you taking that? ., ., ~ ~ _, , reform. how seriously are you taking that? ~ _, , ., that? look, i think when it comes to voters who — that? look, i think when it comes to voters who are _ that? look, i think when it comes to voters who are frustrated, _ that? look, i think when it comes to voters who are frustrated, many - that? look, i think when it comes to voters who are frustrated, many of l voters who are frustrated, many of them i've met over the last few months, about us not having moved as fast as they would like us to on issues like deporting illegal migrants, i have huge sympathy with people who have those views. i think it's quite clear, as you can see in blackpool and other results previously, in places like kingswood where we had a by—election there, vote for reform just helps labour. there is that direct correlation. it is important. in a general election context, when people know the government of the country is at stake, when we have had a few moments to hopefully deliver some of thoseissues moments to hopefully deliver some of those issues people are very concerned about... those issues people are very concerned about. . ._ those issues people are very concerned about... ., , ., concerned about... one last thought from ou concerned about. .. one last thought from you if— concerned about... one last thought from you if i — concerned about... one last thought from you if i may. _ concerned about... one last thought from you if i may. there _ concerned about... one last thought from you ifi may. there is _ concerned about... one last thought from you ifi may. there is rishi - from you if i may. there is rishi sunak safe as your party leader and

prime minister?— prime minister? absolutely. the crucial thing _ prime minister? absolutely. the crucial thing on _ prime minister? absolutely. the crucial thing on this _ prime minister? absolutely. the crucial thing on this is _ prime minister? absolutely. the crucial thing on this is that - prime minister? absolutely. the j crucial thing on this is that these are local election results coming off a very high watermark in 2021, where councils like durham was last by labour for the first time in 102 years. these are coming off exceptional results and we've still got a long way to go. but the prime minister is actually in a very strong position and we've got the right policies going forward, cutting taxes for working people, protecting people you've worked hard all their lives with our pensions triple lock and unlike the labour party, we are tackling those big issues around illegal immigration and asylum. indie issues around illegal immigration and asylum-— issues around illegal immigration andas lum.~ .. and asylum. we appreciate your time this morning. — and asylum. we appreciate your time this morning, richard _ and asylum. we appreciate your time this morning, richard holden. - and asylum. we appreciate your time this morning, richard holden. thank| this morning, richard holden. thank you very much. cabinet office minister. for us this morning, one hour and three quarters into our coverage of the election results, the first conservative to speak to us this morning. we are going to carry on giving you a picture as

results as they come in. the results aren't expected to be declared until late tomorrow evening. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. mike's here with the sport. whisk us away from results and take us to some other results. it's going to be a special night for aston villa but all went wrong in the presence of royalty as well, prince william, the prince of wales, a big aston villa fan. the players were left scratching their heads as their european dream fades. it's not over. of course. good morning. aston villa had high hopes of a first european final, in 42 years but that dream got a big reality check, as they stunned by greek side olympiacos in the first leg, of their europa conference league, semi final, losing 4—2 at villa park. joe wilson was watching. at villa park they wanted to create

a dramatic occasion. well, they got one, but the football was beyond anyone's control. ayoub el kaabi's hat trick for olympiakos began with an onside goal proved by var. still, villa tried to play the offside game. once more they were punished. if unai emery felt the tie was slipping away, ollie watkins responded with precision. 2—1 at half time. king of finishes. prince of wales. could moussa diaby score from there? yeah. 2-2. villa had the initiative, then lost it. douglas luiz raised his arm in a way that enabled the referee to say penalty. and here comes 3—2. villa's luck. watch it fly from comze's back into the net. 4-2. some clumsy defending then gave villa another chance a penalty. douglas luiz, after lengthy delay after picking his spot, he missed it. everything that could have gone wrong basically did was the verdict of villa's captain.

after a night of frustrations, one thing is still certain. there is a second leg. and, as hard as it may seem for aston villa, now is not the time to slow down. joe wilson, bbc news at villa park. some comfort for aston villa. their chances of finishing in the top four of the premier league, have improved, after tottenham lost 2—0, against london rivals chelsea at stamford bridge. the spurs manager says his team has lost belief and conviction, and you can see what he means, as two defenders here failed to respond quickest to the rebound, as nicolas jackson, popped up to head in chelsea's second goal. it leaves spurs seven points behind villa, withjust one game in hand. spurs' defeat also means liverpool are now guaranteed champions league football next season. chelsea are now eyeing a top six finish. trying to catch up manchester united at the moment. it can't have been easy

for the last four players at the world snooker championship, to get much sleep with both semi finals at the crucible neck and neck. jakjones went three frames to nil down, before fighting back against the former champion, stuart bingham. they'll return to the table this afternoon with the match balanced at four all. kiran wilson is also level with david gilbert in the other semifinal. they'll resume at ten o'clock this morning, with the score in that one also tied at four frames all. a great night in rugby league for wigan warriors, who have climbed above catalans dragons in the super league table, after beating them 30—8 last night. the defending champions, scored five tries, with abbas miski's sixth of the season, putting the icing on the cake. wigan are second, only behind st helens on points difference. now teenage darts star luke littler might be top of the premier league standings, but he certainly doesn't think, he's the best player in the world.

littler had already done enough to secure a play—off place in the competition, before he continued his winning streak last night with a 6—4 victory over rob cross in aberdeen. littler, now 17 is eight points clear of world champion luke humphries, in the table, and is well placed to seal top spot with just two weeks left of the regular season before the top four play in the final showdown play offs in london. got the party going there. looks like great fun. thanks, mike. we will explain why there are pictures of an orangutan behind us. i said that strangely. reaching for some medicine or cream in the first aid kit to treat an injury is fairly common for us but it's not something we expect animals to do. we are perhaps wrong not to be so surprised when they do it. for the first time, scientists in indonesia have spotted a wild

orangutan treating a wound on his cheek by applying paste from a medicinal plant. our reporter georgina rannard has more. this is rackus. he's just been injured probably after fighting with other male orangutans. now he's preparing to do something we are all familiar with — trying to heal a wound. that's what scientists in indonesia believe he was doing when they saw him putting medicinal leaves on his injury. he was eating on it for 13 minutes and then repeatedly applied the plant chews from his mouth directly onto the wound. it looked similar to a wound plaster that he had also quite fastened, so within a couple of days it was already fully closed. a month later, the injury was completely gone. scientists had never before seen a wild animal apparently healing its own wound. it's another sign of how close we are to great apes. we humans, we treat our wounds.

but also forms of active wound treatment can be found in the african great apes. it's possible that our last common ancestor already showed similar ointment behavior. and maybe rackus isn't alone. now, scientists will be watching other orangutans to see if they share his healing powers. georgina rannard, bbc news. we can speak now to craig trevethick, who's an ape specialist from twycross zoo. craig, who have you got with you? i'm so sorry, delighted to have joined us and please introduce us to your friends joined us and please introduce us to yourfriends behind joined us and please introduce us to your friends behind you. joined us and please introduce us to yourfriends behind you. yes. joined us and please introduce us to your friends behind you. yes, behind me is a bouzouki, _ your friends behind you. yes, behind me is a bouzouki, a _ your friends behind you. yes, behind me is a bouzouki, a young _ your friends behind you. yes, behind me is a bouzouki, a young male - me is a bouzouki, a young male orangutan and in the background as well as his mother.— well as his mother. brilliant, what is their morning _ well as his mother. brilliant, what is their morning routine _ well as his mother. brilliant, what is their morning routine this - is their morning routine this morning? how have they begun the day? 50 morning? how have they begun the da ? , ., , , morning? how have they begun the day? so usually we begin by giving them a visual _

day? so usually we begin by giving them a visual health _ day? so usually we begin by giving them a visual health check- day? so usually we begin by giving them a visual health check and - day? so usually we begin by giving. them a visual health check and then we feed them their breakfast, so they are pretty much having their bitter breakfast now and they may have just popped back inside bitter breakfast now and they may havejust popped back inside but they may be back out again. {lila havejust popped back inside but they may be back out again. ok. i they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to — they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to you _ they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to you about _ they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to you about what - they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to you about what we - they may be back out again. ok, i will talk to you about what we said we will talk to your bag body can't resist an orangutan obviously. this observation by these scientists in indonesia, how significant is it? i suppose, the animals where you are would have been treated by veterinary specialists anyway, so you wouldn't need that kind of self administration of medicine, but how exciting is this news? it is exciting is this news? it is actually — exciting is this news? it is actually really _ exciting is this news? it 3 actually really unprecedented, the fact that we have actually seen this in a wild orangutan so as you mentioned in captivity if they were to have any type of wound, we would apply topical treatment to it so in the wild it has been observed that they will eat medicinal plants if i got an upset stomach. the fact that they are using it in such a different way now to apply it to a wound isjust different way now to apply it to a wound is just completely and utterly

unprecedented. we've not seen it in any wild animal, let alone in the great apes. any wild animal, let alone in the great apes-— great apes. good morning, it is charlie. they _ great apes. good morning, it is charlie. they are _ great apes. good morning, it is charlie. they are very, - great apes. good morning, it is charlie. they are very, very - great apes. good morning, it is i charlie. they are very, very clever animals, aren't they? you know that from other research that has been done. ., from other research that has been done. . ,., , ., , , done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent- — done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent- l— done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent. i would _ done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent. i would argue - done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent. i would argue to - done. yeah, so they are very, very intelligent. i would argue to say i intelligent. i would argue to say that they are probably one of the most intelligent out of all of the great apes, they tend to be a bit more patient, and a little bit more determined especially when it comes to problem solving compared to the other great apes. it 50 to problem solving compared to the other great apes.— other great apes. it so interesting, we are talking _ other great apes. it so interesting, we are talking about _ other great apes. it so interesting, we are talking about them - we are talking about them administrating themselves, so what have you witnessed them seeing them do because you get periods of time which we don't obviously, the members of the public, to see them over a period of time? what have you witnessed that has been amazing? 50 witnessed that has been amazing? sr they witnessed that has been amazing? 5r they are very good at problem solving so an orangutan will pretty much sit and wait and we will provide them with enrichment so do a lot of puzzle —based enrichment to

improve their cognitive abilities. and we will see they actually will fashion tools to get the rewards we put in for them. not only will they use tools which is quite an intelligent behaviour, but the fact that they will actually make their own tools, to then use them to get their awards, so we all do that on a daily basis, trying to challenge them with different types of enrichment we have, so for example, in the wild orangutans probably wouldn't use stone —based enrichment. but in here they will find stones and fashion sticks and use them to fine food we put in the enclosure in hard to reach places. i'm looking to your left now, is he peeping out?— i'm looking to your left now, is he n-eeinu out? . �*, . . , �*, peeping out? that's a female, she's havin: a peeping out? that's a female, she's having a quick _ peeping out? that's a female, she's having a quick look, _ peeping out? that's a female, she's having a quick look, so _ peeping out? that's a female, she's having a quick look, so properly - having a quick look, so properly still got some breakfast left outside so she is looking to see if there's anything left. she outside so she is looking to see if there's anything left.— there's anything left. she was holdin: there's anything left. she was holding the — there's anything left. she was holding the flap _ there's anything left. she was holding the flap of _ there's anything left. she was holding the flap of the - there's anything left. she was holding the flap of the door. there's anything left. she was i holding the flap of the door open checking out going on. yes.

holding the flap of the door open checking out going on. yes, she's basically seeing _ checking out going on. yes, she's basically seeing if _ checking out going on. yes, she's basically seeing if there's - checking out going on. yes, she's basically seeing if there's any - checking out going on. yes, she'sl basically seeing if there's any more breakfast for her but i think she may have cleared it all up now. share may have cleared it all up now. are the still may have cleared it all up now. are they still quite shy? even though they still quite shy? even though they are in captivity, are they quite shy? you are standing there and we can see the reflection actually in our technical team, there are shadows, if they see people when they kind of stay awake? yes, they can be. obviously they see the keepers every day so they are used was being around and sometimes if they see cameras they might be a bit shy. but usually, they are quite good with keepers and large crowds can make them stay away a little bit but all in all, they are quite sociable. but all in all, they are quite sociable-— but all in all, they are quite sociable. �*, , ., , . ~ sociable. it's been lovely talking to ou.i sociable. it's been lovely talking to you. i think _ sociable. it's been lovely talking to you. i think they _ sociable. it's been lovely talking to you. i think they are - sociable. it's been lovely talking to you. i think they are going i sociable. it's been lovely talking to you. i think they are going to | to you. i think they are going to peek out and will be get one last appearance?— appearance? possibly. she is debatina appearance? possibly. she is debating it- _ appearance? possibly. she is debating it. i— appearance? possibly. she is debating it. iwill— appearance? possibly. she is debating it. i will leave i appearance? possibly. she is debating it. i will leave her. appearance? possibly. she isj debating it. i will leave her in eace. debating it. i will leave her in peace- craig. _ debating it. i will leave her in peace. craig, so _ debating it. i will leave her in peace. craig, so good i debating it. i will leave her in peace. craig, so good to i debating it. i will leave her in peace. craig, so good to talk| debating it. i will leave her in i peace. craig, so good to talk to you, senior ape keeper at twycross zoo. you know what will happen, we

will look at the camera and she will be straight out in front of the cameras. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning from bbc london. i'm thomas magill. more now on the local elections from around london. in harlow, the conservativesjust about held on to control. labour have won thurrock and both southend and rochford councils remained under no overall control. here's our bbc essex political reporter simon dedman. sir keir starmer has said thurrock and harlow were labour's real targets in essex in these local elections. they won thurrock by a landslide. in harlow, they lost out by just 55 votes. and the conservatives, against the national polls, have managed to keep control of harlow council. in berkshire, the labour party have retained control of reading borough council. of the 16 seats up for election, labour took 12 seats and the conservatives finished the night empty—handed.

the greens won three, to become the second party on the council there. in hertfordshire, the conservatives have held on to broxbourne. let's take a look at the tubes now. there's minor delays on northern and piccadilly lines. now on to the weather and it's a wet start but much of it will clear into the afternoon with the odd patching shower hanging around. top temperature of 15 degrees. and for more on all of the local election results, go to the bbc news app, where there is a handy postcode checker tool. counting of the london mayor and london assembly members votes from yesterday won't begin until saturday. good morning. welcome to breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. our headlines today...

labour wins the blackpool south by—election, on a bruising night for the conservatives and a strong performance from the reform party. the people of blackpool south have spoken for britain. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they have had enough. it's just one outcome on a night of counting in the local elections across england — labour is making key gains from the conservatives. these elections are a huge test of public opinion. millions of votes are being counted. what they say will shape the political landscape in the run—up to the general election. take that — the group becomes the latest act to move gigs away from the troubled co—op arena. a gorgeous start to the day in north yorkshire. the recent rainy weather and cost of living pressures mean people are not choosing

auk a uk holiday this year. are fairly re da a uk holiday this year. are fairly grey day for _ a uk holiday this year. are fairly grey day for many _ a uk holiday this year. are fairly grey day for many of— a uk holiday this year. are fairly grey day for many of us. - a uk holiday this year. are fairly grey day for many of us. some l grey day for many of us. some outbreaks— grey day for many of us. some outbreaks of rain around. the best of the _ outbreaks of rain around. the best of the sunshine in scotland and southern — of the sunshine in scotland and southern england. i will give you the details later. it's friday, the 3rd of may. labour has won the blackpool south by—election with a convincing majority. the conservatives came second, they previously held the seat until their mp resigned after a lobbying scandal. the reform party came a close third. the first wave of results for the local elections in parts of england has also started to come through overnight — so far, the conservative party has lost council seats, while labour's made some key gains. our political correspondent, damian grammaticus, has the latest. commonly known as chris, labour party 10,825. cheering. blackpool south, a little before 5am, and a decisive labour victory. they were confident of emerging winners in the by election,

but this was emphatic. they have said to rishi sunak and to the conservatives they've had enough. they've had enough for 14 years of the conservatives being in power. they have lost trust of the british people and blackpool has had enough of this failed government. the conservatives, who had held the seat, were beaten into second place. but the shock for tories will be that reform very nearly pushed them into third. they didn't get brexit done properly, they didn't cut immigration and people are tired — sick and tired — of the tory incompetence and lies. we're done with it. we're done with the tories. it's time for change. it's time for reform. and the first council of the night to change control, hartlepool. labour and co—operative party 2,649 votes. the conservatives lost six councillors here. labour in charge again. the win is symbolic for them, clawing back lost ground.

day, thomas william, labour party. 806. cheering. in rushmoor in hampshire, labour have taken control directly from the conservatives. boundary changes helped here, but it's also been gaining wards from tories. mounting losses, an unwelcome sight for the conservative minister at the count. cheering. and in north east lincolnshire, more labour cheer. wow. conservatives lost control of the council here. grimsby is exactly the sort of place labour will hope to win back at the general election. sadly, in local elections, they tend to mirror the polls at national level, and clearly it's a statement of the obvious. we're far behind in the polls nationally and people have followed through at local level. but there are warning signs for labour, too. in oldham, labour lost control of the council. in areas with substantial numbers of muslim voters, it's shed support, losing wards.

and elsewhere the greens have been picking up votes, often at labour's expense. voters are really, really sick of this conservative government and the way they've run this country into the ground over the last 14 years. but they're not really feeling inspired by what keir starmer�*s labour party is offering. in stockport, where they processed the votes in a car park, liberal democrats won a couple of wards from labour, modest advances. but the battlegrounds they care about most are yet to start tallying. we're expecting to see gains, we're expecting to see good progress, specifically in the areas where we hope to win parliamentary seats. and i do hereby declare that carol ann shevlin—ney is duly elected. so the picture emerging is one of labour chalking up gains, conservatives slipping back and smaller parties winning support from both of them. damian grammaticus, bbc news.

let's take a closer look at the result breakdown in the blackpool south by—election. labour's chris webb won 10,825 votes, a majority of 7,607. conservative david jones came in second with 3,218 votes, just 117 ahead of reform uk's mark butcher. labour won 59% of the vote, conservatives won 18% and reform uk came a close third. it means the labour vote rose by 21%, while the conservatives' fell by more than 30%. the 26% swing was the third biggest from the conservatives to labour at a by—election since the second world war. earlier, our political correspondent helen catt explained the reaction to the result in blackpool south. it was pretty obvious from the moment we arrived last night

that it was going to be labour who was going to win this seat. but when you look at those numbers that you've just described, what it shows is the conservatives being squeezed on both sides. as you said, their vote dropped by about 30%. a lot of that seems to have gone to labour on that big swing, but about a third of it on those numbers seems to have gone to reform. so it's the fact that they are losing votes in both directions, i think is going to be a concern. and while the conservatives avoided what would have been a complete nightmare scenario for them of being pushed into third by reform, they only did that by that tiny margin, about 100 or so votes. and i think that too is going likely to cause jitters and concerns among some conservative mps looking at those bear numbers this morning. —— bare numbers. now, we have heard from a conservative spokesman this morning, who said that it was always going to be a difficult election for them, given the specific circumstances related to the previous incumbent. labour, though, sir keir starmer, calling this a seismic victory for them and they're suggesting

that this is the most important result of the night. 107 councils are holding elections in england. counting will continue into the weekend. it will take a while. friday, probably saturday before we know the full results. let's take a closer look at the results we do know so far. a short time ago, labour had gained 52 councillors, while the conservatives had lost 122. the liberal democrats have seen gains so far of 18 councillors. both the green and independent candidates have also increased the number of council seats they hold. we're joined now by our political correspondent alex forsyth. good morning. good morning. does it feel like the — good morning. good morning. does it feel like the middle _ good morning. good morning. does it feel like the middle of— good morning. good morning. does it feel like the middle of the _ good morning. good morning. does it feel like the middle of the night? i feel like the middle of the night? this is a christmas morning for political correspondence, giving the bus to get through. indie

political correspondence, giving the bus to get through.— political correspondence, giving the bus to get through. we get insights. we were asking _ bus to get through. we get insights. we were asking about _ bus to get through. we get insights. we were asking about your- bus to get through. we get insights. | we were asking about your whatsapp messages on your phone. anything changed? indie messages on your phone. anything chan . ed? ~ ., messages on your phone. anything chanced? ~ . ., ., ., messages on your phone. anything chanied? . ., ., ., ., ., changed? we have had quite a lot of we are so happy _ changed? we have had quite a lot of we are so happy messages - changed? we have had quite a lot of we are so happy messages from i we are so happy messages from labour, pointing to the places they have done well and the conservatives pointing to the one or two councils where they can say they have done 0k. it where they can say they have done ok. it does not change what is a bleak picture for the conservatives. as he was saying, there is still a long way to go, it is looking bleak. with the local council elections, one reality, people know where they lived with our surroundings and the issues. they do not necessarily no other places in the country. it gets geographically complicated. you are highlighting a few places that illustrate things more widely. imilly illustrate things more widely. with these elections, _ illustrate things more widely. in these elections, what people are deciding is who will run local

services in that area. that is important. also the national political mood. for the parties, what really matters is where they might be winning or losing. that can tell us a little bit about how they might perform at the general election, which is hurtling towards us. for labour, one of the big wentz was in hartlepool. that was part of the area where the conservatives really encroached on labour heartland territoryjust really encroached on labour heartland territory just a few years ago. now, labour is winning ground that again. they are taking control of hartlepool council. that was a symbolic victory for labour. we can listen to what the labour leader of hartlepool council said about it. indie hartlepool council said about it. we had quite a difficult time in hartlepool, going back a few years, where _ hartlepool, going back a few years, where we _ hartlepool, going back a few years, where we actually dropped to six councillors in the labour party, in the labour— councillors in the labour party, in the labour group, and we have risen

up the labour group, and we have risen up over— the labour group, and we have risen up over the — the labour group, and we have risen up overthe years, the labour group, and we have risen up over the years, bit by bit, and -ot up over the years, bit by bit, and got back— up over the years, bit by bit, and got back to — up over the years, bit by bit, and got back to actually, i think making people _ got back to actually, i think making people realise we are to be trusted and we _ people realise we are to be trusted and we can— people realise we are to be trusted and we can do the job that we are now going — and we can do the job that we are now going to be doing. you and we can do the job that we are now going to be doing.— and we can do the job that we are now going to be doing. you can see labour is pleased _ now going to be doing. you can see labour is pleased with _ now going to be doing. you can see labour is pleased with the - labour is pleased with the hartlepool win. a couple of other places worth mentioning. redditch in worcestershire, they took that directly from the conservatives. that is the kind of place they want to win at the general election. what was more of a surprise was rushmore hampshire, which covers andover, real conservative territory. you would think that would not have turned labour but it did. they were really chuffed at that one. not all plain sailing for labour. oldham, they lost control of that council. that is one area where there has been dissent over its stance over

the war in gaza. we can hear more from the leader of oldham council. we have had some really toxic and negative _ we have had some really toxic and negative politics. the one thing we had to— negative politics. the one thing we had to recognise, and i have been saying _ had to recognise, and i have been saying it _ had to recognise, and i have been saying it for — had to recognise, and i have been saying it for a long time, oldham has been — saying it for a long time, oldham has been torn apart by extreme politics— has been torn apart by extreme politics and that is a reality and something we have to address going forward _ something we have to address going forward. you see decent people not wanting _ forward. you see decent people not wanting to — forward. you see decent people not wanting to get involved in politics because _ wanting to get involved in politics because of the disinformation. all of that— because of the disinformation. all of that has— because of the disinformation. all of that has an impact, unfortunately. we are optimistic, oldham _ unfortunately. we are optimistic, oldham born and bred. we care about oldhanr _ oldham born and bred. we care about oldhanr my— oldham born and bred. we care about oldham. my message to other groups in the _ oldham. my message to other groups in the town— oldham. my message to other groups in the town council will be, we have to unite _ in the town council will be, we have to unite and — in the town council will be, we have to unite and put the people of oldham — to unite and put the people of oldham first. we to unite and put the people of oldham first.— to unite and put the people of oldham first. we spoke to pat mcfadden _ oldham first. we spoke to pat mcfadden of _ oldham first. we spoke to pat mcfadden of the _ oldham first. we spoke to pat mcfadden of the labour i oldham first. we spoke to pat mcfadden of the labour party| oldham first. we spoke to pat. mcfadden of the labour party a oldham first. we spoke to pat i mcfadden of the labour party a short time ago and he said the labour party is keeping a close eye on these issues, particularly its stance on gaza and israel. if you

look at which parties are hurting that two main parties, who are they worried about? the labour party, greens, is that fair? the conservatives. _ greens, is that fair? the conservatives. and i greens, is that fair? the conservatives. and reform. formed. you are _ conservatives. and reform. formed. you are seeing the impact some of the smaller— you are seeing the impact some of the smaller parties are having. labour— the smaller parties are having. labour is — the smaller parties are having. labour is being squeezed by the green _ labour is being squeezed by the green party in some areas as well as independence, standing on a particular issue about the policy stance — particular issue about the policy stance in— particular issue about the policy stance in gaza. reform uk did not stand _ stance in gaza. reform uk did not stand everywhere. where they did have people standing, they did well. they were _ have people standing, they did well. they were matching what they were getting _ they were matching what they were getting in _ they were matching what they were getting in the poll ratings. the biggest — getting in the poll ratings. the biggest threat from reform uk, if you like. — biggest threat from reform uk, if you like. is— biggest threat from reform uk, if you like, is to the conservatives. they— you like, is to the conservatives. they had — you like, is to the conservatives. they had double cause for concern because _ they had double cause for concern because they are losing out to labour— because they are losing out to labour and in because they are losing out to labourand in some because they are losing out to labour and in some cases losing out to the _ labour and in some cases losing out to the lib _ labour and in some cases losing out to the lib dems. the takeaway tonight, — to the lib dems. the takeaway tonight, there are still results to come _ tonight, there are still results to come in. — tonight, there are still results to come in, the takeaway so far is this

is pretty— come in, the takeaway so far is this is pretty bleak for the conservatives. labour has done well but not _ conservatives. labour has done well but not without problems. our chief political correspondent henry zeffman joins us now. still raining. it was brighter this morning. how are you viewing what has been going on? we have not had too much, we have had a senior conservative minister on this morning but nothing from higher up the chain. what do you think the mood will be like?— mood will be like? really bleak, like this weather. _ mood will be like? really bleak, like this weather. they - mood will be like? really bleak, like this weather. they are i like this weather. they are digesting what has been a really bad night for the conservative party. more results still to come. if the picture across the weekend is anything like it has been overnight without spells electoral team for the conservative party. this was meant to be the year in which the

poll is narrowed, rishi sunak closed the gap as the economy improved. that has not happened. on the evidence last night, lots of people and lots of different parts of england are frustrated with the conservative party and of giving their votes to various parties, in particular the labour party. if you are a conservative strategist, thinking about the looming general election, prospects as it stands are not very good. is election, prospects as it stands are not very good-— not very good. is rishi sunak safe as our not very good. is rishi sunak safe as your party _ not very good. is rishi sunak safe as your party leader _ not very good. is rishi sunak safe as your party leader and - not very good. is rishi sunak safe as your party leader and prime i as your party leader and prime minister? ~ , ,., , as your party leader and prime minister? ~ , . . ., minister? absolutely. the crucial thin . minister? absolutely. the crucial thin is minister? absolutely. the crucial thing is these — minister? absolutely. the crucial thing is these are _ minister? absolutely. the crucial thing is these are local _ minister? absolutely. the crucial thing is these are local election l thing is these are local election results — thing is these are local election results coming off a very high water nrark— results coming off a very high water mark in _ results coming off a very high water mark in 2021where councils like durham, — mark in 2021where councils like durham, where i represent, was lost by labour— durham, where i represent, was lost by labour for — durham, where i represent, was lost by labour for the first time in 102 years _ by labour for the first time in 102 years. very— by labour for the first time in 102 years. very exceptional results. still a _ years. very exceptional results. still a long _ years. very exceptional results. still a long way to go. the prime minister— still a long way to go. the prime minister is — still a long way to go. the prime minister is in a very strong

position— minister is in a very strong position within the party. you can hear some _ position within the party. you can hear some of— position within the party. you can hear some of the _ position within the party. you can hear some of the debate - position within the party. you can hear some of the debate that i position within the party. you can hear some of the debate that willj hear some of the debate that will play out in the conservative party. defences we are going to get from members of the cabinet, allies of rishi sunak, about why conservative mps should keep the faith. stick and not twist. these are really bad results. since we last spoke some conservative mps have started to reply to my messages, asking how they are taking these results. several of them are saying all of their attention is on two crucial mayoral elections. one in the tees valley where we will get the result today and another in the west midlands where we will get the result tomorrow. experts think there was not a lot of weed across but that they are psychologically focusing on those.— that they are psychologically

focusing on those. thank you very much. focusing on those. thank you very much- our— focusing on those. thank you very much. our chief _ focusing on those. thank you very much. our chief political- much. our chief political correspondent. the weather reflecting the mood. worth saying, we are onlyjust beginning the process of these election results. we will cover what we have so far today. they will still come in throughout the rest of today and tomorrow, we'll be speaking to all the parties here on breakfast over this 24—hour period. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. here's sarah with a look at this morning's weather. ido i do not know if you saw the

pictures earlier, blackpool, the tower covered in mist. that picture behind you suggesting something different altogether.— different altogether. mixed fortunes- — different altogether. mixed fortunes. this _ different altogether. mixed fortunes. this is _ different altogether. mixed fortunes. this is from i different altogether. mixed i fortunes. this is from dorset, a beautiful carpeted bluebells. we have cloud. not the same picture for all of us. we have a lot of low cloud, mist and all of us. we have a lot of low cloud, mistand murk all of us. we have a lot of low cloud, mist and murk to start the day. not as warm as it was yesterday pulled most of us. yesterday it was the warmest day of the year for many places. about 10 degrees cooler where there is cloud. in western scotland in particular, they will keep the warmth. the best of the sunshine is in scotland. for southern scotland and northern ireland, one or two showers. lots of low cloud and outbreaks of rain. thunderstorms moving in from the

east. it will brighten up to the south of the m4 corridor. temperatures 12 to 14 under the cloud. 22 degrees possible in the north—west of scotland. this evening and overnight at this slow moving area of cloud and patchy rain. a mild, frost free start for most of us with the cloud around with the bit where the front again slow moving. it will start to peter out. it was he cloudy conditions generally across the north and north—west. brighter skies developing in the south with a view showers. the top temperature for most of us 12 to 17 degrees. thank ou. take that has become the latest act to move concerts from the troubled co—op live arena, which has paused holding events due to technical issues. its rival, the a0 arena, will now host the band's five upcoming manchester dates, as well as a gig by the us rapper a boogie wit da hoodie.

our reporter graham satchell has more. # a little patience...# take that — the latest band to cancel their gig at the new co—op live arena in manchester. their shows next week will be staged at a rival venue instead. i think everybody in manchester really has been excited for it, and then when something like this happens and it's just such a letdown, really. the co—op arena is meant to be one of the best music venues in the world. so far, it's left the streets of manchester echoing with disappointment, anger and frustration. one of the security guards just comes over and then tells us it's like, cancelled, you know? everyone thought he was joking. and then tons of people just started leaving the queue. people came and people are crying, kicking off and everything. i'm, like, hitting - the security guard crying. and everyone's upset - because it's been cancelled. we've been waiting for months for it. l you're joking! it's hard to imagine a more disastrous start. shows by the comedian peter kay and us rock band the black keys have been cancelled.

this weekend's gigs by olivia rodrigo have also been called off. # but i stay focussed, yes#. american rapper a boogie wit da hoodie's show will now take place at the a0 arena instead. the £365 million venue has been plagued by technical and safety issues. it's rapidly becoming a problem for the reputation of manchester itself. brand manchester is taking some flak over this as well. we want to be seen as a modern, progressive city, competing with not only london but other great european cities. and not being able to open a venue like this in this way is becoming embarrassing. co—op live's owners have apologised for the disruption and say the venue will be taking what it calls a short pause. the first gig is now scheduled for the 14th of may. liam gallagher, the former oasis frontman, who is scheduled to play the co—op arena injune, joked on social media he'd gig in lidl if the venue wasn't ready by then. graham satchell, bbc news.

let's speak now to subrah krishnan harihara from the manchester chamber of commerce, and harry kind from which? good morning to you both. we will call you subra, that is how you are known. manchester must have been so excited when this co—op venue was announced. what was it going to do for tourism and hospitality? it was for tourism and hospitality? it was a bi blow for tourism and hospitality? it was a big blow to _ for tourism and hospitality? it was a big blow to confidence _ for tourism and hospitality? it was a big blow to confidence for- a big blow to confidence for manchester. confirmation that manchester. confirmation that manchester is open for business, it is a city where businesses can come to invest. all of that was fantastic. it was going to provide a lot of economic returns and venue, a great place for families. things have not turned out, clearly, that

way. i do not think we should get distracted with the fact this is still a big investment project. you still a big investment pro'ect. you have had still a big investment project. you have had massive acts. olivia rodrigue. acts. peter kay, take that, lots of acts. we have just heard barry manilow has booked two arenas. as a back—up, he has booked the a0 arena. it is arenas. as a back-up, he has booked the a0 arena-— the ao arena. it is not the start an one the ao arena. it is not the start anyone would — the ao arena. it is not the start anyone would have _ the ao arena. it is not the start anyone would have wanted. i the ao arena. it is not the start i anyone would have wanted. terrible news. bad publicity. it could not be worse. that is clear. we cannot defend the indefensible. i do not think that the new owners have covered themselves in glory. who; think that the new owners have covered themselves in glory. why do ou sa covered themselves in glory. why do

you say that? _ covered themselves in glory. why do you say that? there _ covered themselves in glory. why do you say that? there have _ covered themselves in glory. why do you say that? there have been i you say that? there have been dela s, you say that? there have been delays, cancellations. - you say that? there have been | delays, cancellations. promises you say that? there have been i delays, cancellations. promises made in man and promised, made and unmade. not great news at all. take us throu~h unmade. not great news at all. take us through some _ unmade. not great news at all. take us through some of _ unmade. not great news at all. take us through some of the basics of your rights. let me give you a sample person. this weekend make you booked a room, you spent some money on a train ticket, all to come to manchester to spend money. the ticket i guess is the easy bit, you get an automatic refund. what ticket i guess is the easy bit, you get an automatic refund. what about the other class? _ get an automatic refund. what about the other class? an _ get an automatic refund. what about the other class? an automatic i get an automatic refund. what about| the other class? an automatic refund or you _ the other class? an automatic refund or you can— the other class? an automatic refund or you can use a ticket on the next date _ or you can use a ticket on the next date there — or you can use a ticket on the next date. there is one caveat. people who bought a ticket from a reseller, second—hand, they might not be able to get— second—hand, they might not be able to get a _ second—hand, they might not be able to get a refund if they cannot make the new _ to get a refund if they cannot make the new date. they should challenge where _ the new date. they should challenge where they bought the ticket from. for things — where they bought the ticket from.

for things like hotels and train tickets. — for things like hotels and train tickets. it _ for things like hotels and train tickets, it is difficult. that is why— tickets, it is difficult. that is why we _ tickets, it is difficult. that is why we say you should try a multipronged approach. could claim on travel— multipronged approach. could claim on travel insurance if you have an annual— on travel insurance if you have an annual one. — on travel insurance if you have an annual one. i_ on travel insurance if you have an annual one, i got these tickets and would _ annual one, i got these tickets and would like — annual one, i got these tickets and would like to get that money back. is it within— would like to get that money back. is it within that category? it should fit within that category, depending on your travel insurance. if you _ depending on your travel insurance. if you bought your ticket with a credit — if you bought your ticket with a credit card, you should have section 75 protection for purchases over 5100 _ 75 protection for purchases over 5100 the — 75 protection for purchases over £100. the credit card company is on the hook— £100. the credit card company is on the hook for— £100. the credit card company is on the hook for the ticket and associated costs, as are the people who sold _ associated costs, as are the people who sold you the ticket. you could put in _ who sold you the ticket. you could put in a _ who sold you the ticket. you could put in a claim. we have heard stories— put in a claim. we have heard stories of— put in a claim. we have heard stories of people getting £200 for hotel and train tickets because a concert— hotel and train tickets because a concert has been postponed. say the concert has been postponed. say the concert ticket — concert has been postponed. say the concert ticket costs _ concert has been postponed. say the concert ticket costs more _ concert has been postponed. say the concert ticket costs more than i concert has been postponed. say the concert ticket costs more than £100. j concert ticket costs more than £100. the book a hotel room for £60 and

you had a £50 train ticket. —— you booked a hotel. you could still be covered by your credit card? i{finite covered by your credit card? quite ossibl . covered by your credit card? quite possibly- it _ covered by your credit card? quite possibly- it is _ covered by your credit card? quite possibly. it is something - covered by your credit card? quite possibly. it is something people try. possibly. it is something people try it _ possibly. it is something people try it will— possibly. it is something people try. it will not be 100% successful. you could — try. it will not be 100% successful. you could also contact the venue. it looks _ you could also contact the venue. it looks like _ you could also contact the venue. it looks like co—op may be looking to compensate people. really push your pace _ compensate people. really push your pace this _ compensate people. really push your pace this is — compensate people. really push your pace. this is a failure from their point _ pace. this is a failure from their point of— pace. this is a failure from their point of view. it is something you should _ point of view. it is something you should not— point of view. it is something you should not be left out of pocket full, their— should not be left out of pocket full, their failings. did should not be left out of pocket full, their failings.— full, their failings. did you say there are _ full, their failings. did you say there are indications - full, their failings. did you say there are indications that i full, their failings. did you say there are indications that they j there are indications that they might? there are indications that they mi . ht? ., there are indications that they mi ht? ., ., , there are indications that they miaht? . _, there are indications that they miaht? . ,., , might? that last statement said they would be looking _ might? that last statement said they would be looking to _ might? that last statement said they would be looking to see _ might? that last statement said they would be looking to see if— might? that last statement said they would be looking to see if there i might? that last statement said they would be looking to see if there was | would be looking to see if there was support— would be looking to see if there was support for— would be looking to see if there was support for people who had had tickets— support for people who had had tickets cancelled. a vague corporate statement _ tickets cancelled. a vague corporate statement at this point. it has been a terrible _ statement at this point. it has been a terrible pr situation and they

should — a terrible pr situation and they should be doing right by their customers. barry manilow has put protections in place for his fans. this value — protections in place for his fans. this value to put in protections for people _ this value to put in protections for people who have been let down. did ou people who have been let down. did you say people who have been let down. you say barry people who have been let down. d c you say barry manilow is the hero? cover star of which from now on, i think! _ cover star of which from now on, i think! , ., ,., cover star of which from now on, i think! , ., ., ., ., think! there is also the follow-on full businesses. _ think! there is also the follow-on full businesses. people _ think! there is also the follow-on full businesses. people wanting l think! there is also the follow-on | full businesses. people wanting to come to manchester. they would probably want to go to manchester city centre for a drink and a meal and then travel to the venue. all of that business, that is business lost, and economic problem for the city and there is no denying that. in the long term it is hoped this will be sorted out.—

in the long term it is hoped this will be sorted out. thank you so much, will be sorted out. thank you so much. both _ will be sorted out. thank you so much, both of— will be sorted out. thank you so much, both of you. _ will be sorted out. thank you so much, both of you. thank i will be sorted out. thank you so much, both of you. thank you i will be sorted out. thank you so l much, both of you. thank you for havin: much, both of you. thank you for having me- _ and a bit of breaking news in the last few minutes that the bbc has just confirmed is that the last—ever episode of gavin and stacey will be shown on christmas day this year. in a tweet, the bbc said... "we'll have: a chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms and the last ever episode of gavin and stacey!" we had with james on the show and she did hint that she did say she would like to do it again. she doesnt would like to do it again. she doesn't see _ would like to do it again. she doesn't see him _ would like to do it again. she doesn't see him often enough to

write together but i kind of thought it would happen. couldn't resist. i imagine if the weather is glorious, getting us out and about, sarah will bring us up—to—date. morning live follows breakfast on bbc one this morning. let's find out what they have in store with sara and gethin. a lovely warm start in manchester. feels like christmas. i would have put nry— feels like christmas. i would have put my best on had i known we were coming _ put my best on had i known we were coming out — put my best on had i known we were coming out here. coming up.... a whopping 22 million people worldwide streamed netflix hit "baby reindeer" this week, which revolves around lead character donny being stalked by a female admirer. it's encouraging more victims to speak up, but with loads of cases going unreported, detective rebecca mason shares how a protection order is vital. plus, with a brand—new warning from trading standards that cowboy builders are a "growing menace", legal eagle gary rycroft�*s got some advice. i'll share how three's the magic number when it comes to quotes and why, even without a contract, a text message can be enough to take

rogue traders to court. also today, it's thought up to half of the uk's population live with chronic pain. presenter oj borg discovers how psychology might help more than prescription meds. and why imagining the pain draining away, like turning on a tap, could be the answer. plus, with headlines saying there's an increased danger of ticks carrying potentially fatal diseases, dr punam reassures. i'll share the truth behind this, i and show you how to remove one without needing a doctor! and it's just over a week to go until eurovision, british hopeful olly alexander tells us why he's "dizzy" with excitement, competing for the nation. see you at 9:30am. do not get dizzy over that balcony. take care of yourselves. get a sweater on! get a jump on. your thermals. it is only spring. see you later. they are up on a balcony. it

is windy, cold and early. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. a very good morning from bbc london. i'm thomas magill. more now on the local elections from around london and it was a bad night for the conservatives. in harlow they only just held on to control with a reduced majority of one seat. labour gained control of thurrock and both southend and rochford councils have remained under no overall control. with more details here's our bbc essex political reporter simon dedman. sir keir starmer has said thurrock and harlow were labour's real targets in essex in these local elections. they won thurrock by a landslide. in harlow, they lost out by just 55 votes. and the conservatives, against the national polls, have managed to keep control of harlow council. in berkshire, the labour party have retained control of reading borough council. of the 16 seats up for election, labour took 12.

there was one for the liberal democrats and the conservatives finished the night empty—handed. the greens won three to become the second party on the council there. in hertfordshire, the conservatives have held on to broxbourne. in other news, passengers on elizabeth line say the gap between the train and some of the platforms in west london are dangerous. eric leach broke his foot getting off the train at ealing broadway. tfl says the platform meets safety standards and is working to make its stations more accessible. my concern is that had i hit my head, i could have killed myself. but mums with buggies, people with heavy luggage, disabled people, it doesn't work. it just doesn't work. and, as i said, £19 billion worth of bespoke train and a brand—new station. let's take a look at the tubes now. there's minor delays on the northern line. otherwise a good service.

now onto the weather with kate kinsella. good morning. it's a rather grey and misty start once again. we've had showers overnight, there's more showers to come this morning. they could be quite heavy but gradually they are lifting northwards, drier and brighter further south, perhaps hanging on to cloud and a few showers further north later on this afternoon. temperatures, despite any sunshine later, only managing around 14—15. so chillier than the last couple of days. overnight, it is dry and clear with cloud continuing to lift. we will see some mist and fog patches, the wind is light, minimum temperature down to 5 celsius. for saturday, we start to see a front trying to edge into the south—west. for us, it means a bright start, some sunshine but the cloud will start to move in and with that some showers through saturday as well. still some sunny spells though. temperatures tomorrow, 17 celsius. into sunday, it is looking like a dry start but then the possibility of some showers later on in the day. spells of rain for bank holiday monday and temperatures across the weekend around 16c.

and for more on all of the local election results go to the bbc news app where there is a handy postcode checker tool. there's also live coverage over on your local bbc radio station across the morning. and counting of the london mayor and london assembly members votes from yesterday won't begin until saturday. i'll be back with you in half an hour. hello, this is breakfast with charlie stayt and naga munchetty. this is a morning of results. there's been a significant win for labour overnight, as they took a seat from the conservative party in the blackpool south by—election. meanwhile, results from local elections have been coming in with more still to come throughout the day and tomorrow. not really expect to have the total picture until tomorrow evening.

our political correspondent nick eardley is keeping across the numbers. he's a man who knows how to interpret numbers with his screen. good morning, i'm going to try. people always say politics as a numbers game and the numbers we have had overnight i think you can give us a bit of an indication about what these results mean. remember, we don't have them all yet. it's only 8:30 in the morning, a lot of counting to happen today and tomorrow actually, but, as of now, here is where we're at. it's a good night for labour, you can see they are up, 52 seats, a really bad night for the conservatives, down 122. it's on course to be a really, really bad evening for the conservatives. let's see how the rest of the day pans out but i know a lot of conservatives have their heads in their hands this morning. the lib dems are doing all right, the greens and had a pretty good overnight result as well. here's

what it means in terms of councils. labour are up what it means in terms of councils. labourare up three, what it means in terms of councils. labour are up three, the conservatives are dan two, and if you want to know what this means for the big political picture, i've gone forward one too many, let me go back one, very quickly this is the thing people will be looking at in the party hqs this morning. the conservative vote down 14% are based on the same elections in 2021, a bad result for the tories. it's a good result for the tories. it's a good result for the tories. it's a good result for labour, could maybe have been a bit better, but they will be pretty happy with that. let me show you some results i think are quite interesting. redditch was a conservative council, it's now labour. rushmore is the same. he has two areas where labour had no overall control and now labour are in charge. hartlepool and thurrock. if you are conserved and waking up and you are pretty gloomy about these results, these might make you feel a bit better, labour on a bad night might have taken harlow, on a really bad night for the tories,

fareham may have gone to the lib dems. but they've held on. let me quickly whizz through a couple of results that matter. redditch, an area that was conservative, since 2018, it's not any more. it's now labour. on a good night they took a bunch of seats from the conservatives. hartlepool, if you rememberthree conservatives. hartlepool, if you remember three ago, labour lost the hartlepool by—election, a low point in keir starmer�*s leadership. now they've won it pretty convincingly actually. they took a bunch of seats, eight new ones, the conservatives have lost six, and one as a result i want to bring you which is interesting, old on. this was labour—controlled and it's not any more. this is why look at the number of independence —— oldham. this is a change of scene overnight. seven independence winning seats, five labour people losing them, five of these independent councillors were running on an anti war in gaza tickets, critical of labour policy on that, and that seems to have hit

the labour vote in oldham.- on that, and that seems to have hit the labour vote in oldham. thanks so much. excellent _ the labour vote in oldham. thanks so much. excellent number— the labour vote in oldham. thanks so much. excellent number analysis. i much. excellent number analysis. thank you. we're joined now by liberal democrats deputy leader daisy cooper. daisy cooper, good morning to you. thank you for spending time with us this morning. nick wasjust thank you for spending time with us this morning. nick was just going to the numbers and positive so far for the numbers and positive so far for the lib dems, and i'll start with a question we've asked all representatives from the parties, what is your reflection so far bearing in mind not all the results are in and won't be until tomorrow evening? igrate are in and won't be until tomorrow evenin: ? ~ , are in and won't be until tomorrow evenina? , ., are in and won't be until tomorrow eveninu? , ., ., evening? we can see so far and winnina evening? we can see so far and winning streak— evening? we can see so far and winning streak is _ evening? we can see so far and winning streak is continuing i evening? we can see so far and winning streak is continuing to l winning streak is continuing to happen. we have made new inroads in places around hampshire for example. if you look at stockport where we have had two games, it sets us on the route we hope we can win hazel wood and cheadle at the next general election but the best we hope is next to come because many of the areas where liberal democrats are the key challenges to the conservatives, where we can make significant gains, are yet to even

start counting let alone declare so later on the sadly will keep places on i like wokingham and tunbridge wells when we hope to make some gains. wells when we hope to make some rains. �* , ., wells when we hope to make some rains. �* ,, u. gains. are you confident the victories and _ gains. are you confident the victories and gains - gains. are you confident the victories and gains you've i gains. are you confident the i victories and gains you've made so far particularly at the conservative party sixpence, are down to apathy —— expense, or theory with the conservative party or electric being convinced the lib dems have something to offer to them that they want? do you see the distinction? are they rejecting the conservatives in saying the lib dems are the alternative because we always talk about how the lib dems do pretty well in local elections or do you think your own message is getting through and convincing voters? honestly, a bit of both. lib dems are campaigning on our social care services, talking up the cost of living crisis, to protect local

environment, and those three issues come up time and time again on the doorstep. i think local communities around the country particularly in the blue wall and the south west are seeing the lib dems talk about those issues and they see we are reflecting their priorities and their values but also there's no denying that a lot of lifelong conservative voters around the country are looking at this conservative government and do not recognise it any more. they don't speakfor them, recognise it any more. they don't speak for them, they are absolutely appalled by the sleaze and scandal which emanates from westminster and in some cases people are being turned off the conservatives but in many cases they're coming to the lib dems because we are talking to them and their priorities.— and their priorities. where the reform party _ and their priorities. where the reform party stood _ and their priorities. where the reform party stood for - and their priorities. where the reform party stood for seats, | and their priorities. where the i reform party stood for seats, the fall in the conservative vote was markedly higher and this is analysis byjohn curtis, who you will be aware of, who analyses election numbers. there is a possibility, isn't there, that the lib dems, if this trend continues, could become

the fourth party behind reform? how concerned are you about that? iwhen concerned are you about that? when ou look concerned are you about that? when you look across _ concerned are you about that? when you look across the _ concerned are you about that? when you look across the poles _ concerned are you about that? whoa you look across the poles which concerned are you about that? wuaz“u you look across the poles which have been done looking at the potential general election outcomes, whenever it is called, what you can see is the lib dems are in second place to the lib dems are in second place to the conservatives in 80 seats around the conservatives in 80 seats around the country. i get to see a single pelmet would have indicated that reform could win more than one if that, a parliamentary seat, so lib dems are in a position to win scores of seats off the conservatives and we are working incredibly hard in those areas. we never take votes for granted but as you will note lib dems to build on our local government base and use it as a springboard to win seats at the general election that we hope to see later on today. how general election that we hope to see later on today-— later on today. how are you going to... later on today. how are you going to- -- you've _ later on today. how are you going to... you've seen _ later on today. how are you going to... you've seen the _ later on today. how are you going to... you've seen the impact - later on today. how are you going to... you've seen the impact he i later on today. how are you going - to... you've seen the impact he made on the conservatives and you sate a bit of both, conservative people losing faith in the conservatives, perhaps hearing your message more clearly, how do you feel that you have done when it comes to taking

votes from the labour party? figs have done when it comes to taking votes from the labour party? as you know, we votes from the labour party? as you know. we have _ votes from the labour party? as you know. we have a _ votes from the labour party? as you know, we have a system _ votes from the labour party? as you know, we have a system called - votes from the labour party? as you know, we have a system called first| know, we have a system called first past the post and in that electoral system it's all about winning seats and in those seats where we are in second place to the conservatives, there are many labour voters turning to us because they like what we stand for, they like the fact we are focusing on the nhs, the cost of living, the environment... can you rive me living, the environment... can you give me an — living, the environment... can you give me an example _ living, the environment. .. can you give me an example of— living, the environment... can you give me an example of that? - living, the environment... can you | give me an example of that? where you have seen a result of that happening? in you have seen a result of that happening?— you have seen a result of that happening? you have seen a result of that haueninu? , u, , u, u, ,, happening? in my own seat of st albans which _ happening? in my own seat of st albans which i _ happening? in my own seat of st albans which i won _ happening? in my own seat of st albans which i won in _ happening? in my own seat of st albans which i won in 2019. - happening? in my own seat of st albans which i won in 2019. part| happening? in my own seat of st l albans which i won in 2019. part of the reason i won my seat was because labour voters decided to vote tactically in part because i liked what i was campaigning for but also because they wanted to try and stop the conservatives. we've seen that in the by—elections we had during this parliament were again, a number of labour voters decide to devote for lib dem candidates and so our message really is if you want to get rid of this conservative government, in many places around the country, in many places around the country, in 80 seats, voting for the lib dems

are the best way of getting rid of the conservative mp.— are the best way of getting rid of the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank ou the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank you very _ the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank you very much _ the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank you very much for _ the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank you very much for your - the conservative mp. daisy cooper, thank you very much for your time i thank you very much for your time with us here on breakfast. let's go back to blackpool now, where labour has won a by—election overnight. keir starmer is alongside the new labour mp for blackpool south, chris webber. i think if we can listen in for a moment, webber. i think if we can listen in fora moment, he'sjust webber. i think if we can listen in for a moment, he'sjust addressing the crowds. applause you, chris. thank you to all the activists, you have really put on a shift and thank you to the people of blackpool for putting their trust in chris, who was putting their trust in chris, who was born and bred, who has done so much for blackpool and the people here, and he knows that iii years we have had nothing but broken promises, austerity, our kids not given opportunities they deserve, the housing we desperately need in this country, the good secure jobs people need, and the people of blackpool have seen through the tory

lies and chaos, and they want to change. we all want that change, rishi sunak, call that general election and let this country move forward. cheering em cheering _ . and now i'm going to hand cheering . and now i'm c-oin to hand over to . and now i'm going to hand over to ho efull . and now i'm going to hand over to hopefully the _ . and now i'm going to hand over to hopefully the next _ . and now i'm going to hand over to hopefully the next prime _ . and now i'm going to hand over to hopefully the next prime minister. . and now i'm going to hand over to| hopefully the next prime minister of this country, keir starmer. cheering _ . thank you to this brilliant cheering . thank ou to this brilliant team . thank you to this brilliant team here and all— . thank you to this brilliant team here and all the _ . thank you to this brilliant team here and all the people - . thank you to this brilliant team here and all the people who - here and all the people who supported you in this historic campaign. it is incredible to have won by— campaign. it is incredible to have won by such a swing, 26% swing, thrat's— won by such a swing, 26% swing, that's a _ won by such a swing, 26% swing, that's a fifth swing of over 20% to the labour— that's a fifth swing of over 20% to the labour party by—elections in recent— the labour party by—elections in recent months. and years. it is a fantastic— recent months. and years. it is a fantastic result, a really first class — fantastic result, a really first class results, and here in blackpool a message — class results, and here in blackpool a message has been sent directly to the prime _ a message has been sent directly to the prime minister, directly to the prime _ the prime minister, directly to the prime minister, because this was a parliamentary vote, this was

directly— parliamentary vote, this was directly to rishi sunak to say we are fed — directly to rishi sunak to say we are fed up — directly to rishi sunak to say we are fed up with your decline, your chaos, _ are fed up with your decline, your chaos, and — are fed up with your decline, your chaos, and your division and we want change _ chaos, and your division and we want change we _ chaos, and your division and we want change. we want to go forward with labour— change. we want to go forward with labour and. — change. we want to go forward with labourand, chris, you change. we want to go forward with labour and, chris, you have smashed that _ labour and, chris, you have smashed that that— labour and, chris, you have smashed that. that wasn'tjust labour and, chris, you have smashed that. that wasn't just a little message, that wasn't just a that. that wasn't just a little message, that wasn'tjust a murmur, that was— message, that wasn'tjust a murmur, that was a _ message, that wasn'tjust a murmur, that was a shout from blackpool. we want change. and blackpool speaks for the _ want change. and blackpool speaks for the whole country, saying we have _ for the whole country, saying we have had — for the whole country, saying we have had enough now, after 14 years of failure, _ have had enough now, after 14 years offailure.14— have had enough now, after 14 years of failure, 14 years of decline, we need _ of failure, 14 years of decline, we need to— of failure, 14 years of decline, we need to turn the page and start afresh — need to turn the page and start afresh with labour, which has a positive — afresh with labour, which has a positive plan for the country. a plan _ positive plan for the country. a plan to— positive plan for the country. a plan to get us building again, the houses _ plan to get us building again, the houses we — plan to get us building again, the houses we desperately need, the infrastructure, the transport, the nhs back— infrastructure, the transport, the nhs back on its feet and functioning properly— nhs back on its feet and functioning properly for the people of blackpool and across the whole country. to make _ and across the whole country. to make our— and across the whole country. to make our streets safe from anti—social behaviour, which applied to many— anti—social behaviour, which applied to many communities, that plan is

there _ to many communities, that plan is there we — to many communities, that plan is there. we have a positive message into this _ there. we have a positive message into this by—election, and we have been _ into this by—election, and we have been heard — into this by—election, and we have been heard. chris, you have been heard, _ been heard. chris, you have been heard, you've made history even before _ heard, you've made history even before being sworn in as an mp, you have made _ before being sworn in as an mp, you have made history here in blackpool but coming — have made history here in blackpool but coming out of this, this morning. _ but coming out of this, this morning, there is one clear message. let's morning, there is one clear message. let's turn _ morning, there is one clear message. let's turn the — morning, there is one clear message. let's turn the page on this decline, let's pull— let's turn the page on this decline, let's pull together as a country, we believe _ let's pull together as a country, we believe in — let's pull together as a country, we believe in this country, we believe in our— believe in this country, we believe in our businesses and our communities, we don't accept this hopelessness of the tories that nothing — hopelessness of the tories that nothing can get better. we have a positive _ nothing can get better. we have a positive case, we want to take our country _ positive case, we want to take our country forward. this is a giant step— country forward. this is a giant step on— country forward. this is a giant step on thatjourney, country forward. this is a giant step on that journey, well done, chris. _ step on that journey, well done, chris. and — step on that journey, well done, chris, and thank you to every single person— chris, and thank you to every single person who — chris, and thank you to every single person who voted here yesterday and put their _ person who voted here yesterday and put their faith in a changed labour party _ put their faith in a changed labour party no — put their faith in a changed labour party. no more decline, forward with labour, _ party. no more decline, forward with labour, thank you very, very much. applause — studio: you can hear they're from keir starmer and leader labour party

and you can see the deputy leader angela rayner as well, who began speaking calling on rishi sunak to call a general election now. sir keir starmer very chipper this morning with that result. now he can speak to our political correspondent helen. how are you? yes, i've got keir starmer with me now. are you going to win a general election? look, you run back general election and we are confident going into that general election because what this by—election shows is that the country wants change. this is a very clear divide now. we've had 14 years of failure and decline, we just got chaos and division from the tories, people want to turn the page on that and go forward with labour and our positive plan for the country. who; positive plan for the country. why is so cautious _ positive plan for the country. why is so cautious when you had such a is so cautious when you had such a big win? we is so cautious when you had such a bi win? ~ ., is so cautious when you had such a bi win? ~ . ., ., is so cautious when you had such a bi win? ~ . . ., . ., big win? we want a general election and we want — big win? we want a general election and we want to _ big win? we want a general election and we want to win _ big win? we want a general election and we want to win it _ big win? we want a general election and we want to win it and _ big win? we want a general election and we want to win it and take - big win? we want a general election and we want to win it and take a - and we want to win it and take a general election and we want to win it and take our country forward and i thank every single person who voted labour yesterday and put their trust in a changed labour party, but

politics and by—elections are about messages and obviously there is a lot of discussion now what does this mean? i think it's really straightforward. people have had enough, they want to turn the page, go forward with labour, they know we got a positive case and i think now that's a direct message to the prime minister, the most direct of all these results coming in, many are in, more to come, but this was a direct message to the prime minister, which is make way, let's have a general election, allow our country now to go forward. before we let ou country now to go forward. before we let you move — country now to go forward. before we let you move on _ country now to go forward. before we let you move on to _ country now to go forward. before we let you move on to some _ country now to go forward. before we let you move on to some other - let you move on to some other people, how concerned are you about the impact your gaza position is having on your voting in some areas of the country?— of the country? obviously i'm concerned — of the country? obviously i'm concerned wherever - of the country? obviously i'm concerned wherever we - of the country? obviously i'm concerned wherever we lose l of the country? obviously i'm - concerned wherever we lose votes and we intend to win any votes we have lost back. but there is no denying across the country weather at hartlepool in the north, rushmore in the south, redditch, a bellwether seat, we are winning votes across

the country and that i think reflects a changed labour party with a positive case to take to the country, so i'm very pleased with the results, blackpool is an incredible result. but we are picking up seats where we need them in other parts of the country as well. in other parts of the country as well. ~ , ., ., ., in other parts of the country as well. ~ i. ., ., ,., well. we will let you move on so thank you _ well. we will let you move on so thank you very — well. we will let you move on so thank you very much _ well. we will let you move on so thank you very much for - well. we will let you move on so j thank you very much for chatting well. we will let you move on so i thank you very much for chatting to us. you heard they're pretty positive response and a chipper crowd behind us in blackpool so not quite a yes to wear that he will win a general election were very keen to see one called. studio: thank you very much for that. let's go to chris mason. the first time we've heard from keir starmer this morning. specifically talking about what happened in blackpool but there is a lot of other votes to be looking at as well so give us a picture from your perspective. good mornin: , picture from your perspective. good morning, charlie. _ picture from your perspective. good morning, charlie. if— picture from your perspective. good morning, charlie. if you've - picture from your perspective. (13mg. morning, charlie. if you'vejust flicked on to breakfast in the last few minutes you had a reasonable digestive where we find ourselves this morning, so labour clearly as you can see they're cock—a—hoop

about their performance in blackpool. they'd been emphasising that by—election for several days now. in the context of the wider set of elections we are unpicking today, and we will be for the next couple of days. the other big thing to emphasise this morning is that it has been another bleak night for the conservatives, notjust in blackpool, but in plenty of the council elections as well. and indeed, some of the police and crime commissioner elections. a year ago, the conservatives had a bleak night in the local elections, but since then, they've had several by—elections have been dire. and they are looking again at a set of results that are dire too. so the question they now face is whether or not they can do anything to rest of their decline in popularity before their decline in popularity before the general election because the evidence at the moment suggests whatever they try simply doesn't seem to be making much difference. if it's making much difference, it“s if it's making much difference, it's only preventing them falling further

rather than narrowing any gaps with labour. those opinion polls which put labour so far ahead seem to be being borne out in actual results, actual votes and actual ballot boxes, whether it be by by—elections or indeed in the council elections we have seen so far.— or indeed in the council elections we have seen so far. chris, i know our we have seen so far. chris, i know your connections— we have seen so far. chris, i know your connections are _ we have seen so far. chris, i know your connections are working - we have seen so far. chris, i know your connections are working very | your connections are working very hard, people are talking to you, maybe some of them don't want their names know, i'm talking about conservatives. 0n the record, we had richard holden, cabinet office minister, i don't think i'm being unfair in my analysis of what he said, we know what people want, we are going to carry on doing what we are going to carry on doing what we are doing, and ask a very direct question about the future rishi sunak, he said yes, absolutely, his position is secure. are you hearing other things? position is secure. are you hearing other things?— other things? there are some conservative _ other things? there are some conservative mps _ other things? there are some conservative mps who - other things? there are some conservative mps who think l other things? there are some i conservative mps who think that other things? there are some - conservative mps who think that his conservative mps who think that his position should not be secure and would rather he would be removed. now, they are a minority both

publicly and privately, and in fact, one, dame andrea jenkins would like to see rishi sunak out has acknowledged to the needy see this morning she doesn't think these results, as bleak as they might be for the conservatives, will necessarily be enough to shift opinion amongst a sufficient number of conservative mps that we should stick with rishi sunak and its bleak and therefore we should try to remove him. why? because, to do so would be such a nuclear option after all of the turbulence of the last few years with prime ministers chopping and changing. right now, please, most seem to be of the view, however bleak things may be, changing prime minister again would simply be too much. changing prime minister again would simply be too much.— simply be too much. chris, for the moment, thank— simply be too much. chris, for the moment, thank you _ simply be too much. chris, for the moment, thank you very - simply be too much. chris, for the moment, thank you very much. i i simply be too much. chris, for the i moment, thank you very much. i know you've had a very long night so we appreciate your time with us this morning. the thing with chris, he won't mind a long night when it's like this. he thrives on it. we got alex mothers in their sofa, nick eardley alex mothers in their sofa, nick ea rdley gives alex mothers in their sofa, nick eardley gives his analysis, helen

out and about as eating, they all do love it. perhaps do too. more on the elections in the next half hour — and with results still to come in throughout the rest of today and tomorrow, we'll be speaking to all the parties here on breakfast over this 24 hour period. plenty of analysis about the councils, the mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections. you'll find them on bbc news online, the 3pp, find them on bbc news online, the app, bbc radio and special podcasts as well. we are being promised summer is as well. we are being promised summer isjust around as well. we are being promised summer is just around the corner. believe it when we see it. but people still planning holidays now. with summerjust around the corner, fewer people are planning a holiday in the uk as high costs and bad weather are putting people off, according to the tourist board visit britain. ben's at a caravan site in north yorkshire this morning. no doubt they will be hoping lots of

people do stay in the uk and the weather improves and all is rosy? yes, indeed. not least because they got almost 400 pitches here and they can accommodate more than 1000 people at any one time and i'm doing my bitjust keeping an eye on things, doing the rounds and chipping in making sure it's all shipshape and going well. but the thing is lot of are not having a uk break this year. for various reasons. visit britain research suggests 340,000 short—term holiday lets were available in march, 18% more than in march last year. and the research highlights a couple of big reasons for that. people saying that the bad weather we've been having recently and cost of living pressures mean that they are deterred from having a uk break.

around one third said they would not be going to have a holiday in the uk this year. they would choose a foreign holiday over a uk stay. that said, you might be wondering a cost of living pressures are a big thing and wouldn't it work the other way around? simon calder has been explaining that sometimes you can find really cheap deal to fly somewhere to stay in this country as he told us on as little trip to vienna. he told us on as little trip to vienna. “ , he told us on as little trip to vienna. �*, ., ,., , .,. vienna. there's also the place i could have _ vienna. there's also the place i could have gone _ vienna. there's also the place i could have gone this _ vienna. there's also the place i could have gone this weekend i vienna. there's also the place i i could have gone this weekend but frankly if an airline says will fly you from manchester to vienna for 50 quid, that's a pretty good start. there aren't that many places in the uk you can get two for 15 quid. you get here, it's exotic. enthralling, it“s surprising, it's just beautiful. and therefore, well, i'm afraid we are pretty addicted to travelling abroad, especially at silly prices.

some people are addicted to holidaying here in the uk so let's meet some of the regulars here. how long have you been coming to this site? long have you been coming to this site? ,, . " ~“ long have you been coming to this site? ,, . " ~~ ., site? since 1976. and some are alike. site? since 1976. and some are alike- what _ site? since 1976. and some are alike. what is _ site? since 1976. and some are alike. what is it _ site? since 1976. and some are alike. what is it you _ site? since 1976. and some are alike. what is it you keep i site? since 1976. and some are i alike. what is it you keep coming back? when _ alike. what is it you keep coming back? when you _ alike. what is it you keep coming back? when you get _ alike. what is it you keep coming back? when you get here, i alike. what is it you keep coming back? when you get here, you i alike. what is it you keep coming i back? when you get here, you switch off and ou back? when you get here, you switch off and you totally _ back? when you get here, you switch off and you totally chill _ back? when you get here, you switch off and you totally chill and _ off and you totally chill and there's— off and you totally chill and there's lots of walks and golfing, fishing _ there's lots of walks and golfing, fishing on— there's lots of walks and golfing, fishing on site. it's lovely. it's so relaxing. fishing on site. it's lovely. it's so relaxing-— fishing on site. it's lovely. it's so relaxing. fishing on site. it's lovely. it's so relaxin.. “ , ,, ., so relaxing. and the local pubs are fantastic and _ so relaxing. and the local pubs are fantastic and the _ so relaxing. and the local pubs are fantastic and the community i so relaxing. and the local pubs are fantastic and the community is i fantastic and the community is brilliant — fantastic and the community is brilliant. , ., ., fantastic and the community is brilliant. , .,. ,, brilliant. they do a good sunday roast. we brilliant. they do a good sunday roast- we got — brilliant. they do a good sunday roast. we got the _ brilliant. they do a good sunday roast. we got the important i brilliant. they do a good sunday i roast. we got the important things sorted so thank _ roast. we got the important things sorted so thank you _ roast. we got the important things sorted so thank you for— roast. we got the important things sorted so thank you for talking i roast. we got the important things sorted so thank you for talking to l sorted so thank you for talking to us. let's chat to jill sorted so thank you for talking to us. let's chat tojill hague, from the tourism board, cumbria tourism. good to see you. how has the rainy weather affected tourism numbers in nearby cumbria? flat weather affected tourism numbers in nearby cumbria?— weather affected tourism numbers in nearby cumbria? not really, we had a relatively slow — nearby cumbria? not really, we had a relatively slow start _ nearby cumbria? not really, we had a relatively slow start in _ nearby cumbria? not really, we had a relatively slow start in january - nearby cumbria? not really, we had a relatively slow start in january and i relatively slow start in january and february led by the end of march our numbers picked on to be on par with

last year and we are currently going ahead and looking ahead our bookings are pretty good. i think what happens is people really want their holidays, they know us, we are an established destination, a beautiful time of the year to come and visit, so we are finding numbers are fairly buoyant. so we are finding numbers are fairly buo ant. ., ,., ., so we are finding numbers are fairly buo ant. ., ., , ., ., buoyant. how important is that to businesses _ buoyant. how important is that to businesses beyond _ buoyant. how important is that to businesses beyond the _ buoyant. how important is that to businesses beyond the ones i buoyant. how important is that to | businesses beyond the ones which buoyant. how important is that to i businesses beyond the ones which are specifically, things like holiday camps, caravan sites, businesses throughout regions that people would stay in the uk to go on holiday too? i think what we got to look at is multiplying effect of places like this and what they do in terms of supporting local businesses, retail, attractions and additional spend and i think, in fairness, that's when you have a fantastic holiday here in this part of the world. and you can cut your cloth for what your pocket is really so it's brilliant that businesses like this support so many other industries and jobs. haifa businesses like this support so many other industries and jobs.— other industries and 'obs. how hard is it, other industries and 'obs. how hard as it, though. h other industries and 'obs. how hard is it, though, for i other industries and jobs. how hard is it, though, for them _ other industries and jobs. how hard is it, though, for them to _ other industries and jobs. how hard is it, though, for them to compete l is it, though, for them to compete when airlines are offering one—way

flights for £15 to european cities? it is hard but the figures bear it out, people are choosing to come to this part of the world because it is so beautiful and outstanding. we've got two world heritage sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty and that's what people are coming for, so they might choose to go on a cheap flight somewhere but i also want to come here as well. cheap flight somewhere but i also want to come here as well.- cheap flight somewhere but i also want to come here as well. thank you ve much want to come here as well. thank you very much for— want to come here as well. thank you very much for speaking _ want to come here as well. thank you very much for speaking to _ want to come here as well. thank you very much for speaking to us - want to come here as well. thank you very much for speaking to us and i very much for speaking to us and giving us that insight and i have to say after we won earlier on someone in touch to ask is the site dog friendly? well, we can ask leo and denzel. is it dog friendly? yes, it is. there is your answer. studio: so are you, ben, is well thought out they are gorgeous. which one is which? this is denzil. leo has lost interest. lovely companions. that's one very happy

dog. hejust loves a bit companions. that's one very happy dog. he just loves a bit of attention. who wouldn't? we will be back with the headline shortly. live from london. this is bbc news. big conservative losses in local elections across england, the party potentially facing its worst night at the polls in four decades. labour when the blackpool south by—election by 26% swing of the vote, keir

starmer hails his party's performance.— starmer hails his party's performance. starmer hails his party's erformance. ~ . ., performance. we want the general election and _ performance. we want the general election and we _ performance. we want the general election and we are _ performance. we want the general election and we are confident i performance. we want the general| election and we are confident going into it. what this by—election shows is the country wants change. the into it. what this by-election shows is the country wants change. the lib dems have — is the country wants change. the lib dems have attained _ is the country wants change. the lib dems have attained all _ is the country wants change. the lib dems have attained all councils i is the country wants change. the libj dems have attained all councils they held, strong night for the green party. more than half the results have yet to be declared. all of the latest. hello. welcome to the programme. all the results and of course crucially what it all means. not all of the results are in yet and we may have to wait until saturday for the full picture. so far, it looks like the conservatives are having a rough

time. they have lost around half