Last-minute election twist in fight for power

The local elections have provided a last-minute twist in Gloucestershire, as Reform UK earned its first ever seat on a council in a historic breakthrough.

The overall political balance of Cheltenham Borough Council remains largely unchanged, as the Liberal Democrats maintain a firm hold with 17 out of 20 seats.

But as the final ballots were counted - and recounted to make sure - Reform took control of Hester's Way ward, with a handful of votes separating the candidates.

The Greens also managed to hold onto two seats. The authority has recorded an overall voter turnout of 47% in the local election.

There was also a county council by-election for Gloucestershire which resulted in a Liberal Democrat hold, as councillor Dr David Willingham was replaced by Victoria Atherstone.

The Liberal Democrats only needed three seats out of 18 to maintain control, which they secured early on in the count.

Key priorities for the party include delivering affordable low-carbon housing, boosting local economic investment, protecting green spaces, improving road safety, and providing high-quality public services.

This election is expected to be the last for Cheltenham Borough Council, with elected councillors serving only two years instead of the usual four.

Last year the government announced it wanted to abolish all of the district and county councils in England and replace them with larger unitary or "super councils".

These new authorities will run all local government services such as waste collection, planning departments and road maintenance among others.

The current seven district and county councils will be replaced by new unitary authorities by 2028, which will deliver all local services in one place.

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