Millions Vote in UK Local Elections Across England, Scotland and Wales

Millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales will vote Thursday in the largest set of polls since the 2024 general election.

Voters in Scotland and Wales will choose leaders for their national parliaments. In England, dozens of council seats and six mayoral positions are up for grabs.

Polls open at 7 a.m. BST and close at 10 p.m. BST on May 7. Results are due Friday and over the weekend.

These elections represent the biggest test of public opinion since Labour won the 2024 general election. They are the second set during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's tenure.

In Scotland, the vote will decide governance in areas like health and education, where the Scottish National Party holds power. All 129 members of the Scottish Parliament face re-election.

In Wales, Labour has governed since devolution in 1999. Voters will fill 92 seats in an expanded Senedd. The party with the most seats would lead the Welsh government and set policy on devolved matters.

England's contests cover about 5,000 councillors across 136 local authorities. Labour controls or leads most council areas involved. Outcomes will shape public services including schools, social care, rubbish collection and transport.

All adults 18 and older can vote if they are British or Irish citizens, or qualifying foreign nationals. In-person voters in England's local elections need valid photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. Scotland and Wales have no such requirement.