Thursday, May 4, 2017

Conservatives make early gains in local elections • EU 'trying to bully British people' • Could speed bump numbers be cut?

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By Justin Parkinson

Conservatives make early local election gains

Local election results are coming in, with the Conservatives so far putting in their best performance since at least 2008. The party, at 06:30, has gained five councils, with a net increase of 138 councillors. Labour has a net loss of 121 councillors. The Liberal Democrats are down 24 seats and UKIP 41 - losing all the seats it was defending that have so far been declared.

And there's more cheer for the Conservatives, with their candidate Tim Bowles winning the contest to be West of England "metro mayor".

It's early on, however, with Scottish councils not beginning their counts until later on Friday. Find out the latest election news on our live page.

Where the parties stand so far

Tories will rejoice on the basis of the results we have so far. They suggest the national opinion polls, giving their party substantial leads, are an accurate reflection of the sentiment of voters.

Read full analysis >

Chris Mason

Political correspondent

Other top stories

Brexit Secretary David Davis has accused the European Commission of "trying to bully the British people", adding that a "line was crossed" when stories of a 100bn euro (£85bn) bill for leaving the EU got into the media. European Council President Donald Tusk has called for "mutual respect" after several days of criticisms by the UK government and senior EU figures.

Speed bumps could be removed in some cities to reduce emissions caused by cars slowing down and accelerating. It's also likely there'll be a scrappage scheme for older diesel vehicles, as the government publishes its plans to cut air pollution later.

China, so dominant in so many types of manufacture, is looking to compete with the likes of Boeing and Airbus by building its own commercial airliners. But will the C919 sell? The BBC's Robin Brant finds out.

What the papers say

"He's had his Phil," proclaims the Sun, as many of the front pages are dominated by the news that the Duke of Edinburgh is to retire from public duties this autumn. "The nation salutes you, sir," the Daily Mail says of the 95-year-old, while the Times reports that he wanted to step down rather than "grow frail in public". Meanwhile, the Guardian focuses on European Council President Donald Tusk calling for both sides in the Brexit talks to show "mutual respect".

Daily digest

Rio Olympics plot - Eight men jailed for planning attacks

Trump wins health vote - Obamacare dead, says US president

Stranded climber - Bad weather delays helicopter mountain rescue

Seven days quiz - Who went to the Met Gala, after vowing never to return?

If you watch one thing today

Six Srebrenica massacre survivors who returned

If you listen to one thing today

How would you sound on another planet?

If you read one thing today

How a boy's death helped many others

Friday lookahead

Today It's the last day that the old paper £5 notes can be used in shops.

11:00 The Ireland cricket team play their first one-day international against England in England, the match taking place at Bristol.

20:00 Tottenham, four points behind leaders Chelsea, take on West Ham in the Premier League.

On this day

1980 The siege of the Iranian embassy in London ends after a raid by SAS commandos.

2005 Labour wins a third general election in a row, with Tony Blair's party getting a Commons majority of 66.

Best of the rest

Duke of Edinburgh: Finest consort since Prince Albert
(Daily Mail)

The world's healthiest breakfasts - sausages and bacon included
(Independent)

Russian Revolution: design in a world turned upside down
(Creative Review)

The poodle who hosts a cookery show from beyond the grave
(New Yorker)

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