Local elections 2023 LIVE: Results and reaction from Greater Manchester and the rest of England

Voters in Greater Manchester and across the rest of England have had their say in the local elections. Votes will be counted once the polls close at 10pm on Thursday, with the first results expected shortly after midnight on Friday.

Elections have been held in every borough of Greater Manchester to decide who will run vital public services. In six boroughs - Bolton, Stockport, Oldham, Wigan, Trafford and Tameside - every single seat has been contested.

A close eye will be kept on Bolton and Stockport, which are the most likely to see major changes in the council make up.

READ MORE: What time local council election 2023 results are expected where you live in England

Ballot papers will be verified and counted overnight in Bolton, Salford and Tameside, with results expected to be declared in the early hours, subject to any recounts. The remaining seven town halls will start the counts in the morning and should declare results on Friday afternoon or evening.

Across England, more than 8,000 councillors will be elected across 230 local authority areas. Four mayoral elections are also taking place in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.

This year, for the first time, voters had to show photo ID at polling stations in order to cast their vote. The requirement has been described by Labour as “expensive” and “unnecessary” and sparked concern among electoral reform campaigners that it could lead to people being unable to vote.

We'll have live updates from every count in Greater Manchester, as well as results from across England as they are declared. Scroll down to follow along...

All-out elections will be held at six councils this year, with Bolton one of them.

Every seat is up for grabs and the council is