RECAP: How the South Tyneside Council local elections unfolded, as Labour kept comfortable control but lost four seats to the Greens, Tories and an Independent
The Gazette team worked through the night to keep readers up-to-date with the results. This is how the night unfolded:
South Tyneside Council elections 2021
The final hour
There is now just less than an hour left before the polling stations close - make a dash for it if you’re still planning to vote!
Counting underway
Chris Binding: “Set up at the South Tyneside Council election count at Temple Park Leisure Centre. This year, the count looks a little different with Covid-19 restrictions including face masks, social distancing and one-way systems.”
The ballot boxes are arriving. South Tyneside Council officials will announce the winners of each count as they are confirmed.
Counting is taking place in two stages at Temple Park, to help with operations under covid-secure working.
When will results be in?
The count will be taking place in two parts overnight with all results expected to be declared by around 5am.