Overnight verdicts set to stay

Harrogate and Selby councils have re-thought their plans, which may have meant that local results would not have been ready until late on the Friday.

Fewer than 30 local authorities are now believed to be considering delaying their counts until Friday May 7, after initial fears that more than 100 would face delays because of staffing issues and verifying postal votes.

More councils may also have to re-think their plans as new legislation requires them to provide an explanation if they decide not to start counting within four hours of polls closing.

Harrogate District Council said it had decided to start counting on the Thursday evening to "remove uncertainty". It said the decision was "finely balanced" but "reflects the spirit and intent of the proposed legal changes".

Selby District Council, which oversees the key marginal seat of Selby and Ainsty, said it would also count on the Thursday night "if possible", so in Yorkshire only Craven District Council, which covers the Skipton and Ripon constituency, is still planning to wait until the Friday.