Morning all. Its the @OxfordCity election count today. Starting at 10am. Follow here for results from the count as it takes place
#LocalElections2021 #LDReporter

There's 48 seats in 24 wards up for grabs
The council usually only elects half of its seats at any one time
But a boundary change (see pic) means all seats are up for election

Labour currently holds a majority with 34 seats, and has historically controlled the council.
See more about the different wards and current political make up of the council here https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19223416.elections-2021-candidates-oxford-listed/?c=geesd

On the bus to town hall now. More soon!

Thr view from the gallery in Oxford Town Hall. Ballot validation took place last night. Vote counting began at 10 and is taking place in three sessions throughout the day

Here's what those sessions look like

View from the counting floor. Conservative agent just told me it is usually "rammed like a cattle market in here"
Very different election count atmosphere than normal. But still a lot of excited people standing around watching

More views from the main hall

Mike Rowley, Labour candidate for Barton and Sandhills said he doesn't expect to see much change in party numbers in the new council.
"There's a few that are always tight marginals, but mostly there will be no change in Oxford."
No Conservatives either, he predicts.

Andrew Gant, Lib Dem group leader says it is the 'old politician's error' to make predictions.
He adds: "All I would say is we have put up a very good manifesto and team of candidates and I'm very proud of all the effort we have put in."
Pictured here with Altaf-Khan

As laid out in the session sheet, the count is taking place across three rooms this year. All looking very opulent here

First results might be coming soon...

While we wait, Lord Mayor Mark Lygo has just told me he walked 27 miles canvassing on polling day
#MoveWithMayorMark indeed

@maryoxford told me she regularly did three miles a day
@AndrewGant3 showed me the holes in his shoe leather
@Alexa_Kantor said she did a three, four hour round of leafleting in Northway regularly
It's been a faster, shorter campaign due to easing of restrictions on March 8