Local Elections - Worrying early result success for UKIP

As voters in 35 councils took to the polls yesterday, early results are now starting to come through.

These mid term elections are often thought of as a good political gauge of national sentiment as the main parties braced themselves for a tough night.

David Cameron admitted that voters were likely to punish governing parties between general elections.

Of the seven county councils to declare so far, the Conservatives retained control of traditional council strongholds Essex, Dorset, Hampshire and Hertfordshire, as well as Somerset, but they lost their majorities on Gloucestershire and Lincolnshire county councils.

Labour is expected to claw back ground in the north of England and make some progress in the south.

The main story, from these early results seems to be the success of UKIP. Marred by stories earlier this week of some candidates espousing anti-semitic views, believing that homosexuality could be cured through exercise and an image of a former candidate making a nazi salute, the party have enjoyed a surge of support. In 2009 the party won just seven council seats. So far, UKIP has won 16 seats in Lincolnshire alone - where it is now the official opposition.

Reacting to the results, Conservative Party co-chairman Grant Shapps said it had "not been a great night for any of the main parties".

Labour Deputy Leader Harriet Harman said UKIP's rise was a "wake-up call" to other parties.

The majority of the counts will take place later today.

Staff Reporter