Counting is under way in the Hartlepool local elections.

Polling stations closed at 10pm with all votes when whisked to the town’s Brierton Sports Centre for the count to begin.

Twelve of Hartlepool Borough Council’s 36 seats, one in each of the authority’s 12 wards, are being contested.

Labour currently have 20 seats and cannot surrender overall control to any one rival after tonight’s poll as none of their opponents can reach the crucial figure of 19 seats.

Local election voting papers being counted at Hartlepool's Brierton Sports Centre on May 7. Picture by Frank Reid.

placeholder image — Local election voting papers being counted at Hartlepool's Brierton Sports Centre on May 7. Picture by Frank Reid.

Reform UK have four seats following the party’s decision last week to expel former Labour and independent councillor Aaron Roy – who only joined Reform at the end of March – following a dispute over comments he made about the English flag.

With uncertainty over Cllr Roy’s current affiliation – he can also appeal against his expulsion – the remaining 11 seats are occupied by eight independents, two Conservatives and one Independent Union councillor.

Labour, however, could be removed from power if they lose seats tonight and are overtaken by a coalition of opposition councillors.

Yet such an alliance would be unlikely to be confirmed on Friday morning and would be more likely to be rubberstamped after days of talks.

The first ballot boxes are brought into Hartlepool's Brierton Sports Centre on Thursday evening.

Among the current councillors waiting to learn their fate is the Labour leader of the council, Cllr Pam Hargreaves, whose Manor House seat is also being contested by Reform UK and Green Party opponents.

The 12 results are expected to be announced together around 2am on Friday.

Follow our coverage throughout the night at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk .