Voters in North Hertfordshire district will head to the polls today to cast their votes in an all out election - but what did the council look like ahead of the vote?

Since 2019, no single political party has had overall control of North Herts Council. 

At the moment, it is run by a joint administration of Labour and Liberal Democrats, with Labour's Elizabeth Dennis at the helm as council leader.

What is the council make up now?

North Herts Council is currently made up of 49 councillors across 24 wards in the district - covering Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, Royston and surrounding areas. 

Since last year's local election, which saw just a third of seats up for the polls, there have been 19 Labour councillors, 15 Liberal Democrat and 15 Conservative. 

Voters have elected their district councillors one-third at a time in most elections since 1980 – with North Herts Council polls in three out of every four years.

But the authority has ditched this “thirds” system.

Today's vote

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has redrawn the ward boundaries in North Herts.

As part of its order, some voters could find themselves in new wards this year. For example, Codicote and Kimpton wards have now been joined together, while Hitchwood, Off & Hoo ward has now been split. 

The number of district council members will rise – from 49 to 51. 

Results

Polling stations close at 10pm tonight. Votes will be counted at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth from around 10am Friday morning, with results for each ward set to be announced throughout the day.

The Comet will be reporting live from the count, giving you updates on results as they come, as well as reaction from candidates.