When the results of the Sunderland City Council election on May 6 are expected to be announced

Election results in Sunderland are expected to be confirmed a lot later than usual this year, but the city is still expected to be quicker than most others in England.

Wearside is one of less than 20 councils across the country going to the polls today, Thursday, May 6, which is also expected to count ballots and declare a result overnight.

Social distancing rules and other coronavirus regulations mean the usual well-oiled and well-manned operation has had to be scrapped in favour of a more pared back approach.

Wards are expected to be counted and results announced in batches, with strict limits who is allowed in the counting hall.

Counting of local election ballots is expected to be completed between 3am–4am on Friday, May 7, with staff due to return later to start going through votes for the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner election.

Some local authorities are holding so many contests today that counting is expected to take all weekend, such as County Durham, where counting is even scheduled to take place over two separate sites to accommodate everyone involved.

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