Voters go to the polls today in the Burnley Council elections.

Fifteen of the council’s 45 seats are up for grabs—one in each ward.

Colne Junior Council year draws to a close

This is a crucial vote as the council is currently under no overall control, with a coalition administration led by the Burnley Independent Group alongside the Liberal Democrats and Greens.

Fifteen seats are up for grabs as voters go to the polls in Burnley Council elections today

A number of political leaders are defending their seats and Reform UK is fielding candidates in all 15 seats in a bid to get a foothold on the council. One of these wards is Rosehill with Burnley Wood, where defected councillor Jeff Sumner is standing for re-election under the Reform party banner.

Afrasiab Anwar, the council leader and leader of the Burnley Independent Group is seeking re-election in the Bank Hall ward.

Conservative councillor Jamie Mc Gowan, who is also the leader of the Conservative group, is defending his seat in Hapton with Park.

The deputy leader of the Labour group, Sue Graham is standing in Lanehead and Liberal Democrat Gordon Birtwistle, the former MP and veteran councillor is defending Coalclough with Deerplay. Green Party leader Jack Launer is standing in Brunshaw.

A key narrative of today’s elections is Labour’s attempt to reclaim seats from the Independent Group, whose members originally left Labour over its stance in the Gaza conflict.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm and you must take a valid form of photo ID to place your vote.