Local elections underway in England, Wales and Scotland

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON

Voters in England, Wales and Scotland head to polling stations Thursday to elect their local officials.

In total, 4,851 representatives will be chosen in 88 councils -- 34 in England, 32 in Scotland and 22 Wales -- in what is considered as a significant contest for political parties a month before a snap general election scheduled for June 8.

Votes will be counted straight after the polls are closed in England and Wales but Scottish votes will be counted Friday morning.

Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election to strengthen her mandate before the start of Brexit negotiations.

British voters last year decided to leave the European Union after a 44-year long membership.