The Conservatives have gained ground in local elections across Britain at the expense of Labour and UKIP.
They have taken control of seven councils in England and Wales, such as Lincolnshire and Monmouthshire, and are also making headway in Scotland.
Labour, which has lost control of Glasgow as well as Bridgend and Blaenau Gwent, said it was “disappointing” five weeks before the general election.
UKIP has lost more than 80 seats amid claims its influence was “at an end”.
Amid contrasting fortunes for the parties in local polls, the Conservatives have attempted to downplay their significance as a guide to the outcome of the general election on 8 June.
