Tonight the ballot boxes will be opened and votes cast in today’s local council elections in Colchester will be counted.

We will bring you the results ward by ward throughout the night via our live feed.

Residents in each of the borough’s 17 wards were asked to vote for one candidate.

East Anglian Daily Times: The ballot papers from the 2019 local elections in Colchester will be counted from 10pm Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGThe ballot papers from the 2019 local elections in Colchester will be counted from 10pm Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING (Image: Copyright Ashley Pickering)

Prior to today’s election, the authority was run by a so-called rainbow coalition, a joint administration of the Liberal Democrats (12), Labour (11) and the independent Highwoods group (3), with the Conservatives (25) in opposition.

How will that change? Share your views using #EssexVotes

East Anglian Daily Times: Ballot counters in Colchester getting ready for the arrival of agents, councillors, candidates and ballot boxes in Colchester for the 2019 local elections Picture: JAKE FOXFORDBallot counters in Colchester getting ready for the arrival of agents, councillors, candidates and ballot boxes in Colchester for the 2019 local elections Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: JAKE FOXFORD)