London (United Kingdom), 7 May (LaPresse/AP) – Polls have opened across the United Kingdom for local and regional elections, which could have a significant impact on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Polling stations opened at 7am local time (8am in Italy) and will close at 10pm local time (11pm in Italy). Starmer’s Labour Party is bracing for losses. In England, voters are electing around 5,000 local councillors and a number of mayors; votes are also being cast for the semi-autonomous Parliaments of Scotland and Wales. Results will begin to come in late this evening and continue through the night, with most expected to be available by Friday afternoon. Although this type of election usually focuses on local issues – such as rubbish collection, graffiti and potholes – the opposition has framed this event as a referendum on Starmer. His popularity has waned due to missteps, particularly in the Mandelson case, and economic difficulties. Analysts suggest that Labour could lose many seats, whilst Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and the Green Party are expected to gain ground. A poor result could lead to leadership challenges for Starmer. A crushing defeat could prompt some Labour MPs to seek to oust a leader who brought them to power less than two years ago. Even if Starmer were to survive for now, many analysts doubt he will lead the party into the next general election, which is due to be held by 2029.