Labour suffer setbacks but survive crucial contests

These elections have been predicted to be a crucial indicator in how the general election will play out next month. Around Wales so far, it's been an anxious night for Labour - but not as bad as some had feared. The party managed to hold onto Newport in what will be seen as an achievement.

But in Wrexham, they failed to win back the seats they'd lost through defections to the Independents, who remain the biggest group. Conservative Andrew Atkinson, who will be fighting the seat at the general election, took a Labour ward with 73% of the vote.

The Independents also took control of Blaenau Gwent and they're currently neck and neck with Labour in Merthyr Tydfil, where the contest for three crucial seats in one ward has been delayed until next month, following the death of a candidate.

Labour have lost overall control of Bridgend but maintained the party's grip on Neath Port Talbot. The Conservatives have regained overall control of Monmouthshire and are waiting for further results in their main target of the Vale of Glamorgan. the votes are also still being counted in many parts of Cardiff and Swansea.

Labour hold half the seats in Flintshire and Plaid Cymru remain the biggest party in Ceredigion but counting won't start until later this morning in several councils where the election campaign has mainly been a battle between Labour and Plaid Cymru.