Partial results: Starmer's Labour loses local elections, Reform UK wins

Partial results released on Friday from local elections in England showed heavy losses for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's ruling Labour Party and victories for the far-right Reform UK party.

This election is widely seen as an unofficial referendum on Starmer, whose popularity has fallen sharply since his election less than two years ago, as voters have become increasingly dissatisfied with economic growth and the big changes promised after 14 years of Conservative government, AP reports.

Starmer said he takes responsibility for the results, but stressed that he will not resign.

"Voters have sent a message about the pace of change and how they want their lives to improve," he said. "I was elected to face these challenges and I will not leave with the country in chaos."

The Reform UK party, led by veteran nationalist politician Nigel Farage, won hundreds of local council seats in working-class areas of the north, such as Hartlepool, once considered Labour strongholds. The party also scored victories over the Conservatives in areas such as Havering. 

Farage said the results mark "a historic change in British politics".

The political landscape is expected to change on Friday, with results from most local councils, including traditional Labour strongholds like London, being released. Votes will also be counted for the semi-autonomous parliaments in Scotland and Wales.