Polling stations closed at 10 pm on Thursday. Voters in Scotland, Wales, and local councils wait for tallies. The results will reshape the political map for years.
As ballot boxes arrive at counting centres, tension is high. One official in a busy Welsh ward described the atmosphere as heavy. The outcome could signal a major shift in voter sentiment.
Counting continues through Friday morning. Analysts look toward the first major swing seats in the Scottish Parliament. The final certified results are expected by the end of the week.
The first numbers
In Edinburgh, the Conservatives held their ground. They gained 400 votes in the city centre. The party hopes this momentum spreads to other districts.
Welsh Labour reported a strong night. They secured 15 seats in the Senedd. The party leader called it a "victory for the people".
What the maps show
Scotland remains the key battleground. The SNP lost ground in the west. The Liberal Democrats gained three seats in the north.
Local councils in Wales saw mixed results. Some wards flipped to the Conservatives. Others stayed with Labour. The overall picture is still unclear.
The next steps
The full count finishes Saturday. Parties will release their official statements. Campaigners say they will appeal within the week if needed.
The final certified results for all local and devolved seats are expected by Monday. The political landscape will look different after the dust settles.
