Local elections 2) The contest with Labour. A mixed bag for the Opposition to the very end. They gain Gravesham.

They’ll bank what good news they can get, but net losses of councillors and authorities is not what they had hoped for.

Local elections: The Conservative/Labour battlegrounds

York, Derby High Peak, Gravesham, Amber Valley, and Basildon are among the councils where the Tories face losing power.

James Heywood: Labour won Trafford by weaponising Nimbyism

Conservatives failed to win people over to building hundreds of new homes on a former golf course.

Ten local election results to watch for the Tories

How bad is the prognosis for urban Conservatism? Will there be a fightback outside of London? Will the Liberal Democrats show signs of life? Some potential clues.

Brandon Lewis: In the final week before polling day, let’s shout about our record

These local elections will make a big difference to people’s lives. Join me on the campaign trail.

In the elections for the “metropolitan boroughs” the Conservatives have little to lose – which is why the focus will be on Trafford

The second part of our series this week on May’s elections, moving on to the metropolitan areas that are electing in thirds.

Low expectations could make the local election results seem like a Conservative triumph

UKIP’s decline will probably allow the three main parties to each claim an increased vote share. Afterwards, the Tories will still be the largest party in local government.

Sean Anstee: If you live in Trafford you will pay less than anywhere else in the north west

As Labour councils around us abolish libraries, we’re building new ones. We are working flat out to win the local elections. Our message is: “Keep moving forward.”

Greg Taylor: King in the North – how Andy Burnham Could Put the Kybosh on the Tory Northern Revival.

His meat and potatoes family-values message plays well.

Sean Anstee: We need a bold new Manchester

There are great assets – but some communities are being left behind.

Andrew Kennedy: The urban and northern challenge for our new Party Chairman, Patrick McLoughlin

If we are to be a truly national Party, we must have in place a structure which enables us to hear, absorb and reflect the views of the entire United Kingdom.

Alex Williams: To the next Prime Minister – focus on devolving more power as well as returning it from Brussels

Greater Manchester is now creating jobs at a faster rate than London.

Alex Williams: Trafford remains in safe Conservative hands

We now have a renewed mandate to be at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

Sean Anstee: The battle for Trafford

We have a proud record of achievement and a clear view of our future.

Paul Abbott: The bursary scheme will boost Conservative prospects in target seats

Many young candidates face serious financial hardship trying to campaign fulltime in marginal constituencies.