The local elections taking place across Merseyside next month

Local and mayoral elections are just around the corner and thousands of people across the Liverpool City Region are preparing to cast their votes.

Ahead of the elections on May 2, we have rounded up all the key information about which votes are taking place for which positions in the different boroughs of our city region. Here is what you need to know.

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No elections in Liverpool, Wirral or St Helens

So this year's local elections will be a little quieter in the Liverpool City Region as three of our key boroughs will not be involved. Last year both Liverpool and Wirral held all-out elections, where every seat was contested, after moving to new cycles which means votes will be held once every four years. So there are no votes in Liverpool or Wirral this time around.

St Helens Council switched to all out votes every four years back in 2022, so the borough won't vote again until 2026.

Sefton Council

Sefton is one borough where voters will be going to the polls on May 2. Sefton Council is represented by 66 councillors across 22 wards. One seat in each of these wards will be contested in this election.

Labour currently dominates the council and that is not going to change after these elections, but it will be interesting to see if the Conservatives can hang onto the two seats they are defending, including the Dukes seat held by group leader Mike Prendergast.

You can see all the Sefton candidates in full here.

Sefton Council will be counting votes overnight on Thursday, May 2 at both the Dunes Leisure Centre in Southport and Aintree Racecourse.

Knowsley Council

Knowsley has a council of 45 Members or Councillors who make decisions on matters affecting the borough.

There are 15 wards going to the polls in this year's local elections with 15 seats being contested by 32 candidates - all hoping to be elected representatives. Labour will retain their strong majority but there could be a few surprises along the way, with the Greens and independents hopeful of picking up seats.

You can see the full list of Knowsley candidates here.

Knowsley Council will be counting votes on Friday May 3 at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park.

Halton Council

Halton Council is another Liverpool City Region council that will be holding elections on May 2. Like Knowsley and Sefton, the council elects its councillors in thirds. There will be 19 of 54 seats up for grabs this time around.

Labour will not be too worried about any impact on their iron grip on the council, where they currently hold 49 out of the 54 seats available.

You can find out more about candidates for Halton Council elections here.

Halton Council will be counting on Friday May 3 at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes.

Liverpool City Region Mayor

It is not just local council elections taking place in our region on May 2. We also have the important vote for the position of Liverpool City Region Mayor being decided.

Labour's Steve Rotheram is hoping to retain the position for a third term and will face competition from Green candidate Tom Crone, Lib Dem Rob McAllister-Bell, Conservative Jade Marsden and independent Ian Smith.

The counting and declarations of results will take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Wavertree Tennis Centre in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner

Last but not least, Thursday, May 2 will also see elections for the role of Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner take place. The incumbent is Labour's Emily Spurrell, who is hoping to win a second term in office.

She will go up against Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Carubia, Green candidate Amanda Onwuemene and Bob Teesdale of the Conservatives.

The counting and declarations of results will also take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Wavertree Tennis Centre in Liverpool.

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