UK Conservatives face major setback in local elections.

The UK's ruling Conservative Party has suffered a net loss of 218 seats in local elections, while the opposition Labour Party added 118 seats and the Liberal Democrats gained 57. The results are seen as a major test of voter sentiment before the next general election, which is expected to be held next year. The Conservatives lost control of at least eight councils, while Labour won control of Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent and Medway councils. The early results suggest that the Conservatives are in "considerable electoral trouble," according to pollster John Curtice.