Local elections 2013 – in pictures

Labour candidate Emma Lewell-Buck was declared winner in the South Shields byelection, which was called following the resignation of former foreign secretary David Miliband Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives in Westminster after a successful night in the local council elections Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Victorious Ukip candidates Alan Preest (Lydney and Elburton), Colin Guyton (Drybrook and Lydbrook) and Richard Leppington (Brean and Blakney) pictured after the local elections count at Oaklands Snooker Club in Cinderford, Gloucestershire Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

Ukip candidate Mark Ellis, who won the Laindon Park and Fryerns ward, at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, Essex Photograph: Nick Ansell/PA

Lib Dem candidate Hugh Annand looks on as the count begins, following the closing of the polls in the South Shields byelection at Temple Park Leisure Centre Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Following the closing of the polls in the South Shields byelection the count begins at Temple Park Leisure Centre Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Votes are counted at Oaklands Snooker Club in Cinderford, Gloucestershire Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

Counting gets under way at the South Shields byelection Photograph: Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Conservative supporter John Risworth counts voters arriving at the Hare and Hounds pub in Corsham, Wiltshire Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

Late night voting in South Shields Photograph: Christopher Thomondfor the Guardian