Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer take their wives on the local election trail - while other politicians turn up to vote with babies and pets - as Tory rebels wait to pounce if fears of council and mayoral

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer took their wives on the local election trail today as they brace for the verdict of voters. Rishi Sunak was out canvassing in Chelsea with wife Akshata this morning Keir Starmer, pictured with wife Victoria today, said Labour is 'hopeful' it will win the West Midlands contest in an interview with Sky News Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen voted with wife Rachel and their baby this morning A polling station in Yarm prepares to open for voting in local elections today Your browser does not support iframes. Polls have give Mr Khan a significant lead over against Tory challenger Susan Hall despite backlash on crime and policing issues - although some believe the final result might be closer. London mayor Sadiq Khan voted with wife Saadiya and their dog this morning Tory candidate in London Susan Hall also voted in Hatch End early this morning The classic photos of dogs at polling stations started appearing this morning Mr Sunak is hoping that two mayors - Ben Houchen in Tees Valley and Andy Street in the West Mids - can hold on to give him positive news to trumpet Your browser does not support iframes. A total of 11 mayoral contests are also taking place, including for the London mayoralty where Sadiq Khan is seeking a third term Polls have give Mr Khan a significant lead over against Tory challenger Susan Hall despite backlash on crime and policing issues 'But it needs a government to match that ambition, and with a plan to unlock it.