Many voters have turned to Reform UK with devastating consequences for the main two parties, Labour and the Conservatives.
The nationalists secured 58 seats in their fifth consecutive election win, but that is short of an overall majority.
Lib Dem leader hails gains in England and Scotland as his party profits from slump in support for Labour and the Tories.
A Reform UK spokesman says the party will “welcome scrutiny”, following its sweeping election gains.
John Swinney’s party finished comfortably ahead of its rivals, but short of an overall majority.
Keir Starmer’s Labour has suffered a humiliating blow as the hard right makes sweeping gains.
Labour and the Conservatives suffer losses at the expense of Reform across England.
Nigel Farage’s populist party Reform UK has made early gains in local elections with wins in Labour heartlands.
Reform are the winners so far, with more results still to be declared.
Reform UK has made gains at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives in early council election results overnight.