THE question of who will rule Derbyshire County Council for the next four years is likely to be answered this afternoon.
Polls closed at 10pm last night and counting of the votes was due to begin at 10am today across Derbyshire.
Parties must win at least 33 out of 64 seats to take over at County Hall, Matlock.
The Tories have ruled the authority since 2009 but face a tough challenge to remain in charge.
The party went into yesterday's election with 31 seats, having lost two of the 33 seats it won in 2009 over the past 12 months.
Labour must build on the 23 seats it has had over the past four years to win overall control of the council.
UKIP went into the election with one seat but said it was "very confident" of winning at least another 32 to take control of the council for the first time.
The Lib Dems have held seven seats and said they would be happy if it became a hung council, with no single party in overall control.
Among those who voted yesterday was Jamie Thomas, of Woodville.
The 21-year-old said that he thought it was important to vote.
He said: "I think it does make a difference who is elected.
"We're lucky in this country to have democracy, so we should use our vote."
The Derby Telegraph will be publishing results online as they are announced.
