This near doubling of councillors in England plus kicking the Libs and Plaid out of Cardiff and Swansea are fantastic results for Labour in terms of rebuilding the organisation for the next general election.

Except that it isn't a near doubling of councillors at all because most councillors weren't standing for election. Generally only a third of the seats are up for election in Metropolitan authorities. County Councils have no elections this year. In truth therefore the increase is more like 20%.

The seats being contested are those last fought in 2008 when Labour was at 24% in the polls. It would have been hard for even a Miliband led Labour not to have won any seats.

Overall I'd say it was a reasonable night for Labour, a poor night for the Lib Democrats and a could have done worse for the Conservatives.

There were the usual anomalous results, with Labour losing overall control and their leader in Bradford, with Respect being the main beneficiary. UKIP have picked up the odd seat and probably cost the Conservatives even more. The Green have done nothing really and the BNP have lost seats.

Turnout was very poor. This is hardly a popular uprising.