British Prime Minister Tony Blair is facing one of his toughest tests to date as English voters go to the polls today in local elections that could trigger serious questions about the duration of his time in office.
The image of Mr Blair's government has been tarnished in the last week by relentless criticism over the bungled release of foreign prisoners, hospital cuts and a confession by Mr Blair's deputy that he had an affair with his secretary.
Some political analysts see the prime minister's problems as a sign the government is in terminal decline after nine years in office.
After winning three national elections in a row, Mr Blair has said he would not seek a fourth term.
Some analysts believe a disastrous showing for Labour in the local elections could put pressure on Mr Blair to bring forward the day when he hands over the reins to Chancellor Gordon Brown, his likely successor.
But other analysts believe Mr Blair would shrug off a poor result and that a cabinet shake-up would be the most likely fallout.
About 4,360 seats on 176 councils are being contested in the elections, which are being held only in England. Many analysts say a loss of more than 200 seats would be a bad result for Labour.
A key battleground will be London where several Labour-controlled councils risk falling to the Conservatives.
The elections will also be a test of strength for the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, both of whom have new leaders keen to show they can deliver results.
Several national opinion polls have put the Conservatives two or three percentage points ahead of Labour.
Polling stations opened at 7am and close at 10pm