Voting is under way to elect a US-style first citizen - or mayor - for an east London authority.

Hackney Council Labour leader Jules Pipe is up against eight others who are bidding to become the elected mayor for Hackney, who will have overall responsibility for running council services.

Another running for the role is campaigning left-wing journalist Paul Foot of the Socialist Alliance.

First citizens are also being chosen for three other English authorities - Bedford, Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

List of Hackney candidates

Andy Boff (C) Jules Pipe (Lab) Ian Sharer (Lib Dem) Crispin Truman (Green) Bruce Spenser (Hackney First) Errol Carr (Ind) Terry Edwards (Ind) Paul Foot (Soc All)

Voting closes at 1800 BST on Thursday in Hackney, which has a postal ballot, with first round results expected at 0000 BST on Friday.

Max Caller, Hackney Council's chief executive and returning officer said: "I hope all Hackney residents will fill in and post their ballot paper.

"It is very important to sign the declaration of identity form, without this votes will not be counted. Voting only takes a minute but your vote could make a difference to the borough."

Electors are asked to mark a first and second choice on the ballot paper.

If no candidate has more than half the votes all but the top two are eliminated and their votes distributed in accordance with second preferences.