Thursday May 1 saw the second quadrennial National Election Day. This doesn't involve elections to the UK parliament, but does have elections to local councils in almost all of England, plus devolved assemblies in Scotland and Wales, and district councils in Wales. The practical upshot: this is probably the best means of testing bedrock support for all parties, and is the best metric for the smaller parties that don't make it to Westminster.

So, who won, who lost, and what is the standing amongst the political parties? Let me unveil the provisional 2003 Weaver's Hierarchy of Internal Parties.

This edition of the WHIP includes the Ulster parties in approximate positions, for two very good reasons: 1) the UK government has postponed devolved elections there until further notice; and 2) I don't fully understand the situation, especially apropos of the minor parties. Such ranking as I can give is based on their performance at the 98 Assembly elections, the 99 Euro elections, and the 01 Westminster elections.

The ranking is a subjective judgement, based on representation at more of the following: parish, district, county and city councils; at devolved assemblies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London; at the European Parliament; at the UK parliament in Westminster. Where representation is roughly equal, parties that appear to be on a rising curve are ranked ahead of those on a falling curve. To qualify for the WHIP, parties must have a member at devolved level or above, or have a dozen or so members at local level. Independents in the assemblies and parliaments may be combined for convenience.

It's six years to the day since Mister Tony Blair took up residence in Downing Street, and he's never seriously been challenged. Thursday saw Labour lose some traditional strongholds - Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, and Dudley have all been Labour as far as the eye can remember, and Bristol is another big loss. The party's dominance in Westminster is unchallenged.

Consolidated their position as the leading party of local councils, with around 4000 representatives at this level. Gains in constituency seats in Scotland will add spring to the step of the party north of the border. Still unable to turn this into success at national level, though working up from the grass roots is a necessary - but not sufficient - condition to topple the sitting government.

Came within an ace of beating Labour amongst seats contested yesterday, and finished third at Holyrood, ahead of the Conservatives. 10% of Westminster seats and 30% of the vote means they're clearly the third party.

Lost 10 seats in the Scottish parliament elections, and didn't do too well in the districts. Retains this position because the SNP has seats at Westminster, and far more councillors than the next parties.

The traditional home for Protestant votes, the largest party at Stormont. Suffered some reversals in the 2001 Westminster elections.

The political wing of the IRA became the biggest Catholic party at the 2001 Westminster elections. Expected to do well at the Stormont elections, whenever they happen, and could threaten a breakthrough at next year's European poll.

The Welsh nationalist party has strong regional strength in North Wales. Failed to keep the protest votes from 1999 in Labour's traditional heartlands. Still the second party in Wales.

Another Northern Irish party, strongest amongst the Nationalist community. Fell badly in the 2001 Westminster elections, and will be hoping to retain position in the Stormont elections

Soared to six seats in Scotland, and added a dozen local councillors across England. Does decently well at district and parish level, and there's enough strength to allow representation at very large levels, giving places at Holyrood and the European Parliament. Still to make a breakthrough on the national stage.

Hard-line Unionist party, led by the charismatic Ian Paisley. Has been attracting votes from the UUP recently, mostly from those unhappy with the Irish peace process.

The other big gainers at Holyrood, moving from one seat to five. Haven't yet won a constituency seat, but on this showing, it's only a matter of time. It'll be very interesting to see how the SSP and SNP fare in next year's European elections.

The 2001 Westminster election was dull. Perhaps the only interesting result came in Kidderminster, where retired doctor Richard Taylor (pictured) took the seat, on a groundswell of opposition to plans to downgrade the local hospital. Health Concern later took Kidderminster's district council. Another health campaigner won the Scottish Parliament seat in Strathkelvin. Hospitals are a big issue with the fabled "middle England" voter, and IHCs represent the biggest special interest group.

Won two seats in the 99 Euro elections, and picked up the odd seat at district level. Curious that the main representation for the avowedly anti-Europe party is at the level they want to remove. Their progress at next year's Euro elections will be interesting.

The longest established cross-community party, ploughing a lonely furrow to take the religion out of politics in Northern Ireland. It hasn't happened yet.

A catchall to cover everyone who was once elected under the Labour banner, but is now sitting as an Independent. Dennis Canavan (pictured) is still the MSP in Falkirk, John Marek is now the independent AM for Wrexham, and Ken Livingstone has another year of office as London Mayor. By a quirk of fate, Mr Marek now holds the balance of power in the Welsh Assembly; if Labour allows him to return to their fold, the party will have an overall majority. This umbrella also covers Dave Nellist's Socialist Alternative party, with two councillors in Coventry.

Coming up on the outside rails, a group that advocates the interests of the elder generation. The party won a list seat in Central Scotland after just three months in existence. Assuming that they organise nationally, look for possible gains in London and Europe next year.

Still provide pockets on district councils up and down the country, and run quite a few parish councils.

Another cross-community party, advocating issues of concern to women. Slightly surprised that similar parties haven't arisen elsewhere in the UK.

Back in the dark days of the Major government, many worthy councillors resigned the Conservative status and stood as Independents. Most of them have now returned to the Tory fold, and very few councils remain in their hands.

Formerly a Scottish Nationalist, now elected MSP on the lists for Lothian.

The political wing of the UDF. Has some support amongst the Unionists for whom Dr Paisley is a soft sell-out.

When the Liberal and Social Democratic parties merged in 1988, a small minority of members preferred to go their own way. David Owen led most of the SDP away, but that organisation only now survives in his old stomping ground of Plymouth. The Liberal party, lead by former MP Michael Meadowcroft, still has representation in Worcestershire, Devon, and the north east.

A non-party grouping that won Mansfield from Labour, the first time that council has been out of Labour hands in 30 years. There is a story behind this, but initial research has not told us about that tale.

Non-party groups have held Eden since the dawn of time, and squeaked home in North Cornwall.

There's a strong Scottish tradition of entrusting politics to local people, and disregarding party affiliations.

Another umbrella stand, covering various small groupings dotted up and down the country, including one that may secure a presence in London.

The Cornish nationalist party. Strong in Cornwall, oddly enough.

Parties appealing to those who trace their heritage to the Indian sub-continent. Punching slightly above their representation weight, as one such party now holds the balance of power in Birmingham.

The former Communist Party, still attracts some support in parts of London and other urban centres.

Squeaks a place at the bottom of the WHIP with fifteen council seats, mainly in the North West and Black Country. Don't believe the media hype, this is an extremely minority party, barely more than a fringe pressure group.