Torrential rain, hail and lightning hits parts of the UK

Torrential rain , hail and lightning has struck the UK , with downpours set to continue for the rest of the week. Widespread rainfall, hailstones and even lightning were seen across the country on Wednesday. Political party leaders braved the wet weather as they pushed for votes across towns in England ahead of Thursday's local elections. Conditions were damp in Birmingham as Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer visited the city to campaign alongside West Midlands metro mayor candidate Liam Byrne and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner. Forecasters say the wet weather is expected to continue in most areas into…