Labour has lost its overall control of Leeds City Council after suffering losses to the Green Party and Reform UK in the local elections.
Despite remaining the largest party with 48 of the authority’s 99 seats, the result means Labour no longer holds a majority, paving the way for new political arrangements at the council.
Potential outcomes could include a Labour-led minority administration or agreements between parties ahead of the authority’s annual council meeting on 20 May, when future leadership arrangements are expected to be confirmed.
Among Labour’s most significant losses was deputy council leader Jonathan Pryor, the Headingley and Hyde Park councillor, who lost his seat to the Greens.
Leeds City Council leader James Lewis said he was disappointed by the results but thanked party members and candidates for their work.
He said: “I’m disappointed that hard-working councillors and candidates have lost.
“I’m grateful for everybody’s hard work over the years.”
Asked about the future political direction of the council, Cllr Lewis added: “We are here for the best interests of the people of Leeds.
“I hope the other parties have the same approach.”
The Greens were among the night’s biggest winners, gaining seats across the city as voters shifted away from Labour in several wards.
Armley was one of the wards to turn Green after Clancy Walker secured victory.
She said: “It is a real honour to represent a place I love. I have lived in Armley for 24 years. This is a people-powered community and this was a people-powered campaign.”
Conservative councillor Andrew Carter, who was re-elected in Calverley and Farsley, said he believed the result represented a turning point for Leeds politics.
Describing himself as “tired and delighted”, Cllr Carter said: “It’s an opportunity for areas I think have been neglected. It’s a shock that’s been a long time coming.”
Reform UK also made major gains, winning eight seats and increasing its representation on the council to 10 councillors.
In Kippax and Methley, Labour’s Mary Harland held her seat following a closely fought challenge from Reform UK.
She said: “It was a close-fought campaign. I’m indebted to the team who turned out for me.”
Labour’s Luke Farley was re-elected in Burmantofts and Richmond Hill and said local issues remained central to his campaign.
He said: “I think it’s testament to the hard work myself and colleagues have done.
“Seeing the challenges people face is an inspiration to go that extra step.”
Conservatives maintained their presence on the council, with Pudsey councillor Simon Seary among those to retain his seat.
He said: “I’m obviously relieved. It’s been a lot of hard work over the last four years. I’m really honoured to get a massive majority. The campaign starts now for the next four years.”
Independent councillor Mark Dobson also retained his seat for the Garforth and Swillington Independents.
Cllr Dobson, who leads the group, said: “It feels like it always does. You’re overwhelmed by the fact the community has put its faith in you for another four years.
“The work starts again tomorrow.”
Liberal Democrat leader Stewart Golton held his Rothwell seat and thanked both voters and political opponents following what he described as a respectful contest.
He said: “I’m really very grateful for that.
“I want to thank the people of Rothwell who have put their faith in me for another four years.”
Following the final declarations, the Greens now hold 11 council seats after gaining six and holding one, despite losing Farnley and Wortley.
The Conservatives now hold 14 seats after gaining one, while the Liberal Democrats increased their total representation to six councillors after successfully defending both seats up for election.
Leeds City Council confirmed the overall turnout across the city was 41.49 per cent.
Final declarations were completed at around 6pm following recounts in Morley, with confirmation of the final political balance delayed by complications linked to vacancies outside the normal election cycle.
