By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
Labour has lost its overall control of Leeds City Council after losing eight seats in the local elections.
New arrangement are to be made for the running of the authority after gains were made by the Greens and Reform UK.
Labour will remain the biggest party, with 48 of the council’s 99 seats – two short of the 50 needed for overall control.
Options for Leeds could include a minority administration run by Labour, or a coalition between parties.
Jonathan Pryor, Headingley and Hyde Park Labour member and deputy council leader, was among those who lost to the Greens.
James Lewis, Labour council leader, said: “I’m disappointed that hard-working councillors and candidates have lost.
“I’m grateful for everbody’s hard work over the years.”
When asked what the likely outcome was, Coun Lewis said: “We are here for the best interests of the people of Leeds. I hope the other parties have the same approach.”
Future arrangements are expected to be confirmed at an annual full council meeting on May 20.
Armley was among the wards the Greens gained after Clancy Walker secured a majority.
She said: “It is a real honour to represent a place I love. This is a people-powered community and this was a people-powered campaign.”
Pudsey’s Simon Seary was among Conservatives who held their seats.
He said: “I’m really honoured to get a massive majority. The campaign starts now for the next four years.”
Lib-Dem leader Stewart Golton also held in Rothwell. He thanked his team and opponents for a clean-fought contest.
He said: “I want to thank the people of Rothwell who have put their faith in my for another four years.”
Labour finished the day on 48 seats – two short of the 50 they need to maintain an overall majority.
Overall political composition (99 seats in total):
Labour: 48 seats (down eight)
Conservative 14 seats (up one)
Green: 11 seats (up five)
Reform UK: 10 seats (up eight)
Liberal Democrats: 6 seats (unchanged)
Garforth and Swillington Independents Party: 3 seats (unchanged)
Morley Borough Independents: 3 seats (unchanged)
Social Democratic Party: 3 seats (unchanged)
Independent: 1 seat
The turnout figure for the city was 41.49 per cent.
So the big story of the night is that Reform increased their representation BY 400 PER CENT – but this West Leeds rag refused to interview a single Reform supporter or successful candidate.
Get stuffed – and I’m about to UNSUBSCRIBE.