Labour lose control of Sheffield council and leader Bob Johnson loses his seat as Greens and Liberal Democrats make gains in local elections

The Green Party and Liberal Democrats pushed Sheffield Council into no overall control in a devastating day for Labour at the local elections.

It was a dramatic count at the English Institute of Sport that saw Sheffield Labour not only lose control of the council after a decade but lose its leader Bob Johnson.

The first Conservative councillor in Sheffield for two decades was also voted in. Lewis Chinchen will represent Stocksbridge and Upper Don ward which is within the constituency of Conservative MP Miriam Cates.

Read More
How the Sheffield trees saga could lead to Sheffield city council being run by a...
Votes are counted in Sheffield as part of the local elections. Pic: Molly WilliamsVotes are counted in Sheffield as part of the local elections. Pic: Molly Williams
Votes are counted in Sheffield as part of the local elections. Pic: Molly Williams
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Counters spread out across the athletics track and basketball courts and sat behind protective screens at EISS as a restricted number of candidates scrutinised the process and eagerly awaited the results.

Ward by ward, council chief executive and returning officer Kate Josephs stood on stage alone and announced who had won each seat.

Overall, Labour lost eight seats, five to the Green Party and three to the Liberal Democrats.

Deals will now have to be struck to decipher who will take control of the council.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was the first local elections since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as last year’s race was cancelled due to the virus.

As well as city councillors, residents voted on a referendum on how the council is run and for a police and crime commissioner for South Yorkshire.

Some in Ecclesfield also voted for parish councillors and those living in Broomhill, Broomfield, Endcliffe, Summerfield or Tapton voted on a referendum on whether to adopt a neighbourhood plan.

The results of the referendums and police and crime commissioner will be announced on Monday, May 10.