Leeds City Council election results 2026 as deputy leader loses seat
The deputy leader of Leeds City Council has lost his seat to the Green Party, as the party’s national struggles were reflected locally.
Jonathan Pryor was also the council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development. until he was beaten by the Green Party’s Nilesh Chohan.
He received 1,278 votes, while Councillor Chohan received 4,334 and has been elected to represent the ward.
Following the result, the new Coun Chohan said: “I’m lost for words - immensely proud to be representing the ward where I was born and bred in Leeds, Headingley and Hyde Park.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I love the community, I’ve got a lot a lot of passion for the community, I’ve volunteered for over 15 years.”
He said that the Green Party was “part of real hope and change”, adding: “The community can see exactly how we can make a difference and how we are here together - community cohesion is paramount.”
Mr Pryor left the election count upon losing his seat.
James Lewis, Labour leader of Leeds City Council, said he was “hugely disappointed” by the result.
He said: “Jonathan has been a great councillor for Headingley, been a great part of changing the city for the better, putting more money in people’s wages, getting huge projects developed.
“I’m hugely disappointed, but I know Jonathan will be back.”
Just 36 of the 99 seats on Leeds City Council were up for election during this cycle.
With two seats left to declare Labour had won nine seats, the Conservatives, Reform and the Green Party each won seven seats, the Liberal Democrats won two seats, and there was one seat apiece for the independents and the Social Democratic Party.
The results mean Labour retains control of the council, which it was only likely to lose in the very worst case scenario.