Reaction from across the political spectrum after historic Leeds City Council election day

Labour has lost its overall control of Leeds City Council after losing seats in the local elections.

New arrangements are to be made for the running of the authority after gains were made by the Greens and Reform UK in yesterday’s results.

Jonathan Pryor, Headingley and Hyde Park Labour member and deputy council leader, was among those who lost to the Greens.

Labour will remain the biggest party, with 48 of the council’s 99 seats.

James Lewis, Labour council leader, said: “I’m disappointed that hard-working councillors and candidates have lost.

“I’m grateful for everybody’s hard work over the years.”

Options for Leeds could include a minority administration run by Labour, or a coalition between parties.

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.

Reform UK gained eight seats, including in Morley South, where Michael Burnham was elected.

He said: “People are really, really angry at the way things are going and they want to see some serious change.

“That’s what we’re here to do, and that’s what we stand for. We want to bring that change to Leeds and hopefully to the nation as a whole, and make the world better to how it is at the moment.”

Armley was among the wards where 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 the 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.”

Labour’s Mary Harland held in Kippax and Methley in a close result against Reform UK in second place.

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. He said: “I think it’s testament to the hard work of myself and colleagues.

“Seeing the challenges people face is an inspiration to go that extra step.”

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.”

Mark Dobson held his seat for the Garforth and Swillington Independents.

Coun 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.”

Reform gained eight seats and will have ten councillors.

The Greens will have 11 councillors after gaining six seats, holding one and losing in Farnley and Wortley.

The Lib Dems held their two seats up for election and will have six councillors.

The Conservatives will have 14 councillors after holding their seats and gaining one.

Leeds City Council said the overall election turnout across the city was 41.49 per cent.