Councillors from Sheffield’s three biggest political parties have promised change in the wake of one of the most decisive elections in recent memory.

As one third of the city’s wards go up for election, a fight for control of the city’s council looks to be a close call, with candidates hotly contesting battleground wards across the city.

Sheffield City Council leader, Tom Hunt says that Labour have a clear plan for office. He said: ‘’Labour will end bus privatisation and bring in free bus and tram travel for under 18s and deliver more affordable homes – including 1,000 new council homes.

“We will provide new powers to support renters, tackle litter and fly-tipping with more CCTV cameras and enforcement officers, hold AMEY to account to fix potholes, ban the opening of new vape shops and bookies, expand the tram network, and rebuild leisure centres at Springs and Concord.’’

Fulwood Liberal Democrat councillor Cliff Woodcraft labelled business and growth as his party’s priority. ‘’I think the thing that is on my heart is to help businesses grow and develop.

“A vibrant business sector is crucial. It provides the resource to enable all the other things we want to achieve, as well as providing employment and personal well being”

Green councillor, Douglas Johnson reminded voters of the party’s slogan, “policies to make people’s lives better”’”.

Cllr Johnson said: ‘’We influence the council to make it more responsive to people’s needs, make the city a safer place to live, work, study and spend leisure time in, improve standards of repair in housing, provide better routes for walking and cycling through the city and show there is cause for hope in an uncertain world.’’

With Labour under pressure from both sides of the political aisle, Tom Hunt dubbed Thursday’s elections as a ‘’clear choice about the direction of our city”. 

He added: “These elections aren’t about Westminster; they’re about our city, our neighbourhoods and our streets.”

Reform UK and the Conservative Party are also fielding candidates for election and were contacted for comment in this story, but did not respond.

For full details of candidates standing for election, go to https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/campaigns/local-elections