Leeds City Council election results began to take shape after polling stations across the city opened from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May. The vote covered 36 councillors across Leeds, with counts and results due on Friday 8 May.
Ed Whiting on polling day
Ed Whiting, the returning officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council, said: "Election day is here on Thursday so we would encourage everyone registered to get involved and have their say." He also reminded in-person voters: "For everyone intending to vote in person at a polling station please remember to take an accepted form of photo ID with you, as without it you will not be allowed to vote."
Whiting added: "Any postal voters who have not yet received their voting pack need to contact us urgently please, and for everyone voting, please remember that your vote is yours alone to decide." The council said replacement postal ballot packs could be issued up to 5pm on polling day.
John Charles Centre for Sport count
The count took place at the John Charles Centre for Sport on Friday 8 May, when results were declared. Leeds City Council said one councillor was elected in each of the 33 ward areas in the city, with additional seats contested in Adel and Wharfedale, Morley North and Temple Newsam.
In those three wards, the winner and the second-placed candidate secured places on the council. That left 36 councillors securing seats overall, across the city and the vacancy contests.
Postal votes and results
Postal votes could be handed in only at a polling station or at the electoral services office at Leeds Civic Hall, LS1 1UR. The council also said voters could use an expired ID card if they were still recognisable from the photo.
Results were due to be posted on the council’s website and X account at @LeedsCC_News. For voters who still needed help with a postal ballot pack, the council listed 0113 222 4411 as the contact number.
