Editor's comment: Now is the time for Sheffield politicians to work together

You can read a thousand different interpretations into the sizemic changes which are heading Sheffield City Council’s way – and people did as the votes were counted.

No matter what anybody says, there was no one issue which drastically shifted power in this local election. Our neighbourhoods are fed up and want change for all sorts of reasons. There was an undeniable national influence, a pandemic to factor in and frustration in every corner.

What we really need now is a council and politicians that listen, really listen and act upon what they hear. It isn’t always the noisiest voices who make most sense nor have the most urgent problems, so leadership that can cut through is vital.

Where will that come from when no party has overall control? We all know Sheffield’s role in the last national coalition and if you can find anybody able to remind you of how the city benefited from that then I would eat my hat, if I was wearing one. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

We have three main parties who have attracted voters through strong campaigning. Why can’t we have the best of all worlds and pull together to make those promises come true? Let’s make change and give people what they voted for. It is possible to transform our city together so people don’t vote because they’re fed up, but because they can see what has been achieved here and are proud to be part of it.

Now is the time. It has never been clearer and Sheffield has never stood at a point where it has so much to gain. Please, let’s not throw away this opportunity. Let’s not spend too long licking wounds or negotiating over newly found power.

The Star team will be working through the weekend to keep you up-to-date on announcements, changes, deals and negotiations. Every politician says they want to be elected so they can fight to make things better for the people in their communities.

The proof is in the pudding and I sincerely hope the days that follow these election results taste sweet for our city, whatever box you placed your cross in on Thursday.