Sheffield and Barnsley councils set for major shake-up as election results are announced today

By the end of today politics in the region may be massively different to what people have grown used to.

Residents in both Sheffield and Barnsley headed to the polls yesterday to make their voice heard and influence the future of the two local councils.

A third of the seats in Sheffield are up for grabs in the latest election, while every single councillor in Barnsley will have to face polls as the borough hosts an all out election.

The Star will be covering both counts throughout the day, with live blogs set to bring updates as they arrive.

The latest polling suggests sweeping changes across the region, with a number of losses for Labour predicted.

Nationally, 136 councils have hosted elections this week, with top commentators suggesting this may help establish voting intentions for the next general election.

While leading figures like Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski have all been at the forefront of discussions - with Reform UK even running on a slogan of ‘get Starmer out’ - today’s results will have no effect on national government.

Instead those elected today will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of councils, like roadworks and bin collections.

In Sheffield, Labour are expected to lose their majority according to the latest polls.

The predictions see Labour being left with 26 seats, tying for leadership with the Liberal Democrats, who are still expected to lose Woodhouse to Reform UK.

Both the Green Party and Reform UK are being lined up as the big winners of today’s count, with the Greens expected to gain six seats - becoming the third largest party in the city with 20 seats in total - while Reform could gain five, ending the day with six councillors in the city.

Council leader Tom Hunt is also expected to lose his seat, with the Green’s Andy Davies predicted to take his seat in Walkley.

Meanwhile Labour is set to lose control of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council for the first time since the council was established in 1974.

Predictions suggest Reform UK will take 37 of the council’s 63 seats by the end of the day, becoming the majority party in the borough.

Labour meanwhile will be left with only 13 seats, losing 33 according to polls.

If true, it will see a complete shift in council leadership as the Nigel Farage-led party takes over day-to-day duties.

Current council leader Sir Stephen Houghton - who has held the position for 30 years now - is expected to keep his seat, though will be facing a very different role when returning to council chambers.

The Liberal Democrats are also set to gain a number of seats, and according to polls will end the day with 11 councillors, standing as the third largest party in the borough.

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