Tom Hunt says it's been 'an absolute honour' to lead Sheffield City Council after losing his seat
“I am proud of the work we’ve done in the last few years to move our city forward”
The departing leader of Sheffield Council has reminisced about his time in office after narrowly losing his seat in the recent local elections.
Friday, May 8, was a difficult day for council leader Tom Hunt as he learned that he had lost his seat in the Walkley ward by only 73 votes.
The former Labour councillor originally ran for election in 2022, and only a year later was promoted to leader of Sheffield City Council.
However, Mr Hunt was one of many Labour Party members to be toppled in last week’s local elections, which saw the party lose 13 seats in Sheffield alone.
The former council leader has now (May 12) turned to Facebook to celebrate his achievements in office, as he hands over his seat to the Green Party’s Andy Davies.
“It has been an absolute honour to be the leader of Sheffield City Council and serve the city I love,” he wrote.
“I stood for election in 2022 because years of Tory austerity had hammered our communities. I was sick of it and I wanted to play a part in changing it. I also wanted Sheffield to think and act bigger, be braver and build on our great strengths. Those aims guided my work every day as a Labour councillor for Walkley ward and as Council Leader since 2023.
“I am proud of the work we’ve done in the last few years to move our city forward. We’re building new council housing and bringing in investment for new neighbourhoods.
“We’ve secured the future of snooker and are growing our cultural industries. We’re moving forward major regeneration in Attercliffe and Gleadless Valley, and bringing new shops and homes to our city centre. We’re modernizing the council, investing in frontline council services, addressing equal pay and making it more responsive to residents.”
Under Mr Hunt’s leadership, the council tackled massive projects in pedestrianizing the city centre, with hopes of rebuilding the high street in a new way.
It has seen national companies like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Spud Bros and Weekend Offender chose to open new locations in Sheffield city centre, as work continues to redevelop Pinstone Street and connect it with Fargate.
He has also been working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to improve public transport services in the city, with plans to introduce free bus travel for under 18s by January 2027.
However, the council has faced a massive backlash over the past year related to their plans to build new housing estates on the city’s green belt.
Campaign groups, supported by actor Sean Bean, protested against proposals to build 3,529 homes on 14 sites.
Meanwhile the Labour Party faced continued backlash over Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with council elections across the country seeing gains for both Reform UK and the Green Party.
Mr Hunt congratulated his opponent on his victory, as he called on the remaining Labour councillors to continue their work to improve the city.
He added: “I'm disappointed that I was not elected last week.
“I congratulate Andy Davies on his election and his opportunity to serve the people of Walkley, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe. My Labour colleagues on the council will continue our work to fight for every community and for a better Sheffield. I wish them every success.
“It is clear that across Sheffield people voted to send a message to the government and that must be heard. People need to see and feel the change they voted for in 2024. But I also take responsibility for not convincing enough people to stick with us. I didn’t get everything right but I have always put the people of Sheffield first in every decision I took.
“Thank you to the people of Walkley, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe, and to everyone I worked with over the last four years. Our city is full of inspiring people who work hard every day to provide new opportunities for Sheffielders, grow our economy and make this a better place. Politics in our city must continue to meet their ambitions.
“We face some big challenges but this is a great city full of brilliant people. Our success is rooted in hard work and in being a welcoming city of many communities, many faiths and many backgrounds. Our diversity is our strength and we must continue to always stand against racism, hate and division.
“I know that our better days are ahead of us. I’ll keep playing my part to make that happen. But first, I’m going to get some rest.”