Sheffield Liberal Democrat leader Shaffaq Mohammed said the party are hoping to come into power next year after gaining three seats in the Sheffield City Council elections.
The results saw the Liberal Democrats gain three seats while the dominant Labour leaders lost four and only gained one.
Sheffield Liberal Democrats celebrating after election success
The Green Party also had a successful election, securing a 50 per cent increase in the number of Green councillors.
Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed said the results show Sheffield wants a change and added the Lib Dems are the ones to do it.
He said: "It was a great set of results. It’s clear by the vote the people of Sheffield want to see change from the approach currently taken by Julie Dore and her colleagues on Sheffield City Council.
“In particular in Crookes, the issue around Western Road trees is huge. I just don't have the confidence that this council can change its ways.
"The clear message is 'if you want change, you're going to have to vote for it'. The Lib Dems have governed this city in the past and would be privileged to do it again. I, myself and my colleagues are ready for that and look forward to next year's elections."
However, the Liberal Democrats still have a long way to go as Labour still hold over half of the seats in Sheffield. In total Labour have 53 seats, Liberal Democrats have 22, the Green Party six and UKIP three.
Coun Mohammed said in the meantime they will aim to hold the current council to account.
He added: "Lib Dems are clear challengers to Labour in the city and this council needs to be held to account. It’s done things very secretively and they tend to change things."
Coun Martin Phipps, Green Party who was elected for City Ward, reacted to their success and said: "The results of tonight show clearly the level of dissatisfaction with the council – on the privatisation of our street maintenance or the failure to get to grips with our air pollution crisis.
“More Greens on the council means that we’ll be able to ask more questions and get more time to represent the people of this great city."