Labour and Green councillors have agreed to work together to form a progressive administration for Sheffield City Council in 2026/2027.
They will work on an issue-by-issue basis and will split Committee Chair responsibilities proportionally.
Since 2021 the council has been under no overall control, meaning no party has an outright majority.
Despite being part of the administration for the last three years the Liberal Democrats have chosen to be in opposition.
At today’s AGM meeting Cllr Fran Belbin (Firth Park ward) was elected as the new Leader of Sheffield City Council.
She has experienced this city as a child, a student, a volunteer, as a care worker, as someone surviving on benefits, as an employee in one of our universities and our voluntary sector. Since 2021 Fran has served as a local councillor for Firth Park. Throughout her life she has been a champion of community action.
Labour Councillor Zahira Naz (Darnall ward) was elected deputy leader, the first Muslim elected to this position in Sheffield. Cllr Naz was previously the chair of the finance committee, and has over recent years successfully ensured that the council set a balanced budget.
Labour and Green councillors have agreed to form a progressive leadership arrangement focused on stability, delivery and acting in Sheffield’s best interests.
Priorities for the year ahead
In her first speech as Leader, Cllr Belbin stated at the meeting that she has heard the message from voters that people want to see visible change in their neighbourhoods. She highlighted her priorities for delivering action on the cost of living, potholes, fly-tipping, parking, support for young people, cleaner and safer streets, and the need to involve communities more closely in decisions about the future of the city.
Cllr Belbin also reaffirmed Labour’s commitments made during the election in their Plan for Sheffield, including free bus and tram travel for under-18s, more affordable homes, stronger rights for renters and better local services.
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council:
“People in Sheffield sent a clear message at these elections. They want a Council that listens, works together and delivers visible change in every part of our city.
“Labour remains the largest party, but no party has a majority. We all have a responsibility to act in Sheffield’s best interests, and not to retreat into political games.
“The Liberal Democrats have chosen to go into opposition. Labour and Green councillors have stepped up to provide stable leadership and make sure Sheffield can keep moving forward.
“Our focus now is on the priorities people raised with us on the doorstep. Including more help with the cost of living, cleaner and safer neighbourhoods, better roads, tackling fly-tipping, supporting young people, and delivering the pledges Labour made – including free bus and tram travel for under-18s, more affordable homes, stronger rights for renters, and better local services.
“We have listened to what people have told us matter most. Now our job is to get on with it and deliver for Sheffield.”
Recognition of previous Leader
In her speech, Cllr Belbin paid tribute to former Council Leader Cllr Tom Hunt, saying his leadership these last three years has helped restore Sheffield’s reputation, attract investment, secure the future of World Snooker at the Crucible, and lay the foundations for thousands of new homes, regeneration and renewed confidence in the city.
The new Council leader also made clear that Labour and Green councillors would work constructively across the Council chamber through Sheffield’s committee system, while providing the clear political leadership needed to deliver change.
Liberal Democrats to leave administration
Noting that the Liberal Democrats are no longer part of the administration, Councillor Belbin stated:
“We are disappointed that the Lib Dems do not want to participate in a cross-party coalition this year, but respect their decision to be in “progressive opposition.” Sheffield’s hard fought for committee system enables the involvement of all councillors and we hope they will contribute constructively for the benefit of our citizens over the next year and not just criticise from the sidelines”.
Reform UK’s division and hate called out
Cllr Belbin also directly addressed Reform UK at the meeting, and Labour is making clear that while the administration will work with any councillor who genuinely wants to improve people’s lives, they will oppose any attempt to bring division, hate or chaos into Sheffield’s politics.
Cllr Fran Belbin:
“Sheffield cannot afford drift, division or chaos. We will work with anyone who genuinely wants to improve people’s lives and act in the best interests of our city.
“But we will always stand against division, hate and attempts to pit communities against each other. Sheffield is a city of many communities, many faiths and many backgrounds – and we are at our best when we work together.
A recording of the meeting can be seen HERE: