A Liberal Democrat councillor in Sheffield has said tonight he is “cautiously optimistic” for the Party to make gains in the city tonight.

Cllr Kevin Oxley won his Mosborough seat in 2019, taking it from Labour’s David Barker with a majority of 337.

When asked about the election, Cllr Oxley said he believes turnout will be low, fitting with a developing trend.

In last year’s local elections there was a turnout of just 34.3%.

Cllr Oxley said the surge in Conservative support in Sheffield has decreased this time around, pointing to the cost of living crisis and the Prime Minister’s fine for breaking lockdown rules.

Out on the doorstep Cllr Oxley said the issues campaigners were hearing about were local. He said there is not much local councillors can do to help with the cost of living, and that support needs to come from government.

Follow our team on Twitter @Sheffield_Wire for live updates from the count throughout the night.