Labour lost two seats in Gateshead in wards where leisure centres have been put under threat of closure, though the party maintained its strong control on the council.
Gateshead's Liberal Democrat opposition claimed two gains at 2023's local elections, celebrating victories in Saltwell and Birtley as votes were counted on Friday morning. The Gateshead Liberal Democrats managed to claim two seats from the Labour Party at this morning's count.
In doing so, the opposition party toppled Saltwell councillor and deputy mayor of Gateshead, Robert Waugh. The Lib Dem's Leanne Brand narrowly wrestled the contested seat in Saltwell from Labour with 900 votes, a majority of 58.
