Conservative cabinet member Francis Lankester held on to Cathedral ward polling 1,154 votes.

"I'm delighted because it has been a great honour to serve the historic centre of the city for the last four years," he said.

"I look forward to the challenge of another term because the next four years are going to tough. "Turnout was 30.3 per cent compared to 35.2 per cent.

"I think like many people I'm disappointed by the turnout. Whoever you support and whatever you think about the way the city is run, it is important to use your democratic right to vote.

"I think because Cathedral ward is seen as a secure Conservative seat, people may have been less inclined to turn out and vote this time."

Click here for the results as they are updated.