Elections to Liverpool Town Council were held on Saturday 1 November 1878. One third of the council seats were up for election, the term of office of each councillor being three years.
Seven of the sixteen wards were uncontested.
After the election, the composition of the council was:
Given the significant number of uncontested wards, these statistics should be read in that context.
* - Retiring Councillor seeking re-election
Caused by John Hampden Jackson (Liberal, Great George, elected 1 November 1878) ceasing to be a Councillor.
Caused by Thomas Hayes Sheen (Conservative, St. Anne Street, elected 1 November 1878) ceasing to be a Councillor.