Elections to Liverpool City Council were held on Monday 2 November 1896. One third of the council seats were up for election, the term of office of each councillor being three years.
After the election, the composition of the council was:
* - Retiring Councillor seeking re-election
Comparisons are made with the 1895 election results, as the retiring councillors were elected in that year.
Caused by the death of Councillor Simeon Smith (Liberal, Great George elected 1 November 1895) on 28 October 1896.
Caused by the death of Councillor Thomas Hewitson (Conservative, Fairfield, elected 1 November 1895) on 6 February 1897.
Following a petition causing the election of Col. Charles Stewart Dean (Conservative) on 2 November 1896 to be declared void.