Elections to Liverpool City Council were held on Thursday 1 November 1897. 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 Charles Arden (Conservative, Brunswick, elected 1 November 1896) on 29 November 1897.
Caused by the death of Councillor Dr. Henry Richard Powell (Conservative, South Walton, elected 1 November 1896) .
Caused by the death of Councillor Jonathan Parry (Conservative, Edge Hill, elected 1 November 1895) on 5 March 1898.
Alderman Joseph Glover died on 21 April 1898.
The Right Honourable Sir Arthur Bower Forwood, Bart. MP was elected as an Alderman by the Council on 1 June 1898 .
The Right Honourable Sir Arthur Bower Forwood, Bart.MP resigned as an Alderman on 1 June 1898.
Councillor John Ellison (Conservative, South Walton, elected 1 November 1895) was elected as an Alderman by the city Council
Caused by the resignation of Councillor Augustus Frederick Warr MP (Conservative, Sefton Park, elected 1 November 1895 which was reported to the Council on 5 October 1898.