Labor suffers swings in local govt election

It has been a bad night for Labor in New South Wales, with swings against the party in many of the local government elections.

Candidates say the State Government has been a big problem for the party.

The Greens have done well in many of the key battlegrounds including the Sydney councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt, Randwick and Waverley.

Independent and the Liberal Party have also done well in many key local government areas, including Hurstville and Canada Bay in Sydney's west, and Gosford to the north.

In the City of Sydney, Indepent Clover Moore will comfortably retain her job as Lord Mayor.

Labor candidate Meredith Burgmann says the result reflects recent upheaval and scandal in the state Labor Government.

"It was very hard campaigning in the circumstances of a Labor government in turmoil," she said.

The final count for all councils is not expected to be known for up to a fortnight.