Reform UK has taken control of Barnsley Council after more than 50 years of Labour dominance, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of South Yorkshire.
Historic Victory
The party secured 41 seats, enough for an outright majority on the local authority. Ed Dillingham, chair of the Barnsley branch of Reform UK, described the victory as a mandate for change and vowed to run the council with a business-like approach.
Speaking after the results, Dillingham said: "We're going to be looking at the money situation because the debt levels are through the roof. Without money, you can't do anything, so we're going to sort the money situation out to start with." He added that the council would be run "like a business" and that he would be "ruthless" in cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Community Representation
Dillingham emphasised that the new councillors are ordinary people, not career politicians. "We're filled with councillors that are normal folk. I'm doing it because I want to make it better for my kids. That's what people are calling for on the doorstep, they don't want career politicians and they definitely don't want Starmer and his ilk," he said.
The victory has been hailed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as a "truly historic day" for the party, as Labour suffered heavy losses across the country in the local elections.
