Labour's worst performance in more than 50 years in Barnsley in May, when Reform UK won 42 seats to Labour's 11, may be turning around as the political landscape shifts. With Andy Burnham now prime minister and questions over Nigel Farage's finances, some voters are considering returning to Labour.
Reform's victory and Labour's response
Labour had run Barnsley council since 1974, but after the May elections, it was left with just 11 councillors. James Higginbottom, the new Labour group opposition leader, said: "I knew that it would be the most challenging set of elections that we’ve ever faced in Barnsley’s history. What I didn’t necessarily expect was the scale of the Reform victory."
The catastrophic result in Barnsley was a catalyst for Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, became Labour leader uncontested after a landslide byelection victory and is now prime minister.
Voter attitudes shifting
Richard Riding, 71, a retired HGV driver from Penistone, said he normally votes Labour but backed Reform in May "just for a change". He is no fan of Farage, saying: "If you think the country’s in a mess now with Europe, it’s going to be totally destroyed if he takes over." He added: "[Burnham] did a very good job in Manchester so let’s see what he can do now," and said he would vote Labour next time.
Martin Harvey, 75, who worked in engineering, said he "has been Labour all my life" but concerns about immigration led him to vote Reform in May, and he plans to stick with them. Jessica Morgan, 31, a retail worker, also voted Reform for the first time in May and said she is "still happy with that decision".
A key byelection test
In the Penistone East ward, a council byelection has been triggered by the resignation of a Reform councillor. In May, Labour won two of the three seats up for grabs, with Reform winning the third. A Labour source said they were "confident we will win" the third seat on Thursday. Higginbottom said: "I think that will be a good barometer as to where we are; are we reconnecting with voters who in May didn’t feel able to put their trust in us?"
Labour has spoken to more than 1,000 voters in the ward so far and aims to double that by polling day. Higginbottom said: "I’m not saying they’re rushing out to suddenly say: ‘Yeah, we love Labour and we’re going to be voting for you en masse’ [but] some are willing to give us a fair hearing."
Local MPs see a shift
Marie Tidball, Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said she had "definitely" noticed a shift in voter attitudes, adding: "It really does feel like it’s cut through in terms of Andy being boldly and confidently and authentically Labour once again." Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, said: "Reform did well when people could only judge their promises. Unfortunately for them, their actions will now be judged too."
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, said a woman who had been "pretty anti-government, and pro-Reform" had told her she would vote Labour with Burnham as prime minister. Jill Hibbert, who voted Reform in May, said she would probably vote Labour again, while her husband Keith said: "I think they’ve given Labour a new leaf, because there’s a new face, a new personality."
