Barnsley candidates await results hopefully with voter turn out slightly down
By David Hall
May 3, 2024

By David Hall and Richard McLaughlin

As the first results come in the mood is hopeful for Labour as the first three seats go to them.

Eyes are centred on key seats such as Rockingham, Kingstone, Peniston East.

The Conservative candidate for Penistone East, Peter Millar said: “I’m always hopeful, the piles look similar but I think there’s going to be a couple hundreds votes in it.

“I think people are not very happy with the national picture, on the doorstep people feel let down by Brexit”

Labours Kevin Osbourne who just held his seat in Darfield, speaking beforehand said: “What we’re hearing on the doorstep is that there is a great regard for the new style of Labour party.”

Voter turn out is 24.14% down by 0.56% with 44,967 votes cast, 24,129 of which were postal votes.

Voter ID has been less of any issue for this year. Sarah Norman, CEO of Barnsley council and the returning officer for the local elections said: “I’m only aware of one voter who came and didn’t have ID and wasn’t able to come back. I think the message has got home to people that you need to bring ID, it seems to be more establish in mind of voters.”