By Richard McLaughlin and David Hall
The Labour Party held its majority in the Barnsley local elections today, winning a total of 17 wards out of 21.
While Labour did not built upon its existing 48 council seats, the party took control of Penistone East from the Conservative Party, a massive blow for the Tories.
Councillor John Roberts took control of the vacant seat after John Wilson, the former Leader of Barnsley Conservatives, retired after almost 20 years of service, winning by just 156 votes. It was a crucial seat for the Tories to hold and one they felt they could not afford to lose heading into the day.
Councillor Steve Bullock, the newly elected Kingstone candidate, said: “I’m chuffed. We have had some knockback but we are a team and it works. We need to be a bigger team and get more councillors in and I presume that’s what the plan will be.”
The Liberal Democrats gained one seat on the council to increase its total to four.
Newly elected Councillor Leyla Nayeri said: “It’s an amazing feeling. I am so thankful for everybody in the ward that’s gone out and voted, supported the Lib Dems and the team that we are. It’s incredible.”
The results in Barnsley today are indicative of the rest of the country, as the Conservatives lost over 230 council seats.
Leader of the Council, Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, said: “Labour can’t be complacent but I think it’s clear the public want change, the Conservatives’ days are over.
“I’m grateful to the people of Barnsley and we will continue to drive Barnsley forward.”
Looking ahead, the mayoral election results will be counted tomorrow, with Labour’s Oliver Coppard looking to continue his term.
Mayor Coppard said: “People want to see change happening, that we’re taking the decisions that lead to them having better lives.
“That’s what government should be about. That’s what leadership should be about in politics. I hope that’s what we’ve done. I’m hopeful that that will be an endorsement of what we’ve done over the last two years and what we want to do over the next four years as well.”
