Almost half of all votes were won by the Liberal Democrats last night, as they retained their third council seat in the Dodworth Ward by-election.

The by-election was called following the resignation of Lib Dem Councillor Sam Christmas.

Andy Waters, the winning Lib Dem candidate, said: “I’m very pleased and grateful to the people of Dodworth for supporting me.”

“As any Councillor should be, I’ll work for all the people of Dodworth and not just the ones who voted for me.”

A total of 2,073 votes were cast, with the Lib Dems winning 1,029 of them.

Reform UK placed second with 503 votes and Labour trailed in third with just 334 votes.

Mr Waters grew up in Doncaster, but moved to Silkstone 36 years ago. 

He said his main aims were support for more housing and social housing, preserving Barnsley’s green spaces, safer streets and high street improvements

His victory means all three Dodworth Ward seats remain with the Lib Dems.

Mr Waters will join previously elected councillors Chris Wray and Will Fielding.

He said: “I get on with both of them so we will work together and hopefully spread whatever caseload we get around us.”

Mr Waters also added that he is looking forward to working with the rest of Barnsley’s Councillors, whether in support or disagreement.

He said: “We’ve got to work together, it’s part and parcel of working in the council, but we’re also there to hold them to account.

“The more opposition we can have the better it is.”