Key facts
- Labour lost its Barnsley council majority to Reform UK in recent local elections.
- Andy Burnham is the new national leader of the Labour party.
- A recent poll shows Labour with a slight national lead over Reform UK.
- Some former Labour voters in Barnsley who switched to Reform are now considering returning to Labour.
- A crucial byelection in Barnsley is seen as a test of Labour's ability to regain voter trust.
Labour is facing a critical test in Barnsley, a town where the party suffered a significant defeat in recent local elections, losing its council to Reform UK. The article explores whether the new national leadership under Andy Burnham can win back voters who expressed dissatisfaction with the party.
In May, Labour's performance in Barnsley was its worst in over 50 years, with Reform UK securing 42 seats and leaving Labour with just 11 councillors. James Higginbottom, the new Labour group opposition leader in Barnsley, described the Reform victory as unexpectedly large. Nationally, the political landscape has shifted, with a recent YouGov poll showing Labour with a two-point lead over Reform UK.
Interviews with Barnsley residents reveal a mixed picture. Richard Riding, a retired HGV driver who usually votes Labour but backed Reform in May for a change, expressed a willingness to return to Labour, citing Burnham's positive record in Manchester and his dislike for Nigel Farage. However, Martin Harvey, who has been Labour all his life, plans to stick with Reform due to concerns about immigration. Jessica Morgan, a retail worker, voted Reform for the first time and remains satisfied with her decision, highlighting local issues like road repairs.
Despite Barnsley Labour council's previous accolades for innovative initiatives like 'health on the high street' and free bus travel for under-18s, voters punished the party at the ballot box, largely due to national issues. Reform has since scaled back some of these initiatives.
A upcoming byelection in the Penistone East ward is seen as a key indicator of Labour's progress in reconnecting with voters. Labour sources are confident of winning the seat. Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has observed a positive shift in voter attitudes, attributing it to Burnham's leadership. Keith and Jill Hibbert, a couple who previously voted Labour, are cautiously optimistic about Burnham, viewing him as a fresh face for the party. MPs Dan Jarvis and Stephanie Peacock also noted increased openness from residents towards Labour.