Reform UK - Barnsley, Pen*stone & Stocksbridge Branch

06/06/2026

🇬🇧 Cllr William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council joined Richard Tice and fellow council leaders in London yesterday to share ideas, discuss local priorities, and strengthen collaboration between councils across the country.

06/06/2026

Today we remember the courage, sacrifice and determination of those who landed on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Their bravery helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we forget. 🇬🇧

05/06/2026

🪏Fantastic to see Cllr Kay Hughes and Cllr Andy Cudworth getting stuck in out in Crane Moor, placing three planters and their associated plants at each entrance to the village.

The plants are all edible and available for the community to pick and enjoy if they wish, including a variety of herbs and strawberries. 🍓🌿

The project received a £500 grant from the Parish Council but only around £150 was spent, with the local community looking after the planters going forward.

A special mention to Kay, whose creativity and eye for detail helped bring the planter arrangements to life.

🇬🇧 This is what community is all about.

03/06/2026

The tragic death of Henry Nowak has raised serious questions about fairness and accountability in our country.

Nigel Farage has said what many people are thinking: this case exposes a system where an allegation of racism appeared to be taken more seriously than a young man’s life.

That is not equality before the law.

We need urgent change. Reform UK has been clear: we must end “two-tier policing” and ensure everyone is treated the same, with no exceptions and no special treatment.

People are angry, and rightly so. The system is not working as it should, and confidence is being lost.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Henry Nowak’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

This is about restoring fairness, accountability, and trust, nothing more, nothing less.

30/05/2026

📢 Mayor’s luncheon costs cut to save taxpayers’ money.

As we welcome our new Mayor, Cllr Liam Hardcastle, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Michael Davies, we’re pleased to highlight the significant savings made on this year’s Mayor Making luncheon.

The original estimated cost, based on 100 guests and a two-course meal, was £2,475.

Through a number of sensible changes, the actual cost of this year’s luncheon was just £368.

✅ Councillors contributed £10 each towards their attendance.

👥 The Mayor’s guest allocation was reduced from 30 to 15 places.

🥪 A buffet was chosen instead of a formal two-course meal, removing the need for additional dinner service and reducing catering costs.

Mayor Cllr Liam Hardcastle said:

“I wanted this year’s Mayor Making luncheon to be respectful of taxpayers’ money while still providing an opportunity to celebrate this important civic occasion. By making a few common-sense changes, we’ve been able to reduce costs significantly and deliver better value for residents.”

These practical decisions demonstrate our commitment to cutting unnecessary expenditure while continuing to support the borough’s civic traditions.

29/05/2026

📢 We are proud to introduce Reform UK Barnsley’s Cabinet Spokespersons and Cabinet Support Members, who will help lead our borough into a new chapter focused on transparency, accountability, and delivering for residents.

Cabinet Spokesperson Without Portfolio: Cllr Rachael Kay

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Luca Turner

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Core Services: Cllr Martin Bancroft

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Kay Hughes

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Adult Social Care and Integrated Health: Cllr Stan Bryan

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Betty Barnes

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services: Cllr Gary Hall

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Vicky Jackson

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Transport and Communities: Cllr Paul Kelly

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr David Goddard

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Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets: Cllr Andy Cudworth

Cabinet Support Member: Cllr Rocky Laybourn

29/05/2026

📢 Today marked our first Annual Council Meeting — we’ll shortly be announcing our new Cabinet Members as we begin delivering the change residents voted for.

29/05/2026

🇬🇧 Today marks a historic day for Barnsley as we gather for the Annual Council Meeting, where our new Mayor will be sworn in and Reform UK Barnsley’s Cabinet Members will be announced.

For the first time in the council’s 52-year history since its formation in 1974, Barnsley will no longer be under a Labour administration. This is a moment that reflects the desire for change shown by residents right across our borough.

We are honoured by the trust the people of Barnsley have placed in us and fully understand the responsibility that comes with it. Our focus now is simple: delivering transparent leadership, protecting taxpayers’ money, improving local services, and putting Barnsley residents first.

Today is not just about a change in administration, it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Barnsley.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and believed change was possible 🩵

28/05/2026

It was great to visit the Health on the High Street project today and see firsthand how it’s making it easier for Barnsley people to get the support they need, right in the heart of our town centre.

We’ll be working with officers to look at plans for the next stages of this project in the coming weeks.

27/05/2026

📢 Reform UK Barnsley Leader pledges to work with SEND families to improve services.

Cllr William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, has responded to concerns raised in a recent article about SEND services in Barnsley, saying the council is committed to supporting children and families and continuing to improve services across the borough.

“Firstly, I want to thank parents and families who continue to speak up about their experiences with SEND services in Barnsley. While we recognise the achievements of Barnsley Council’s SEND team and the valuable work they deliver, we also understand the frustration and concern some families feel.

Our administration has only been in place for two weeks, but we are open to investigating concerns raised following the recent SEND inspection report and listening carefully to residents, parents, and professionals.

I would also like to personally invite Mr Wainwright to Barnsley Town Hall for an open and constructive discussion so we can better understand the concerns being raised and how we can work together to improve services going forward.

We are committed to ensuring every child and family receives the support, care, and opportunities they deserve.”

🇬🇧 This marks a new era for Barnsley with a council that not only listens to residents, but actively works with them to improve local services.

An inspection of Barnsley’s support for children and young people with special needs and disabilities has sparked anger from parents.