- Reform UK has taken control of Barnsley’s council after more than 50 years of Labour rule.
- Reform took a total of 41 seats, enough for an overall majority on the South Yorkshire local authority.
- Ed Dillingham, chair of the Barnsley branch of Reform UK, said he wanted to run the council “like a business” and be “ruthless”.
- Asked about Reform’s first steps running the council, he added: “We’re going to be looking at the money situation because the debt levels are through the roof. Without money, you can’t do anything, so we’re going to sort the money situation out to start with.”
- He added: “We’re filled with councillors that are normal folk. I’m doing it because I want to make it better for my kids. That’s what people are calling for on the doorstep, they don’t want career politicians and they definitely don’t want Starmer and his ilk.”
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