General · 9 May 2026

Reform wins Barnsley ending 50 years of Labour rule

Reform UK has won control of Barnsley Council for the first time since the borough's formation in 1974, ending five decades of Labour leadership. Reform secured at least 32 of 63 seats to claim a majority. Sir Stephen Houghton, who led the council for 30 years, held his seat narrowly, calling the result "the toughest I've ever seen it."

By BriefTea Editorial · 9 May 2026 at 5:51

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