THE Dodworth ward remained a Liberal Democrat stronghold following last week’s by-election but Labour’s candidate finished in third behind Reform UK and the party’s leader in the town says it shows the face of politics in Barnsley is changing at a rapid rate.
The election, which took place on Thursday, was held after former Lib Dem Coun Sam Christmas stood down from his role.
A total of 2,073 votes were cast, with three rejected ballot papers the turnout was 24.38 per cent.
The Liberal Democrat candidate, Andy Waters, picked up almost half of all the votes cast and is now the councillor for the Dodworth ward.
It means the area is still a Lib Dem stronghold.
Andy has already outlined his plans for the future.
He told the Chronicle: “I’m pleased to be elected and I’m grateful to the people of Dodworth who have put their faith in me.
“There’s a lot of development going off in the ward and that was one of the main things that kept coming up on the door step.
“One of the big things is the infrastructure.
“There’s going to be loads of people coming in so the infrastructure needs to be at a better level.
“We’re also looking at things like the roads the crossroads at Dodworth Co-op is a particular problem.”
Why does Andy think Dodworth residents are consistently voting Lib Dem candidates into the chamber?
“People are seeing them out and about, they know they’re really hard working,” he added.
“Peter Fielding started this all off, he was a great councillor.
“Residents know that Peter cared.
“That’s carried on with Will Fielding and Chris Wray and obviously Sam Christmas.
“I helped them all get elected and I thought it was my turn to have a go.”
One of the big stories of the by-election was the strong performance by Reform UK candidate Eric Benson-Hodgson, who finished ahead of Labour’s Kate Hutchinson.
Leader of Reform UK in Barnsley, Coun David White, said it shows there’s a clear change in people’s views of politics in Barnsley.
He told the Chronicle: “The recent by-election in Dodworth was a significant result for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, in what has been a Lib Dem stronghold for many years, their vote was down by 299 votes, a significant dent in their lead and one has to wonder why.
“The Conservative vote collapsed to just 147, indicative of people’s recognition of the shambolic nature of their party and lack of policies.
“But, very significantly, Labour’s vote collapsed locally also.
“Dropping 562 votes to just 334.
“Reform UK, from a standing start came a strong second with over 500 votes.
“What can we deduce from this?
“People’s bewilderment and disillusionment with Labour locally and nationally was clearly evident from their vote collapsing.
“That the Conservatives are a spent force, and that the common sense policies of Reform UK are resonating with voters across Barnsley and Nationally.
“Let’s hope that the other three parties start listening to their voters, this was a real smack in the face for them all.”
Labour’s candidate Kate said it was a privilege to run to be in the council chamber.
She added: “I’d like to congratulate Andy on his victory in the by-election.
“He will be a strong champion for the residents and communities of Dodworth ward.
“It has been a privilege to be out across the ward during the campaign meeting residents, hearing stories and doing what I could to support them.”
Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton added: “Clearly the result was disappointing but not unexpected given the difficult decisions the government has taken recently.
“Residents can be assured that Barnsley Labour will continue to listen to those concerns and respond as effectively as we can.”
Full results
Andy Waters Lib Dems 1,029 votes.
Eric Benson Hodgson Reform UK 503 votes.
Kate Hutchinson Labour 334 votes.
Steven John Burkinshaw Conservative 147 votes.
Trevor Anthony Mayne Green Party 57 votes.
