News|May 9, 2026|1 min read

'Starmer's done nothing for the country': Why one heartland council abandoned Labour

In Barnsley, south Yorkshire, 50 years of Labour rule ended on Friday with Reform UK taking control as voters expressed desire for change and criticism of Labour's disconnect from the working class and Keir Starmer's leadership.

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BBC

Contributor

In Barnsley, south Yorkshire, 50 years of Labour rule ended on Friday with Reform UK taking control.

Voters in the area said they wanted to see change, with one saying Labour had abandoned the working class.

For others, a dislike for Keir Starmer was their main motivation when casting their vote.

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Analysis: Andy Burnham's route back to Commons is clearer - but can he win in Makerfield?

Andy Burnham's path to returning to Parliament as an MP for Makerfield has become clearer following Labour MP Josh Simons' decision to stand down, though the Greater Manchester mayor faces a significant challenge from Reform UK in a seat where the party dominated recent local elections.