Angie Waller, TUSC candidate in Hoyland Milton ward
Barnsley gave a hammer blow to the establishment, with only a few Labour councillors retaining their seats. This is the first time in 50 years that the council hasn’t been Labour controlled. The same is happening in neighbouring Wakefield, where Labour only kept one seat.
In Barnsley, the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) stood in three wards, campaigning over two months, with Socialist Party stalls in the town every Friday and Saturday, as well as at Barnsley College.
Each stall, we met people frustrated with Labour, blaming Keir Starmer and the Labour council for the cost-of-living crisis. Many blamed Donald Trump for the war in Iran.
Reform won the election, taking a majority on the council. On election day, Reform were finally seen doing a stand in town. We were approached by people disgusted that Reform was there, instead signing up for more information about the Socialist Party and TUSC.
The Socialist Party held three public meetings in the town during the election, which were attended by new supporters, including college students.
