Reform UK in Barnsley has announced Eunice Asante as its candidate for the forthcoming Penistone East council by-election, which is scheduled for Thursday 20 August.
Background and context
The by-election was triggered after the resignation of Reform councillor Kay Hughes, who stood down for personal reasons just eight weeks after being elected in May. The vacancy has prompted a short, high‑stakes campaign in a ward that attracted attention when it changed hands at the local elections.
Candidate and party position
Ms Asante previously stood for Reform UK in the May local elections as a candidate for Darton East. In her announcement she set out the priorities she intends to push if elected, underlining issues Reform says it has already raised since May.
“Since being elected, Reform councillors have already started delivering change – challenging wasteful council spending, reducing the cost of the Mayor’s office, bringing back the St George’s Flag at Barnsley Town Hall, standing up against damaging solar farm proposals and pushing for better, longer-lasting solutions to our roads. I’m standing to continue that work – putting residents first, protecting our countryside, ensuring taxpayers get value for money and making sure local people have a strong voice at Barnsley Council.”
The party’s announcement comes shortly after Labour confirmed its candidate, former councillor John Roberts, on 22 July. Barnsley Council has said that all candidates will be formally listed on Friday 24 July, when nominations close and the official statement of persons nominated is published.
What voters need to know
Residents of Penistone East who wish to vote in the by-election must ensure they are on the electoral register. The deadline for new registrations is midnight on Tuesday 4 August.
- Election date: Thursday 20 August 2026
- Formal nominations published: Friday 24 July 2026
- Registration deadline for voters: Midnight, Tuesday 4 August 2026
Local significance
By-elections to Barnsley Council can affect the balance of power and influence local decision-making on planning, highways and council spending. The circumstances of this vacancy—resignation so soon after a May election—have drawn scrutiny and made the contest a focal point for neighbourhood concerns around representation and accountability.
| Party | Candidate announced | Date announced |
|---|---|---|
| Reform UK | Eunice Asante | 23 July 2026 (social media confirmation) |
| Labour | John Roberts | 22 July 2026 |
Further details on polling stations, postal voting and proxy applications will be published by Barnsley Council ahead of the election. Electors looking for more information should consult the council’s electoral services.
