Cllr Jenny Platts, our Cabinet Spokesperson for Place Health and Adult Social Care, and St Helens ward councillor has announced that she will not be standing in the May 2023 local elections.

Cllr Platts was first elected in 2007 and will have served as a councillor representing the St Helens ward for 15 years.

During her time as a councillor, Jenny was delighted to be a part of the development of the Area Councils and Ward Alliances. Area councils are made up of the Area Team and local councillors who commission local services on a needs basis. Ward Alliance members are volunteers and ward councillors who have supported many groups and projects with funding over the years in their local areas.

Another particularly proud moment was getting the Community shop in St Helens ward set up in 2016. It sells good quality surplus food at affordable prices to shop members, and also has a community cafe where residents can get a really good lunch at a low cost, as well as take part in social activities. The shop has always been a real benefit to the local community - even more so in these really difficult times.

Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place Health and Adult Social Care said: “It has been a privilege to represent the people of the St Helens Ward and I would like to thank residents for supporting me over the years.

“The most rewarding part of being a councillor has been supporting people in my ward and sorting out issues and problems that they may have struggled to deal with. 

“I have enjoyed supporting people across the borough as Cabinet Spokesperson for Adults and Communities and my current role as spokesperson for Place Health and Adult Social Care.”

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said:

“Jenny has been an outstanding councillor in Barnsley for many years. Her dedication to the borough and St Helens, in particular, has been an example to all Members. 

“As Spokesperson for Adults and Communities and now Place Health and Adult Social Care she has done a wonderful job for the older people in Barnsley and those most vulnerable and in need. 

“She is calm, level-headed and dedicated, and she is a fine example of what good local government should be. We will miss her greatly.”