Reform UK group in Barnsley chooses a Leader and Deputy Leader

The Reform UK group on Barnsley Council has confirmed the appointment of its Leader and Deputy Leader.

Councillor William Brown has been selected by the group as Leader, and Councillor Edward Dillingham as Deputy Leader.

Both appointments were agreed by members of the council’s Reform UK Group at their meeting on Tuesday (12 May).

They will now be formally nominated as Leader and Deputy Leader of the council at the Annual General Meeting of the council on 29 May, where all 63 councillors will be asked to vote to approve their appointments.

Following last week’s local elections, Reform UK is the controlling group on the council. The political makeup of the council is now:

• Reform UK - 42

• Labour Party - 11

• Liberal Democrats - 8

• Independents - 2

Cllr Brown was elected to the North East ward. He’s a family man who served 10 years in the military. He’s also worked in the private sector and lives in Barnsley.

Following his selection as Reform UK Group leader, Cllr Brown said:

“I am delighted to have been chosen by my group colleagues to lead them.

“It will be an honour to serve as the Leader of Barnsley Council. We’re now working to appoint a Cabinet that will support us in taking Barnsley Council forward for the benefit of all residents in the borough, including those who voted for us and those who did not.

“We understand people are keen to hear our plans for Barnsley, but it’s important we don’t rush into major decisions.

“We’re in a period of transition, and we will have more to say in the coming weeks.”

Cllr Dillingham represents the Stairfoot ward. He’s a businessman and father of three who lives in Barnsley. Cllr Dillingham said:

“William will be a great leader for Barnsley and I look forward to working with him as we take the council forward. We’re here for every resident, and we’re committed to making our borough an even better place to live.”

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