Barnsley, South Yorkshire – A significant shift in Barnsley’s electoral landscape could be on the horizon, as the results of a recent public consultation reveal strong support for a move to all-out council elections every four years.
Over 1,000 residents participated in the six-week consultation, with a resounding 87% expressing their preference for abandoning the current system of elections by thirds.
Councillors are set to consider the consultation findings at a meeting on Thursday, May 22nd.
The overwhelming majority of respondents cited potential cost savings, increased political stability, and better alignment with other local authorities as key reasons for their support.
Conversely, only 13% of those who responded voiced opposition to the proposed change. Their concerns primarily revolved around the potential for councillor complacency in the absence of more frequent elections and a perceived loss of regular opportunities for public input.
The proposal to adopt all-out elections comes in the wake of a recommendation from the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge and also takes into account the implications outlined in the government’s devolution white paper.
Currently, Barnsley operates on an election by thirds system, holding local elections in three consecutive years followed by a year without any. If the Full Council approves the proposed change, the new system would be implemented at the next scheduled local election on Thursday, May 7th, 2026.
This timing aligns with the already mandated ‘all out’ elections in 2026, which are necessary due to recent changes in ward boundaries resulting from the Local Government Boundary Commission’s review.
Under the new electoral cycle, all 63 council seats would be contested in a single election held every four years. Barring any unforeseen by-elections due to councillor resignations or other circumstances, no other local elections would take place during the intervening four-year period.
Sarah Norman, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Barnsley Council, expressed her gratitude to the public for their participation in the consultation.
“Thank you for taking part in the recent consultation. It’s important for us to hear what Barnsley residents want before we move forward with any changes,” she stated.
Norman further emphasized the council’s commitment to ensuring the proposed change would benefit the community.
“We’re committed to ensuring that this change will enhance political stability, improve long-term decision-making, and deliver high-quality and sustainable public services to our residents,” she affirmed.
The decision now rests with the Full Council, who will weigh the strong public support against the concerns raised by the minority of respondents. If approved this week, Barnsley is poised to adopt a new electoral system that could reshape its local political landscape for years to come.
