New Labour councillor is elected

Labour unsurprisingly retained its seat in the St Helen’s ward by-election, taking a huge 75.8 percent of the votes.

The turnout was low, however.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: “Some 1,662 people – or 20.53 per cent – voted at eight polling stations on Thursday, October 13.

“This means that the new ward member for St Helen’s is Dave Leech.”

In a distant second place behind Mr Leech was the BNP candidate Danny Coole, who polled 174 votes.

The English Democrats came in third, with their candidate Kevin Riddiough gaining 146 votes.

The Conservative candidate Clive Watkinson finished in fourth position with just 61 votes, while independent candidate Eddie Gouthwaite gained 21 votes.

The by-election for St Helen’s ward, which covers areas of Barnsley including Athersley and New Lodge, was called following the resignation of Labour councillor Roy Butterwood, who stood down from his position due to “work commitments.”