The by-election comes only eight weeks after the May local election results.

Barnsley Council have confirmed the date of a by-election following the resignation of a Reform councillor.

Councillor Kay Hughes resigned from her position in Penistone East due to ‘personal reasons’, eight weeks after being elected in the May local elections.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council have announced that the by-election to elect a new councillor will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The candidates that are standing in the by-election will be announced on Friday, July 24.

Voters are encouraged to ensure they are registered by midnight on Tuesday, August 4, in order to vote in this election.

In a statement on social media, council leader Cllr Williams Brown said: “We’re all very sorry to see Kay step down as a councillor. She has been a fantastic colleague and a real asset to our team, working hard for the people of Penistone East and approaching everything with dedication and compassion.

“We’d like to thank Kay for everything she has done during our election campaign, and her time as a councillor and wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”