Restore Britain by-election candidate speaks on run-down roads and “lack of facilities” for SEND children
“It’s like there’s better roads in Beirut.”
The Restore Britain candidate for the upcoming by-election in Barnsley says his priorities are on roads and helping SEND children.
Businessman David Wood, 68, has been announced as the Restore Britain candidate for the upcoming by-election in Penistone East on Thursday, August 20.
As an independent candidate he campaigned to become a councillor for the Penistone West ward in the May, 2026 local elections.
He previously served as a councillor on the Penistone Town Council.
In 2019, Mr Wood faced calls to resign and an investigation of his social media posts about Islam and mosques dating back to before he was elected.
Barnsley Council have confirmed that the complaint was resolved with an informal resolution between the council and Mr Wood.
In the 2024 local election in Barnsley, he ran as a Reform candidate for Penistone West.
When asked about the differences between Reform and his current party, he said: “There’s those that do and those that say they’ll do. I like to think I’m in the right party.”
He has had various businesses in Barnsley, where he used to own four fish and chip shops, as well as an estate agency company in Tenerife.
Mr Wood’s current priorities are surrounding roads in the borough.
“It’s like there’s better roads in Beirut.”
At his party’s local meeting, protecting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was important to many.
“We had invited several of the organisations we have here in Barnsley, Barnsley SEND and then the SEND parents and carers association.
“For SEND children there is a lack of facilities.”
Voters are encouraged to ensure they are registered by midnight on Tuesday, August 4, in order to vote in the election on August 20.
The full list of candidates for the by-election are:
- Eunice Asante - Reform UK
- Steven John Burkinshaw - Conservative Party
- Ehren Holt - Green Party
- Peter Millar - Independent
- John Roberts - Labour Party
- Carlo Turner - Independent
- Andy Waters - Liberal Democrats
- David Wood - Restore Britain