Liberal Democrat mayor of Penistone Hannah Kitching to join House of Lords
“She will be an outstanding advocate for Liberal Democrat values in the House of Lords”
A South Yorkshire politician who has spent years serving the people of Penistone has been honoured with a place in the House of Lords.
Hannah Kitching became the first Liberal Democrat representative on Barnsley Council in 2018, serving for eight years while building up the town’s party to its current standing with 12 sitting councillors.
However, she chose not to stand in the latest May election, choosing instead to continue her role at Penistone Town Council, where she serves as Mayor.
Now though, the former NHS physiotherapist is set to take on a new political challenge, as in the July 2026 political peerages she has been appointed to the House of Lords.
A statement, released by her party to celebrate the news, adds: “On behalf of everyone in Barnsley and Penistone Liberal Democrats, we offer our warmest congratulations to Baroness Hannah Kitching on this well-earned appointment.
“We know she will be an outstanding advocate for Liberal Democrat values in the House of Lords, and we wish her every success in this important new role.”
The Lords are the second chamber in British Parliament, made up of unelected officials whose job is to examine and scrutinise bills passed by the Commons.
Coun Kitching is one of five Lib Dems to join the Lords, including Julia Aglionby, Tim Leunig, Dave McCobb and Mark Petterson.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Julia, Hannah, Tim, Dave and Mark will be joining our brilliant Liberal Democrat team in the House of Lords.
“Each of them has the right skills, experience and values to help us hold the government to account, deliver the change people need, and fix our broken politics, including reforming the House of Lords.”