Hannah Kitching has recently been appointed a peerage at the House of Lords.

Liberal Democrat Hannah Kitching voiced the importance of pride events, following Barnsley Council’s decision to not fly the pride flag.

Hannah Kitching is the chair of the Yorkshire Liberal Democrats, and an ex-councillor of Barnsley Council, who chose not to stand in the May 2026 election.

However, she has continued her role at Penistone Town Council as Mayor.

On Saturday, July 25, Kitching attended Barnsley Pride along with other Lib Dem colleagues, speaking of the importance of pride events for the community.

“We think it is unfortunately particularly important this year as well with the national background of deteriorating rights and attitudes towards the community, and particularly unfortunately our trans friends in the community.

Liberal Democrat Hannah Kitching at Barnsley Pride event on July 25, 2026. | LDRS

placeholder image — Liberal Democrat Hannah Kitching at Barnsley Pride event on July 25, 2026. | LDRS

“We’ve also seen a doubling down of those efforts here in Barnsley since Reform took control in May.”

In June, Barnsley Council released a statement saying that the town hall would only fly the Union Flag, the St George’s Cross, and the Barnsley Council flag.

“They’ve stopped the flying of the flag. We know it’s just a flag and it’s not everything to do with the community, but we think it’s a sign potentially of things to come.

“Barnsley has always been a very welcoming, open, inclusive town, proud to fly the pride flag and proud to host the event,” she said.

“So we think it’s really important that the community, allies, and supporters are out here today showing that LGBTQ+ people in Barnsley are welcoming. They’re part of our community, our friends, neighbours and valuable members of the town.”

It was recently announced that Hannah Kitching would become a member of the House of Lords, receiving a lifetime peerage.

A political peerage is a noble title granted to an individual, giving them a right to sit and vote in the House of Lords in Parliament.

“If [Reform councillors] ever came to a pride event, they would see that these events are the smiliest, happiest, funnest, most sunny and wonderful events that towns and cities across the country ever see,” she added.

“There’s no hatred, there’s no exclusion. Despite what this council might say, there’s no place for hate in Barnsley.”