The councillor was elected eight weeks ago at the 2026 May local elections.

A Reform councillor in Barnsley Council has resigned triggering a by-election, eight weeks after being elected.

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

She was elected alongside Labour councillors Frances Nixon and Alex Burnett.

In a statement on social media, council leader Cllr William 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.”

Exact dates for a by-election are yet to be confirmed, expected to take place in August.

Barnsley Council and Cllr Hughes have been contacted for comment.