Cllr Rachael Kay, Hoyland Milton, Reform UK

16/08/2026

The political free-for-all is over. This is just the beginning 🇬🇧

🇬🇧 100 DAYS IN: THE OLD WAY OF DOING THINGS IS OVER

After 52 years of Labour control, Reform UK Barnsley has spent its first 100 days delivering on our promise to put residents first, and proving that change is possible.

✅ WE DECLARED WAR ON WOKE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
We declared an end to woke politics at Barnsley Town Hall, introduced a clear, common-sense approach to flag flying and returned the St George's Flag to the Town Hall alongside the Union Flag and Barnsley Council flag as standard.

✅ £10 MILLION INVESTMENT BROUGHT FORWARD TO FIX THE ROADS
We brought forward a £10 million Highways Delivery Plan to tackle deliver long-lasting repairs across the borough.

✅ FIGHTING FOR BARNSLEY'S COUNTRYSIDE
We stood firm against plans for a vast solar farm covering the equivalent of more than 130 football pitches.

✅ WE’RE ENDING NET ZERO MADNESS
We’ve ordered a review of climate and net-zero activities and reaffirmed our intention to withdraw Barnsley's Climate Emergency declaration. Programmes lacking clear resident benefit, cost savings or statutory requirement will end.

✅ BIN COLLECTIONS BACK ON TRACK
After years of disruption, we spent time with our frontline crews, exploring practical ways to support a more reliable service for residents.

100 DAYS DOWN.
We've shown that Barnsley Council can be run differently. 💪🏼

The old political free-for-all is over. This is only the beginning. 🇬🇧

09/08/2026

A NEW group has been launched in a bid to secure the long-term future of one of Barnsley’s most prized assets.Else... Local News News Barnsley South Yorkshire

09/08/2026

🎨 An afternoon at the Makers Market

📍Yesterday I popped down to Elsecar Heritage Centre to see the re-launch of the much-loved Elsecar Makers Market.

🧵 The newly refurbished Ironworks was full of talented independent makers, beautiful artwork, handmade crafts and some really unique gifts. It was lovely to see the place buzzing again and, most importantly, to see people supporting small and independent businesses.

🖼️ I couldn’t resist treating myself to a beautiful piece of art by David Pippin a watercolour print of one of our favourite places, Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s going to look lovely in my son’s nursery and will be a really special reminder of somewhere we love.

🍺 I then popped into Maison Du Biere, which is a brilliant little spot for anyone who enjoys craft beer, real ale and cider. They have a huge selection of drinks from independent producers, with more than 200 beers, ales and ciders available, as well as their beer tap and outdoor seating.

I tried the Piña Colada Cider and honestly… WOW! 😂🍍 It was delicious and I couldn’t believe how reasonable the price was. The lovely girl in the shop also reminded me that it’s made with natural ingredients, which is another nice bonus compared with some of the mass-produced options you find in supermarkets.

🍔 Then, of course, it was time for one of Earl’s Kitchen famous burgers.

Earl’s Kitchen (WG Catering )serves freshly cooked street food, including their 100% beef burgers, and is a great addition alongside Maison Du Biere.

🛍️ It really was a lovely afternoon – art, independent makers, great food and a good drink, all right here at Elsecar.

The Makers Market is OPEN AGAIN TODAY!

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the sunshine, have a wander and pick up something a little different, head down to Elsecar Heritage Centre today between 10.30am and 4pm.

07/08/2026

This week, my fellow councillors Cllr Brian Gregory and Cllr Michael Davies and I, met with senior officers this week to tour the newly refurbished Ironworks at Elsecar Heritage Centre ahead of its reopening this weekend.

It was encouraging to see the transformation of this unique and historic building and the opportunities it will create for Barnsley. The Ironworks will provide a fantastic venue for conferences, weddings, exhibitions, community events and much more, helping to attract visitors, support local businesses and boost the local economy while preserving an important part of our industrial heritage.

It’s great to see another part of Elsecar Heritage Centre brought back into use, creating a valuable asset that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.

04/08/2026

🚧 UPDATE: Gray Street, Elsecar

Following concerns from local residents, I’ve been liaising with the Highways team regarding the condition of Gray Street, Elsecar.

✅ I can confirm that the section of Gray Street between numbers 58 and 76 was inspected last month. During that inspection, five carriageway potholes outside and below number 70 were identified, and the necessary repair works have now been ordered.

I’m also pleased to confirm that this section of Gray Street has also been put forward for assessment as part of the council’s annual autumn review of roads that may be suitable for resurfacing. This review helps determine which roads are included in future resurfacing programmes.

How are roads selected for the resurfacing programme?

Roads are put forward by Highway Inspectors, councillors, engineers or through annual condition surveys carried out by an external contractor. All roads are then assessed and prioritised based on their condition, the most appropriate treatment, and the funding available. There are currently around 550 roads awaiting assessment, with more likely to be added before this year’s review.

✅ I’ve also raised the Give Way road markings at the Cobcar Lane junction. I’m pleased to confirm that the Highways team has scheduled these works, with the markings due to be refreshed by 5 August.

I’ll continue working with the Highways team and keep residents updated as soon as I receive any further news.

28/07/2026

Our only plan for Nigel Farage is No.10 🇬🇧

28/07/2026

Cllr Michael Davies, Cllr Rachael Kay and Cllr Brian Gregory were pleased to attend the first meeting of the newly established Elsecar Heritage Centre Management Committee yesterday.

The committee has been created to help shape the future of Elsecar Heritage Centre, bringing together councillors and key stakeholders to oversee its ongoing management and development.

Among other things, it was encouraging to hear about the exciting programme of events planned for the months ahead, which will continue to showcase everything Elsecar has to offer and attract visitors to the centre.

As part of the committee’s work, applications will soon open for a tenant representative and a deputy tenant representative to join the committee. We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Elsecar Heritage Centre to keep an eye out for further details.

We look forward to working collaboratively to ensure this important heritage site continues to thrive for residents.

28/07/2026

A little round-up of some of the work completed last week by myself, my fellow Hoyland Milton councillors, and our neighbouring Rockingham councillors.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a genuine, hardworking team. Everyone is always willing to support one another, get stuck in, and put our communities first. It’s a real privilege to work alongside people who share the same commitment to making a positive difference for local residents.

25/07/2026

✍🏻 I penned an open letter in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle. For my fellow councillors, MPs, and their families.

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The murder of Ann Widdecombe has sent shockwaves through our country.

Whatever our politics, whatever our beliefs, whatever disagreements we may have had with Ann over the years, no one should ever fear that holding public office or expressing a political opinion could cost them their life. As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, one truth is already painfully clear: our political culture has become increasingly poisonous.

I entered politics because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to stand up for my community, for the place I call home, and for the future of my son.

I did not enter politics expecting abuse.

Yet abuse has become normalised. Online and in person, too many politicians are dehumanised, reduced to caricatures rather than recognised as ordinary people with families, friends and loved ones. The language used about political opponents has become more extreme, more personal and more dangerous.

Disagreement is democracy. Hatred is not.

You can believe someone’s ideas are wrong without believing they deserve to be threatened. You can challenge policies without stripping away someone’s humanity. The moment we stop seeing one another as people is the moment we all become less safe.

The murders of Jo Cox, Sir David Amess and now Ann Widdecombe remind us that political violence is not an abstract idea. It leaves grieving families, devastated communities and lasting scars on our democracy.

As a mother, this feels deeply personal. Every time any elected representative is targeted because of their beliefs, every family of someone in public life asks themselves the same question: “Could it happen to us?”

No elected representative of Reform UK, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, the SNP, Plaid Cymru or any other party, should have to fear violence because of the views they hold or the arguments they make.

Our democracy depends on robust debate. It cannot survive intimidation.

We should challenge one another with facts, conviction and passion – not threats, abuse or violence.

Ann Widdecombe’s death must become a moment when we all draw a line. Not because we all agreed with her, but because we all believe that democracy is stronger than hatred.

If we fail to do that, we risk creating a country where fewer decent people are willing to stand for public office, where fear replaces service, and where disagreement becomes something to fear rather than something to value.

For the sake of our democracy, for the sake of every family whose loved one serves in public life, and for the next generation who deserve to inherit a country where political differences are settled with respectful debate, we must say with one voice:

Enough.

Political hatred has gone too far.

11/07/2026

📰 In This Week’s Barnsley Chronicle

We’re pleased to feature in this week’s Barnsley Chronicle, highlighting the positive progress at Elsecar Heritage Centre.

Since being elected, Cllr Michael Davies, Cllr Brian Gregory and I have been working with tenants, council officers and local businesses to ensure their voices are heard. It’s great to see that work already delivering results, including the fantastic news that Earl’s Kitchen will continue trading.

There’s plenty more to come, with a packed programme of events and vacant units soon becoming available, creating new opportunities for businesses and bringing more visitors to the centre.

Elsecar Heritage Centre is one of Barnsley’s greatest assets, and while there’s more to do, we’re committed to working with tenants, businesses and the community to help it reach its full potential.