THE leader of Barnsley’s Liberal Democrats has announced she will not stand in next month’s all-out elections.
Councillor Hannah Kitching, who has represented Penistone West since 2018, has overseen the party’s rise to becoming the official opposition to the Labour-run Barnsley Council.
At the local elections, all 63 seats in Barnsley’s 21 wards will be contested.
However, Coun Kitching has opted against retaining her place, joining another long-serving Lib Dem - Coun Steve Hunt - in stepping down.
She said: “It has been such an incredible honour and privilege to represent the residents of Penistone and surrounding villages for the last eight years, since they elected me as the only Liberal Democrat councillor on Barnsley Council.
“Since then I have worked tirelessly to stand up for our area, to fight for a fair deal and to ensure Penistone and its surrounding villages are not forgotten about.
“I have also worked hard to grow the Liberal Democrat team across Barnsley, to now leading a group of 12 councillors who are the official opposition to the Labour council.
“We have consistently punched above our weight as an opposition group, pushing for transparency and scrutiny, challenging and bringing forward our own ideas as well as working hard all year round to represent our residents in our local areas.
“While other parties shout from the sidelines, Barnsley’s Liberal Democrats have been an effective opposition and dedicated community campaigners with a track record of action.
“It has been a difficult decision for me to not re-stand for election to Barnsley Council this May.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as Liberal Democrats in Barnsley but I know there is still much more to do.”
Coun Kitching, who is the current Mayor of Penistone, said she hopes to continue with Penistone Town Council but wanted to give up more time to the other voluntary roles she’s involved with.
“I never intended to do this job long term - some councillors stay in the role for decades but eight years has been enough for me,” she added.
“It has been incredibly rewarding, but also all encompassing, and I would like to give more time to other voluntary roles and projects I am involved with.
“Penistone and its surrounding villages will always be important to me. I live with my family in the heart of our community, in beautiful Thurlstone.
“I hope to continue to serve on Penistone Town Council, and of course will continue to play a part in the local Lib Dem team.
“This year’s local elections are a bit different - every seat on the council is up for election.
“That means everyone will get three votes, and I hope people will use all three to vote for their amazing team of Liberal Democrats.
“I will be giving my full support to my colleague, Coun David Greenhough, and our amazing new Penistone candidates Florentine Bootha-King and Sue Waters, as well as to all our councillors and candidates seeking re-election.”
