A WOMAN who made history by becoming the borough’s first black councillor hopes she will be treated with respect whilst representing her community in Barnsley Town Hall.
Florentine Bootha-King secured her seat as a Liberal Democrat in the Penistone West ward and told the Chronicle she was ‘incredibly proud’ to have been elected.
The first elected council in Barnsley was established in 1853 but formed in its current guise in 1974 and, according to the history books, Florentine is the first black person to have been sworn in.
Councillor Bootha-King secured 1,562 votes and joined fellow Lib Dem David Greenhough and Reform’s Vicky Jackson as ward councillors.
She told the Chronicle: “I am the first black councillor in decades and I hope that comes with respect and no discrimination whilst I’m representing the community.
“It’s a bit overwhelming to carry that title but everyone should be treated the same, regardless.”
Florentine runs ELSH - Educational Learning Support Hub - a charity which has helped teach English to hundreds of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants over the last 16 years since its formation in 2010.
It provides educational classes to migrants and refugees who are looking to integrate into life in Barnsley.
Once the students reach a certain level, they are then put in contact with higher education institutes such as Northern College and Barnsley College in order to further their opportunities.
“The Liberal Democrats have a strong focus on community, they’re very well-run here,” she said.
“Community is what I’m all about.
“I was teaching for seven years but I gave up my job to support the community when I founded ELSH.
“I am hoping my story - and being elected - will inspire other people to get involved with local politics.”
Having gone into last week’s local election with 12 seats on Barnsley Council, the Lib Dems came away with eight councillors - but Florentine is glad she’s a part of it.
“I’ve a daughter, a son and a granddaughter here so I’m very keen to help shape Barnsley’s future,” she added.
“I’ve been helped so much by Hannah Kitching - the former Penistone West councillor - and she’s been a great mentor to me.
“I’ve followed her lead in the ward and I’m thrilled with how she’s coached me.
“It’s daunting but it’s something I’m very much looking forward to.”
