BARNSLEY’S Labour group has elected its first new leader in 30 years as the party move into opposition in the town hall for the first time in a century.

Sir Steve Houghton led the council for three decades but, after the local elections which saw Reform storm to 42 seats and a huge majority, he decided to step down as leader of the Labour group.

Following a ballot, Wombwell councillor James Higginbottom was appointed as leader and Penistone East’s Alex Burnett - who received more than 2,000 votes in the election - will be his deputy.

Coun Higginbottom told the Chronicle: “I am hugely proud and honoured to have been elected by my colleagues to lead Barnsley Labour group.

“We have a strong Labour team in Barnsley and I’m looking forward to working with them on our shared priorities into the future.

“I would begin by paying tribute to my friend and mentor Steve for his outstanding service and contribution to the Labour group and the borough of Barnsley over very many years.

“Steve’s wisdom, passion and political courage have made Barnsley the place it is today.

“It is an honour to follow in his footsteps.

“As the dust settles on an immensely difficult election, where too many excellent colleagues lost their seats through no fault of their own, the Labour group has an integral role to play.

“We will be robust and constructive in our role as the official opposition to the new administration, as the people of Barnsley have every right to expect.

“And we will always be a strong voice for progressive values and a fairer, more optimistic Barnsley.”