BARNSLEY Pride has slammed the new Reform-run council’s decision to not fly the Pride flag at the town hall.

It was revealed last week that only three flags the Union Flag, St George’s Cross and Barnsley Council’s will be flown from the town hall.

In previous years, Barnsley Council has celebrated Pride Month by flying the Pride flag from the town hall but this year that will not happen.

Leader of the council, Coun William Brown told the Chronicle that the council’s role is to serve all residents equally, without elevating symbols of any particular group campaign or identity above others.

But the move has sparked concern across the town.

Macauley Jacobson, the marketing and communications lead at Barnsley Pride, told the Chronicle that although they expected it, it does not make it any less frustrating.

“Flying the flag from the council building communicates that we’re not only tolerated, but we’re welcome as well,” he said.

“I don’t think it will affect the event itself and personally I think that it will encourage more people to attend.

“We were expecting it.

“I’ve personally contacted the council myself about the decision but I’ve not yet received a response.

“We don’t need the flag flying to feel comfortable, it’s a symbol of our history.

“For younger people it sends out a powerful message.”

A spokesperson for Barnsley Pride added: “The refusal by Barnsley Council to raise the Pride flag during Pride Month is more than a disappointing decision it is a painful rejection of a community that has spent generations fighting simply to be treated with equal dignity and respect.

“For LGBTQ+ people, the Pride flag is not just a piece of fabric.

“It is a symbol of survival.

“It represents those who endured discrimination, abuse, isolation, and injustice so that future generations could live more freely and openly.

“It honours lives lost, battles won, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

“To refuse to fly that flag during Pride Month sends a message, whether intended or not, that those stories, those sacrifices, and those people matter less.

“Many people in Barnsley will look at this decision and feel hurt.

“They will wonder why a symbol of inclusion was considered too much to display.

“They will question why, in 2026, recognising and supporting LGBTQ+ residents remains a point of hesitation rather than a point of pride.

“A truly inclusive community does not stay silent when people ask to be seen.

“It raises them up. It stands beside them.

“And during Pride Month, it flies the flag that says, clearly and proudly - you belong here too.”

Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis labelled the decision as ‘wrong’.

“Barnsley folk stand up for one another.

“We saw it in 1984 when LGBT+ people stood shoulder to shoulder with our mining communities, and we see it every year when Barnsley Pride takes place.

“That’s why this decision feels wrong.

“Flying the Pride flag is a small but important act of inclusion, and refusing to do so sends a needlessly hurtful message.

“My message to LGBT+ people across Barnsley is simple: you are valued, you belong here and you will always have my support.”