TWO of the four MPs representing the Barnsley area have made Labour's front bench team but two will be returning to the back benches.
Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher has been appointed shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey is also in new leader Jeremy Corbyn's team as shadow minister for housing and planning.
But Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis is rejoining the back benches - although on Sunday just 24 hours after Mr Corbyn's victory was announced, bookmaker Ladbrokes named him as four-to-one favourite to be the next Labour leader.
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Angela Smith is also returning to the back benches.
Former shadow transport secretary Mr Dugher said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed to the new role of shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
"I have always been passionate about music and sport in particular and have supported the creative industries and cultural events locally.
"I'm proud to be a long-standing patron of fantastic organisations like the Wombwell Operatic Society, Worsbrough Brass Band, Elsecar Heritage Railway and the hugely successful LIVE in Barnsley festival, which I perform at every year.
"The great value of culture, the arts and sport to our local and national life is indisputable. Not only do they make a massive contribution to our economy, they also enrich our society and create great opportunities for individuals."
On his appointment, Mr Healey said: "Housing has long been a passion of Jeremy's, so I'm pleased to have his backing to do this job at full shadow cabinet level. It shows the high political priority he gives to tackling the housing crisis.
"Families across the country desperately need a government that will step up to the plate on housing, but this Conservative government has stepped back. As a Labour opposition it's our urgent task to expose the way this government is letting people down, and to show the big difference a Labour government could make.
"It's good to be back in Labour's shadow cabinet, and with such a big job to do. But I never forget that first and foremost I'm elected to Parliament to serve our constituency. I'll continue to do all I can for anyone needing my help, just as I've always done during my time as a minister in government and opposition."
Dan Jarvis said "Mr Corbyn did not offer me a front bench appointment so I look forward to loyally serving my constituents and the party from the back benches.
"I wish him and the new front bench team all the best and shall get on with the important task of standing up for the people of Barnsley and making sure their voice is heard in Parliament.
"Locally I will be continuing my campaign to end the blight caused by legal highs and anti-social behaviour, working to eradicate excess winter deaths and reduce child poverty. I will also continue my work to grow our economy and create good jobs for Barnsley people."
Angela Smith said she had chosen to return to the backbenches.
"For my part, the depth of the difference between the views of Jeremy and I on key issues makes it very difficult for me to continue as a member of the front bench.
"My decision is not one that has been made lightly. I enjoy my role as shadow food and farming minister and my rural affairs brief is one which I consider to be critical to the future success of the Party; Labour cannot win a future general election without reaching out to those parts of England which were not excited by what Ed Miliband had to offer. I cannot, however, continue in this role when I have such fundamental differences with the leader on key issues relating to defence and international relations.
"To serve on the front bench in such circumstances would be dishonest, serving nobody's interests. I also believe that at this current time I can best serve the party I love by making whatever contribution I can from the back benches.
"There is much to do and I wish Jeremy all the best in the task that lies ahead for him. For my part, I will work as hard as I can for my constituents and to advocate the Labour values which I know are vital to the future prosperity of this great country of ours."
