The polls have opened in Doncaster where a new mayor and council will be elected by voters.
12 candidates stand in the election for directly elected mayor, which opened at 7am this morning and will run until 10pm.
The post has been held by Labour’s Ros Jones since 2013, who hopes to be elected for a fourth consecutive term.
However, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has been gathering support, with candidate Alexander Jones aiming to take the position from Labour.
James Randle is a student who has been working at the polling station. He said: “There’s definitely been a steady stream through the day.
“The majority of voters have been older so far but we’re expecting more younger voters to stream in later in the day. I couldn’t call it.”
The election this year has been controversial, marked by the possibility of far-right success and strong policies.
The majority of candidates support the reopening of Sheffield Doncaster Airport, which is also backed by Oliver Coppard and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
The airport was closed in 2022 due to financial issues, and on a visit to the site in April Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I’m really delighted to back the mayor’s plans for Doncaster Airport.
“What a waste as this community has had to watch that airport sitting empty.”
Reform candidate Alex Jones also gathered debate, with The Telegraph having reported he had messaged contentious social media personality Andrew Tate, calling him his ‘motivation’.
The 30 year old model and foreign trader still hopes to capitalise on Labour’s alleged failings over the last 5 years, which has angered the local community.
Other candidates also include former Doncaster MP Nick Fletcher for the Conservative party and Mihai Melenciuc for the Liberal Democrats.
All 55 seats are also up for grabs in the council election.
While Labour currently hold the majority, Reform have performed well in the polls, and election results will likely be announced in the early hours of tomorrow.
Voters are encouraged to take their ID, for more on how to find the nearest polling station visit https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/ways-vote/voting-person.