Labour have retained overall control of Barnsley council in the 2023 local election.
With votes still being counted, the party had made three gains in the Dearne South, Monk Bretton and Stairfoot Ward, and have also managed to keep their seats in Dearne North and St Helens Ward.
Neil Wright, winner of the Labour seat for St Helens, said: “It is an outstanding result, the hard work now begins.”
Cllr Wright won 1,035 votes, allowing him to keep his seat for another term
He told ShefNews: “The gains from Labour today are definitely an indication that people are upset with the government.
“People are beginning to wake up and think ‘we need to do something’.”
As the declarations come rolling in, there is a buzz about the Metrodome Leisure Complex.
Independent candidate Jake Lodge received the loudest applause so far, after winning 1,135 votes in Worsbrough ward.
Cllr Lodge said: “I am ecstatic. It just goes to show that there is an independent voice out there that wants to be represented.
“I do actually know some Labour voters that switched to independent because they wanted an alternative perspective.”
With 10 more wards to be declared, the arena waits in eager anticipation for the final result.
Keep your eye on Shefnews for more updates.