Stand as an Independent in Barnsley
Local People. Local Voices. Independent Thinking.
Barnsley deserves councillors who are rooted in their communities, free to think for themselves, and answerable only to the people who elect them.
If you care about where you live and want to make a difference without party constraints, standing as an Independent could be right for you.
Why Stand as an Independent?
Because Barnsley isn’t one-size-fits-all
Being an Independent councillor isn’t about ticking boxes or following a party line. It’s about representing real people, real places and real concerns.
Independents in Barnsley come from many walks of life:
Community volunteers
Parents and carers
Small business owners
Environmental campaigners
Housing advocates
Retired professionals
First-time candidates who simply care
You don’t need to fit a mould. You just need to care.
What Independence Really Means
Freedom to represent your community properly
As an Independent:
You are not bound by party whips
You are not required to vote a certain way
You are free to speak honestly
You can put your ward first, always
Some Independents prioritise green spaces and sustainability.
Others focus on housing, roads, care services or town centres.
Many care about all of these things.
That diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
About Barnsley First Independent Group
A platform, not a party
Barnsley First Independent Group exists to:
Support Independent candidates
Share experience and practical guidance
Offer a collaborative space for local voices
Promote transparency, accountability and common sense
The policies on this website are not a rigid manifesto.
They are a glimpse of shared concerns across the borough.
They can grow.
They can change.
They can be added to.
Your lived experience matters.
Why Independence Works in Barnsley
Voters understand what Independent means. It is familiar. It is trusted. And it speaks directly to local representation.
Many residents are tired of party politics and national agendas creeping into local decisions. Standing as an Independent allows you to present yourself clearly as someone focused on Barnsley, not party positioning.
As an Independent councillor, you are free to work with any party or group when it benefits your community, while remaining accountable only to the people who elected you.
Independence isn’t about isolation. It’s about freedom, honesty and putting local people first.
What We Ask of Candidates
You do not need to agree with everyone on everything.
What we do ask is that Independent candidates:
Act with integrity
Listen to residents
Stay open and accountable
Put people before politics
Respect that others may hold different views
Independence means cooperation without control.
Is This For You?
You might be ready to stand if:
You feel local voices are not being heard
You want to improve your area, not climb a political ladder
You believe decisions should be made locally
You want freedom from party constraints
You value honesty over spin
You don’t need prior political experience. You do need commitment.
How We Support You
We can help with:
Understanding what standing involves
Candidate guidance and timelines
Campaign basics and compliance
Connecting with other Independents
Sharing best practice without dictating views
You remain your own person.
Your voice stays yours.
Interested in Standing as an Independent in Barnsley?
If you’re thinking about taking that step, we’d like to hear from you.
This is an informal conversation, not a commitment.
