英国工党在今年5月的巴恩斯利地方选举中遭遇历史性惨败，仅保留11个议员席位，而改革党则获得42席[1]。这场选举危机促使工党领导人基尔·斯塔默辞职，由安迪·伯恩汉姆接任[1]。
短短100天后，形势出现逆转[1]。最新民调显示工党首次领先改革党，支持率分别为24%和22%[1]。面对失地局面，工党正积极争取流失选民回流，并通过定于周四举行的彭尼斯通东区补选作为试金石，以检验选民态度是否改善[1]。工党对这场补选充满信心，计划通过胜利在该选区赢得第三席[1]。
工党的重振策略包括推行创新政策，其中涵盖"街道卫生服务"和18岁以下免费公交等举措[1]。该党已在彭尼斯通东区接触超过1000名选民[1]。部分曾在5月投票支持改革党的选民表示愿意给工党听证机会[1]。巴恩斯利曾是工党执政的堡垒，其前工党政府因此获得2023年地方政府最佳委员会的双料奖[1]。
Labour suffered a catastrophic defeat in Barnsley's May local elections, retaining only 11 seats while the Reform Party secured 42.[1] The party's fortunes have since shifted dramatically following Andy Burnham's appointment as Labour leader, with the latest polling showing Labour leading Reform by two percentage points, at 24 to 22 percent.[1] The party is now attempting to reclaim support among voters who switched allegiance, with a forthcoming by-election in Penistone East serving as a crucial test of whether the electoral damage can be reversed.
Labour's strategy centres on reconnecting with disaffected Barnsley voters through new policy initiatives and direct engagement.[1] The party has already canvassed over 1,000 constituents in Penistone East ahead of Thursday's by-election, which Labour is confident of winning and would represent a third seat in the area.[1] Some voters who backed Reform in May have indicated willingness to give Labour another hearing, signaling potential openings for recovery.[1] The party has introduced innovative programmes including street cleansing services and free bus travel for under-eighteens as part of its renewed appeal.[1] Notably, Barnsley's previous Labour administration had earned the Local Government Association's double award for best council in 2023, a legacy the party hopes to rebuild upon.[1]