CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE ELECTED

THE Stocksbridge and Penistone constituency elected a new MP during the General Election, with the Conservative candidate, Miriam Cates, taking the seat.

Miriam, who has represented the Oughtibridge ward on Bradfield Parish Council since 2015, won by a large margin with 23,688 votes.

Stocksbridge Town Councillor and Labour candidate, Francyne Johnson, got the second highest number of votes with 16,478.

The Liberal Democrat candidate, Hannah Kitching totalled 5,054 votes and John Booker of the Brexit Party got 4,300.

After the vote was counted, Mrs Cates said: “I’d like to thank the returning officer and his staff for their dedication and long hours of hard work throughout the night. I’d like to thank the police for ensuring a safe and secure polling day.

“I’d also like to thank the other candidates for the courage and commitment they have shown in standing for election, and I very much look forward to working with them to benefit all the people of Penistone and Stocksbridge.

“A huge thank you to my own supporters and my campaign team; Debbie, David, Michael and every person who has helped - you know who you are - this is a victory for all of us.

“And I want to thank my wonderful family – especially my husband Dave – and my amazing friends for your love, support, encouragement and many, many gifts of practical help during the campaign.

“We have made history here in South Yorkshire tonight. For too long, there has been a sense of frustration in our area, as we have felt left behind, held back and unrepresented.

“But tonight, the people of Penistone and Stocksbridge have voted for a fresh start. We have chosen a future of ambition and aspiration. A future where enterprise and creativity will be encouraged.

“We have chosen a future where opportunity can be available to all, right here in our towns and villages. And we have voted to uphold democracy.

“Above all, I want to say thank you to the people of Penistone, Stocksbridge, Dodworth, Chapeltown, Oughtibridge and all our villages for putting your faith in me.

“I am honoured to be able to serve you in this way and I will work tirelessly for a better future for everyone in our precious communities.”

Outgoing MP, Angela Smith, stood for the Liberal Democrats in Altrincham and Sale but failed to be elected.

In the neighbouring constituency of Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, Labour’s Gill Furniss held on to her seat by a majority of over 12,000. Labour were also re-elected in Sheffield Hallam, with Olivia Blake taking the seat.