Annaleece Longmore

Eunice Asante, Reform UK's candidate in the Penistone East by-election, has been criticized over a deleted 2025 Facebook post promoting Mounjaro and Wegovy weight-loss treatments at her Huddersfield clinic, Watcom IV Health and Beauty Clinic. UK rules prohibit advertising prescription-only medicines directly to the public, with breaches potentially carrying an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison. Barnsley Labour Group questioned Asante's suitability and Reform UK's candidate-vetting process, while Reform Barnsley and Reform UK did not respond to requests for comment. Regulators have warned businesses that prescription medicines may only be discussed with patients as potential treatment options after a consultation.

Rotherham Council approved plans to convert the long-vacant Sportsman pub in Swinton into a convenience store despite nearly 50 objections and a petition signed by 154 residents. Opponents cited delivery traffic, inadequate parking, pedestrian safety, litter, anti-social behaviour and possible criminal activity, while one resident argued that the building should instead become affordable housing. The store will operate from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and until 9pm on Sundays, with deliveries subject to restricted hours and no customer parking on site.

James Swallow-Gaunt, a Barnsley parent campaigning for SEND reform, says the council demonises families whose autistic or otherwise vulnerable children struggle to attend school and that parents who complain can be treated as potential abusers. His concerns follow four child suicides in Barnsley between 2022 and 2025, including an inquest finding that poor communication between mental health services contributed to one death. Barnsley Council nevertheless received top marks in a May 2026 SEND inspection. The council rejects the suggestion that parents are investigated simply for raising concerns, saying safeguarding enquiries are initiated only where there is reason to believe a child faces significant harm or neglect, while pledging to work with families to improve support.

Residents of Eastwood in Rotherham say fly-tipping, rats and anti-social behaviour have blighted the area for more than a decade, with some claiming the problems have persisted for 15 years. They report dumped furniture and appliances, rodent carcasses, drug use, public drinking, loud music and intimidating groups, and argue that weak enforcement has encouraged both local residents and visitors to dump waste. Rotherham Council says it regularly clears rubbish, sweeps roads and responds to reports. It reports issuing 50 warning letters, nine fixed penalty notices and securing three convictions over the previous year, but acknowledges that more needs to be done.

Rotherham Council is being urged to strengthen water safety measures following recent drowning deaths in South Yorkshire. Councillor Jodie Ryalls has submitted a motion calling for national support, expanded public safety education and the implementation of Sam’s Law to ensure rescue equipment at high‑risk open water sites. The proposal calls for a review of council‑managed water locations, engagement with local MPs and the creation of a dedicated ministerial role for water safety and drowning prevention. The motion is set for debate at a full council meeting on July 15.