The Preston model is not likely to unravel just yet | Letters

By Guardian Staff · The Guardian Opinion

Gerrard Raven thinks Andy Beckett is worrying unnecessarily, while Misia Newsome says Barnsley has been regenerated by an effective council. Plus a letter from Austen Lynch “Were Reform to capture the council … the Preston model might quickly unravel,” writes Andy Beckett ( The UK’s radical ‘Preston model’ faces an uncertain future with local elections looming, 20 April ). He is worrying unnecessarily. Reform UK at present has just one seat on Preston city council. Councillors are elected by thirds, meaning 16 of the 48 seats – including the one held by Reform – are up for grabs in May. So in theory Reform could win 16 seats, which would hardly constitute capturing the council. One election prediction website I have consulted tips Reform to win just two Preston seats. Gerrard Raven Teddington, London • Preston is not the only northern town that has been significantly improved by an effective Labour council. My Barnsley-born husband and I found that town transformed when we visited a few days ago, not just by the new health hub you reported on last week, but by thoughtful regeneration. The town centre is modernised; the legendary market is alive and well. Last Saturday, Reform UK was canvassing in the town centre, but there was no sign of a Labour stall to remind people who had done these changes. I hope that local people celebrate the value of these real achievements and do not flip to Reform, which would be a slap in the face of the councillors who have worked so hard to make Barnsley a better place over many years. A good news story at last. Misia Newsome Oxford Continue reading...