A Message to Our Members on Labour’s Election Victory

Commenting on the results of the 2024 general election, Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said:

“Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce extends our congratulations to the Labour Party on their recent electoral victory. We look forward to working with the new Government and the region’s newly elected and returning representatives. Labour must use this mandate they have received to deliver the stability and certainty that businesses across South Yorkshire so desperately need.

“Labour has pledged to place rebuilding Britain’s stagnant economy at the heart of its manifesto plans. The greatest challenge it now faces is delivering on the promises made to an expectant electorate clamouring for change. For Barnsley and Rotherham, this means delivering a true levelling up agenda, enabling local businesses to embrace the opportunities promised through its manifesto pledges.

“As always, the devil will be in the detail. During the election campaign Labour placed economic growth at the heart of its plans.  It must now deliver on those promises.

“With the combination of a labour Government, a labour mayor and labour led local authorities, there is a golden opportunity to redress the long-term productivity and skills deficits which has stifled business growth in the region.

“Similarly, I hope that Labour will use this opportunity to deliver on its promises to reform the broken planning system and the unfair business rate system, both of which will play a vital role, not only in stimulating growth, but rebuilding our decimated high streets. The Government must now lay solid, long-term foundations that will drive the regional economy.

“At a time when many businesses are struggling, the Government should think carefully before introducing measures that would create additional financial burdens, or saddle them with more red tape.

The new Prime Minister must learn from the lessons of his predecessors and remember that although the country is crying out for change, the penalty for failure will be stark. With limited funds at their disposal and a commitment not to increase taxation, I suspect there will be some difficult choices ahead.”