Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones Loses Symbolic No-Confidence Vote Over Airport Reopening Delays

Doncaster's Labour Mayor Ros Jones lost a symbolic no confidence vote initiated by Reform UK councillor Guy Aston, accusing her of misleading the public about the reopening timeline of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). The motion, passed by a council majority dominated by Reform UK, criticized Jones for pledging a reopening by spring 2026, whereas full operations are now expected by summer 2028. Despite the vote, Jones affirmed she would remain in office, emphasizing the motion's lack of legal power to remove her or alter her statutory authority. Labour representatives dismissed the vote as political posturing and highlighted ongoing efforts to reopen the airport, including a £160 million funding approval for reopening plans targeting freight operations by 2027 and full passenger services by 2028. The dispute reflects broader political tensions in Doncaster, with Jones warning against ongoing political obstruction that could harm local residents, who face everyday challenges beyond the airport controversy. The situation underscores the centrality of the airport issue to Jones's electoral mandate and the divided council dynamics between Labour and Reform UK.