Sheffield’s Cultural Showdown: The Leadmill’s Fight for Survival Calls on Leader’s Support

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Photo by Tijs van Leur

The new leader of Sheffield City Council, Tom Hunt, has a major headache less than three months into the job — and it’s not something a quick paracetamol can solve.

The Leadmill, who are currently running the ‘Battle for the Soul of Sheffield’ campaign, have launched a major lobbying effort demanding that Hunt backs their bid to save their iconic venue — and more than 5,000 people have already committed to the push.

Supporters of the campaign are being asked to ‘#TellTom’ to back The Leadmill’s campaign to keep their doors open on Twitter/X, by email or postcard.

Tom Hunt is the Leader of Sheffield Council and so far hasn’t taken a position on the hostile takeover of The Leadmill, which puts decades of cultural heritage and history at risk

“This isn’t just about The Leadmill,” a spokesperson from The Leadmill said. “Everything that’s made our city what it is today is at stake. It may start with us, but it goes much further than that. If we don’t stop this hostile takeover, the very soul and character of our great city is at risk. Tom needs to pick a side.”

Supporters can either tweet @tomhunt100 using #TellTom, email him at tom.hunt@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk, or they can write letters to him. A campaign hub with posters and leaflets has also been launched so residents can show their support.

All the details to do so and guidance to do so can be found here: www.savetheleadmill.com/TellTom

A Spokesperson for The Leadmill said:

“This isn’t just about The Leadmill. Everything that’s made our city what it is today is now at stake, but here’s the truth: The leader of our council is ignoring us. We’ve reached out to Tom by text, phone call, email and letter — and we’ve heard nothing.

“Tom, of all people, should know that this hostile takeover risks fundamentally and forever changing the course of our city, heritage, and culture. It may start with us at The Leadmill, but it goes much further than that. If we don’t stop this hostile takeover, the very soul and character of our great city is at risk. Tom needs to pick a side.

“There are 80 members of staff who are incredibly passionate about ensuring that The Leadmill is a top quality venue that provides a huge variety of entertainment to visitors from across the globe, but we are all so tired of the ongoing situation — time and energy is being spent on trying to retain our jobs and The Leadmill. Its history and its legacy is so important to Sheffield and to all of us working here.

 

“That’s why we’re asking you – the great people of Sheffield (and further afield!) to help us win this battle. It’s simple, easy and quick: we need you to #TellTom to back our campaign. Tom Hunt is the leader of Sheffield City Council and is accountable to you. He is elected by you, works for you, and represents you. He should have your best interests at heart.

 

“We need you to #TellTom how you feel about this hostile takeover and #TellTom to join us in this Battle for the Soul of Sheffield. You can #TellTom by email, letter or tweet him.

 

“All the details to do so and guidance to do so can be found here: www.savetheleadmill.com/TellTom

 

“We have been overwhelmed by your support so far, but we can only win this Battle for the Soul of Sheffield with your help, so let’s get out there and #TellTom how we feel. And don’t forget to tell your friends and family to join too! Thank you.”