2023-24 Local Government By-Elections

[East Anglian Lefty]

You'll notice I didn't suggest that region imposing candidates was right in principle, merely outlined factors affecting whether or not it might work well in practice.

[LDCaerdydd]

Feb 26, 2024 9:52:54 GMT carolus said:

North Yorkshire, "Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone" (2026). Pat Marsh (Independent Unaffiliated, elected as Liberal Democrat) has been removed from the list of councillors.

Called for 11th April.

[carolus]

Sefton, Litherland (2024). Trish Hardy (Labour) has been removed from the list of councillors.

[listener]

Oxford, St. Clement's (2024). Tom Hayes (Labour) has been removed from the list of councillors.

[Rutlander]

Lambeth (Knights Hill Ward)
Sonia Winifred (LAB - suspended) has resigned

[southernliberal]

Feb 27, 2024 20:12:02 GMT olympian95 said:

Knights Hill, Lambeth - Cllr Sonia Winifred has resigned (Lab)

She resigned a week or so ago, this is her statement

[carolus]

14 March:
Lancaster, Castle (2027). Shelagh McGregor (Green) has ceased to be a councillor.
Wiltshire, Cricklade & Latton (2025). Bob Jones (Liberal Democrat) has died.

21 March:
Cambridgeshire, Yaxley & Farcet (2025). Mac Maguire (Conservative) has died.
Flintshire, Brynford & Halkyn (2027). Jean Davies (Conservative) has been removed from the list of councillors.
Knowsley, Whitefield (2026). Steve Guy (Independent) has been disqualified for non-attendance.
North Kesteven, Heckington Rural (2027). Stewart Ogden (Conservative) has resigned.

28 March:
Neath Port Talbot, Neath East (2027). Sheila Penry (Labour) has died.
Orkney, Stromness & South Isles (2027). James Stockan (Independent) has resigned.
Somerset, Somerton (2027). Dean Ruddle (Liberal Democrat) has died.

4 April:
Cornwall, "Looe West, Pelynt, Lansallos & Lanteglos" (2025). Edwina Hannaford (Liberal Democrat) has died.
North Northamptonshire, Desborough (2025). Mike Tebbutt (Conservative) has died.
Wealden, Uckfield New Town (2027). Spike Mayhew (Independent) has been disqualified for non-attendance.

11 April:

Highland, Inverness South (2027). Colin Aitken (Liberal Democrat) has resigned.

North Yorkshire, "Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone" (2027). Pat Marsh (Independent Unaffiliated, elected as Liberal Democrat) has resigned.

16 April:

Pembrokeshire, St Ishmaels (2027). Reg Owens (Independent) has been removed from the list of councillors.

18 April:

East Cambridgeshire, Ely West (2027). Robert Pitt (Liberal Democrat) has resigned.

25 April:

Angus, "Arbroath West, Letham & Friockheim" (2027). David Fairweather (Independent) has resigned.

Known Vacancies where a byelection is expected:

Brighton & Hove, Kemptown (2027). Bharti Gajjar (Independent, elected as Labour) has resigned.

Brighton & Hove, Queen's Park (2027). Chandni Mistry (Independent, elected as Labour) has resigned.

Cardiff, Grangetown (2027). Absul Sattar (Labour) has died.
Croydon, Woodside (2026). Mike Bonello (Labour) has resigned.
East Devon, Exmouth Brixington (2027). Fred Caygill (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.
Ipswich, St John's (2026). Sophie Connelly (Labour) has died.
Lambeth, Knights Hill (2026). Sonia Winifred (Labour) has resigned.
Lancaster, Carnforth & Millhead (2027). Paul Gardner (Labour) has died.
North Ayrshire, Kilwinning (2027). John Glover (Conservative) has died.
North Tyneside, Cullercoats (2024). Linda Arkley (Conservative) has died.
Teignbridge, Ashburton & Buckfastleigh (2027). Huw Cox (Liberal Democrat) has died.

Torridge, Bideford North (2027). Peter Christie (Green) has died.

Waverley, Farnham Castle (2027). Heather McClean (Farnham Residents) has resigned.

Waverley, Milford & Witley (2027). Andy Law (Liberal Democrat) has died.
Worcestershire, Evesham North West (2025). Peter Griffiths (Conservative) has died.

Known Vacancies where the six month rule applies and so a byelection will not be held:
Barnsley, Darton East (2024). Mat Crisp (Liberal Democrat) has resigned.
Barnsley, Kingstone (2024). Pooja Ramchandani (Labour) has ceased to be a councillor.
Basildon, Billericay East (2027). David Dadds (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.
Calderdale, Illingworth & Mixenden (2024). Guy Beech (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.
Castle Point, Canvey Island North (2024). John Payne (Canvey Island Independent Party) has ceased to be a councillor.
Havant, Hart Plain (2024). Carly Scannell (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Lemington (2024). Jason Smith (Newcastle Independents) has resigned.

North Tyneside, Valley (2024). Carole Burdis (Labour) has died.

Oxford, St Clements (2024). Tom Hayes (Labour) has resigned.

Pendle, Earby & Coates (2024). Rosemary Carroll (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.
Rochdale, North Heywood (2024). Peter Rush (Labour) has died.
Rossendale, Longholme (2024). Steve Hughes (Labour) has resigned.

Rushmoor, Fernhill (2024). Jessica Auton (Conservative) has resigned.

Sefton, Litherland (2024). Trish Hardy (Labour) has been removed from the list of councillors.

Stroud, Nailsworth (2024). Norman Kay (Green) has died.

[Davıd Boothroyd]

Additional vacancies

Durham: Horden. Cause: Death of Isabella Roberts (Lab) on 29 February 2024.
Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Additional 'six month rule' vacancies

Dorset: Littlemoor and Preston. Cause: Disqualification of Peter Dickenson (C) on election on 12 January 2024.
Havant: Battins. Cause: Disqualification of Tom Moutray (Ind) on 1 February 2024.

[timrollpickering]

Mar 8, 2024 18:43:54 GMT Davıd Boothroyd said:

Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Isn't it a little harsh that elected mayors get automatically disqualified as councillors. Can't they have a few minutes to resign their seat with dignity?

[peterl]

Mar 8, 2024 18:47:00 GMT timrollpickering said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:43:54 GMT Davıd Boothroyd said:

Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Isn't it a little harsh that elected mayors get automatically disqualified as councillors. Can't they have a few minutes to resign their seat with dignity?

Some would hold onto the seat as long as possible to collect two allowances.

[carolus]

Mar 8, 2024 18:43:54 GMT Davıd Boothroyd said:

Additional vacancies

Durham: Horden. Cause: Death of Isabella Roberts (Lab) on 29 February 2024.
Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Additional 'six month rule' vacancies

Dorset: Littlemoor and Preston. Cause: Disqualification of Peter Dickenson (C) on election on 12 January 2024.
Havant: Battins. Cause: Disqualification of Tom Moutray (Ind) on 1 February 2024.

I notices that Dickenson was added to the list of councillors just a couple of days ago - are we convinced (and more importantly, I suppose, are Dorset) there's a vacancy there?

[Davıd Boothroyd]

Mar 8, 2024 22:52:50 GMT carolus said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:43:54 GMT Davıd Boothroyd said:

Additional vacancies

Durham: Horden. Cause: Death of Isabella Roberts (Lab) on 29 February 2024.
Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Additional 'six month rule' vacancies

Dorset: Littlemoor and Preston. Cause: Disqualification of Peter Dickenson (C) on election on 12 January 2024.
Havant: Battins. Cause: Disqualification of Tom Moutray (Ind) on 1 February 2024.

I notices that Dickenson was added to the list of councillors just a couple of days ago - are we convinced (and more importantly, I suppose, are Dorset) there's a vacancy there?

Odd. They've given the start of his service as 1 March, and I note he's marked as 'in attendance' at a scrutiny committee yesterday. I had a look through the video and couldn't spot him.

The law is quite clear that the disqualification relates to the date of nomination (see www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-local-government-elections-england/what-you-need-know-you-stand-a-candidate/qualifications-and-disqualifications-standing-election/disqualifications/working-local-authority) so it can't be cured by resigning later.

[andrewteale]

Mar 8, 2024 18:47:00 GMT timrollpickering said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:43:54 GMT Davıd Boothroyd said:

Lewisham: Deptford. Cause: Disqualification of Brenda Dacres (Lab) on 8 March 2024.

Isn't it a little harsh that elected mayors get automatically disqualified as councillors. Can't they have a few minutes to resign their seat with dignity?

I think "disqualified" is a little harsh. The rules in this situation don't use that word: they say that "a vacancy shall arise in the office in the office of councillor".

[Local Government Act 2000, section 9HA]
(1) If the person who is returned at an election as the elected mayor of a local authority is also returned at an election held at the same time as a councillor of the authority, a vacancy arises in the office of councillor.

(2) If the person who is returned at an election (“the mayoral election”) as the elected mayor of a local authority—

(a) is a councillor of the authority, and

(b) was returned as such a councillor at an election held at an earlier time than the mayoral election,

a vacancy shall arise in the office of councillor.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), a person who is the elected mayor of a local authority may not be a candidate in an election for the return of a councillor or councillors of the authority.

(4) A person who is the elected mayor of a local authority may be a candidate in an election for the return of a councillor or councillors of the authority if the election is held at the same time as an election for the return of the elected mayor of the authority, but subsection (1) applies if the person is a candidate in both such elections and is returned both as the elected mayor and as a councillor.

[johnloony]

Mar 9, 2024 6:45:14 GMT andrewteale said:

Mar 8, 2024 18:47:00 GMT timrollpickering said:

Isn't it a little harsh that elected mayors get automatically disqualified as councillors. Can't they have a few minutes to resign their seat with dignity?

I think "disqualified" is a little harsh. The rules in this situation don't use that word: they say that "a vacancy shall arise in the office in the office of councillor".

[Local Government Act 2000, section 9HA]
(1) If the person who is returned at an election as the elected mayor of a local authority is also returned at an election held at the same time as a councillor of the authority, a vacancy arises in the office of councillor.

(2) If the person who is returned at an election (“the mayoral election”) as the elected mayor of a local authority—

(a) is a councillor of the authority, and

(b) was returned as such a councillor at an election held at an earlier time than the mayoral election,

a vacancy shall arise in the office of councillor.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), a person who is the elected mayor of a local authority may not be a candidate in an election for the return of a councillor or councillors of the authority.

(4) A person who is the elected mayor of a local authority may be a candidate in an election for the return of a councillor or councillors of the authority if the election is held at the same time as an election for the return of the elected mayor of the authority, but subsection (1) applies if the person is a candidate in both such elections and is returned both as the elected mayor and as a councillor.

When Jason Perry was elected as Mayor of Croydon (the votes in the Mayoral election were counted first) and then elected as a councillor, the Returning Officer simply declared that the other two councillors were elected but that Perry was not eligible to take up a seat and it was therefore vacant. He didn’t sign the councillors acceptance of office form; he wasn’t declared elected; he wasn’t declared disqualified, and he didn’t “resign”.

[Rutlander]

North Lincolnshire Council (Brumby ward; LAB)
Steve Swift has died after falling ill during a budget meeting.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-68518704

[Davıd Boothroyd]

North West Leicestershire: June Page (Lab, Snibston South) has resigned due to ill health.

Byelection likely on 2 May.

[carolus]

Warwick, Leamington Clarendon (2027). Katie Hunt (Labour) has resigned. www.warwickdc.gov.uk/news/article/1162/resignation_of_district_councillor_%E2%80%93_leamington_clarendon_ward

Is there something wrong with Leamington Clarendon? This is the third byelection in that ward in under three years.

Huntingdonshire, Great Paxton (2026). Richard West (Conservative) has ceased to be a councillor.

[wickofthesouth]

Adur DC, St Mary's. Cat Arnold (Lab, 2026) has resigned with immediate effect due to a 'local, political event' that remains unspecified at this time.

x.com/catarnold_/status/1767529019195421151?s=20

[ricmk]

Mar 12, 2024 13:19:36 GMT wickofthesouth said:

Adur DC, St Mary's. Cat Arnold (Lab, 2026) has resigned with immediate effect due to a 'local, political event' that remains unspecified at this time.

x.com/catarnold_/status/1767529019195421151?s=20

There's a response on the twitter thread suggesting that the "local, political event" was not being shortlisted for a parliamentary selection....

[Rutlander]

Peterborough (Werrington ward)
Stephen Lane (Peterborough First; ex 'Werrington First', ex IND) has resigned