Minehead byelection not as Python predicted

Posted by David Boothroyd
View David's blog
14 years ago / November 3, 2009

The one byelection held on Thursday 16 April saw the Independents of West Somerset district council hold their seat in Minehead South ward; the new councillor was proposed for election by the former councillor who formerly held the seat. Thankfully there were no National Bocialist candidates this time.

Selection problems in Lancashire have led Vali Patel, who was cabinet member for education on Lancashire county council where he represents Preston Central South division, to leave the party in preparation for fighting the election in June as an Independent. Labour have technically lost their majority on the council although no leadership change is likely due to the imminent full council elections.

Another north-west Labour councillor going independent is Sam Meteer, who represents Egremont North ward on Copeland borough council. His switch is ascribed to a difference of opinion on planning policy.