The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.
Changes of allegiance
- Basildon: Kevin Blake, who was elected for the Conservative Party in Burstead ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.
- Brighton and Hove: Two councillors who were elected for the Labour Party but have come under investigation for social media posts have left the party to sit as Independent councillors. They are Kate Knight (Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward) and Nichole Brennan (East Brighton ward). Note that a third councillor, Anne Pissaridou, is under investigation but retains the Labour whip. Their moves have had a dramatic effect on the council – see below.
New vacancies
- Ashford: Beaver ward, after the death of Labour councillor Alex Ward. Term ends 2023.
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: Canford Heath ward, after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Pete Parrish. Term ends 2023. His death may put the ruling coalition in a minority.
- Corby: Danesholme ward, after the disqualification of Labour councillor Peter Petch who did not attend any meetings in six months. The vacancy will not be filled as the authority will be abolished next April.
- Corby: Kingswood ward, after the resignation of Labour councillor Isabel McNab. No byelection will take place as the authority will be abolished next April.
- Enfield: Southbury ward, after the death of Labour councillor Chris Bond. Term ends 2022.
- South Cambridgeshire: Melbourn ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Philippa Hart, who has also left her political party. Term ends 2023.
Dates for byelections
- In England, all current vacancies which do not fill a term ending in 2021 will be held on 6 May 2021, the ordinary day for local elections. In Wales, all byelections will be held in a period between 1 February and 16 April 2021.
- Highland: The byelection due in Aird and Loch Ness ward will be held on 5 November.
- Orkney Islands: The byelection due in North Isles ward will be held on 1 October.
- Perth and Kinross: The byelection due in Perth City North ward will be held on 26 November.
- Perth and Kinross: The byelection due in Perth City South ward will be held on 26 November.
Other updates
- Brighton and Hove: The two councillors who left the Labour group this week mean the Green Party is now the largest, and the Labour leadership decided to step aside and let the Green Party form an administration. The Green Party have therefore taken minority control.
- St Helens: The council has chosen to go over to all council elections. An all out election will be held in May 2022 on new boundaries, with ensuing elections every four years.
A service provided by
Political and community consultation experts