Posted by David Boothroyd View David's blog
4 years ago / January 8, 2021
The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.
Changes of allegiance
Basildon: Peter Holliman, who was elected for the Conservative Party in Wickford North ward, has left to establish the ‘Absolute Independent’ group together with Kevin Blake (Burstead ward) who had left the Conservative group in July.
Spelthorne: Two councillors elected for the Labour Party have left the party over lack of support for Keir Starmer, and formed an Independent Labour group. They are Veena Siva (Staines ward) and Jenny Vinson (Staines South ward).
Worcestershire: Tom Wells, who was elected for the Liberal Democrats in Powick division, has left the party to sit as an Independent county councillor.
New vacancies
Basildon: Langdon Hills ward, after the death of Independent councillor Imelda Clancy. Term ends 2022.
Eastbourne: Hampden Park ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Dean Sabri. Term ends 2023.
Hounslow: Cranford ward, after the death of Labour councillor Poonam Dhillon. Term ends 2022.
Isle of Anglesey: Seiriol division, after the resignation of Plaid Cymru councillor Lewis Davies. Term ends 2022.
Oxford: St Margarets ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Harris, who has accepted a job in Hong Kong. His term was due to end in May so no byelection will be held.
Redbridge: Loxford ward, after the disqualification of Labour councillor Chaudhary Mohammed Iqbal who has been sentenced to 68 weeks’ imprisonment for fraudulently declaring a false address when standing for election.
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. The Cabinet Office has confirmed that local elections teams should not plan on this date being brought forward. Regulations in Wales will require outstanding byelections to be held in a period between 1 March and 16 April 2021.
Other updates
South Derbyshire: Following the mass defection which deprived the Conservatives of a majority, the council leader has resigned. It is possible that a minority Labour administration may take control. A full council meeting is scheduled for Thursday 14 January.