The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.
Changes of allegiance
- Bedford: Caroline Fensome, who was elected for the Conservatives in Castle ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor. Meanwhile Phil Merryman who was elected as a Liberal Democrat in Goldington ward, has also left his party to sit as an Independent following his deselection.
- Broadland: Paul Green, who was elected for the Conservatives in Blofield with South Walsham ward, has joined the UK Independence Party.
- Cotswold: It is noted that three councillors elected as Independents have joined the Conservatives over the past year. They are Sue Coakley (Kempsford and Lechlade ward), Chris Hancock (Northleach ward) and Stephen Hirst (Tetbury ward).
- Flintshire: Two councillors who were elected as Independents have joined the Labour Party. They are Carolyn Thomas (Treuddyn division, who was in the ‘New Independent’ group) and Richard Lloyd (Saltney Mold Junction division, who was in the ‘Independent Alliance’ group).
- Ribble Valley: Two councillors have joined the Conservative group. Ruth Hargreaves (Edisford and Low Moor) comes from the Liberal Democrats, while Jim Rogerson (Alston and Hothersall) was elected as an Independent.
New vacancies
- Cherwell: Caversfield ward, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Jon O’Neill. Term ends 2016.
- Cheshire East: Poynton West and Adlington ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Phil Hoyland. His term would have ended in May so there will not be a byelection.
- Craven: Upper Wharfedale ward, after the death of Conservative councillor John Roberts. Term ends 2016.
- Cumbria: Walney South division, after the resignation of Labour county councillor Mandy Telford who is moving out of the county. Term ends 2017.
- North West Leicestershire: Ibstock and Heather ward, after the death of Labour councillor Dave De Lacy. As his term would have ended in May, there will be no byelection.
- South Derbyshire: Hilton ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Mick Bale. His term was due to end in May so he will not be replaced in a byelection.
- West Devon: Thrushel ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Donald Horn. His term would have ended in May so there will not be a byelection for a replacement.
Date for byelection
- Cumbria: The byelection due in Walney South division will be held on 16 April.
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