Sevenoaks Labour split

The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.

Changes of allegiance

• Newcastle-under-Lyme: Simon White, who was elected for the Liberal Democrats in Madeley ward, but joined the Labour Party in March, has now left it to sit as an Independent councillor.
• Sevenoaks: Two of the four members of the Labour group have left it to sit as Independent councillors. They are Janet Sargeant (Swanley White Oak ward) and John Underwood (Swanley St Mary’s ward).
• York: Joe Watt, who was elected for the Conservatives in Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.

New vacancies

• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: Sgir’ an Taobh Siar agus Nis ward, after the death of Independent councillor Kenny Murray. Term ends 2017.
• Dartford: Brent ward, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Peter Cannon. As his term was due to end in May, he will not be replaced in a byelection.
• East Staffordshire: Yoxall ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Beryl Behague. As her term was due to end in May, no byelection may be held.
• Essex: Bocking division, after the death of UK Independence Party councillor Gordon Helm. Term ends 2017.
• Fenland: Manea ward, after the disqualification of councillor Mark Archer who moved to Bangkok and failed to attend any meetings of the council in six months. Term ends in May.
• Sevenoaks: Cowden and Hever ward, after the resignation of Christopher Neal who was elected as a Conservative but had joined the UK Independence Party in August. As his term was due to end in May, there will be no byelection.
• Wychavon: Elmley Castle and Somerville ward, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Roma Kirke. As her term was due to end in May, no byelection may be held.

Date for byelection

• Derbyshire: The byelection due in Brimington division will take place on 5 February.

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