The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.
Changes of allegiance
- Amber Valley: Sheila Oakes, who was elected for Labour in Heanor East ward but was expelled from the group in April 2020, has rejoined it.
- Blaenau Gwent: The Independent Group has split, and a Minority Independent Group has been formed by four councillors: Phil Edwards (Ebbw Vale North division), Jonathan Millard and Keith Pritchard (both Ebbw Vale South division), and Lyn Elias (Brynmawr division). In addition Mark Holland (Six Bells division), who had been non-aligned since October, is now sitting as a ‘Save Us Now’ councillor.
- Braintree: Nick Unsworth, who was elected as an Independent in Coggeshall ward, has joined the Green Party.
- Bridgend: Rod Shaw, who was elected for the Labour Party in Pontycymmer division, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor. Also Aniel Pucella (Brackla division), who had been suspended from the Conservative group, has now rejoined it.
- Kent: Eric Hotson, who was elected for the Conservatives in Maidstone Rural South division, has left the party following his deselection, to sit as an Independent county councillor.
- Lancaster: The two councillors previously sitting as non-aligned Independent councillors have now joined the Independent group. They are Jake Goodwin (Westgate ward) and John Reynolds (Carnforth and Millhead ward).
- Scarborough: Jane Mortimer, who was elected for the Conservatives in Fylingdales ward, has left the party to sit as an unaffiliated councillor. It is also noted that the Independent members have reorganised with the creation of a Yorkshire Coast Independents Alliance group of five members.
New vacancies
- Castle Point: St George’s ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Brian Wood. Term ends 2023.
- Corby: Lloyds ward, after the resignation of Labour councillor Lucy Goult. As her term would have ended when the authority is abolished at the end of March, no byelection will follow.
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
- Croydon: Following the announcement last week that the council intended to call a referendum on a directly-elected Mayor, the Minister for Local Government Luke Hall has altered the law to allow the referendum to take place on 6 May alongside the scheduled GLA elections.
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