The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.
Changes of allegiance
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: Four councillors have left the Conservative group, in a dispute over selections for next years’ election. They are Steve Baron (Parkstone ward), Mohan Iyengar (Canford Cliffs ward), Daniel Butt (Hamworthy ward) and Judy Butt (Creekmoor ward). All four are now sitting as unaligned councillors; their move has removed the Conservative overall majority.
- Colchester: Martin Leatherdale, who was elected for the Conservatives in Lexden and Braiswick ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.
- Folkestone and Hythe: Peter Gane, who was elected for the Conservatives in Cheriton ward, has joined the Folkestone and Hythe Independent Group.
- Rugby: Jim Ellis, who was elected for the Labour Party in Newbold and Brownsover ward, has left the party “for personal reasons” to sit as an Independent Labour councillor.
- Scarborough: Simon Green, who was elected for the Conservative Party in Cayton ward, has left the party to sit as an unaffiliated councillor.
- Spelthorne: Michele Gibson, who was elected for the Conservatives in Riverside and Laleham ward, has left the party to sit as an unaffiliated Independent councillor.
New vacancies
- Basildon: Nethermayne ward, after the death of Independent councillor Pauline Kettle. Term ends 2023.
- Ceredigion: Lampeter ward, after the death of Labour councillor Hag Harris. Term ends 2027.
- Colchester: Lexden and Braiswick ward, after the resignation of Independent councillor Martin Leatherdale (who left the group a few days before his resignation). Term ends 2026.
- Cumbria: Dearham and Broughton division, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Hugo Graham. Term ends April next year when the authority is abolished.
- North Tyneside: Camperdown ward, after the disqualification of Labour councillor Jim Allan who has not attended a council meeting in six months. Term ends 2024.
- Wirral: Liscard ward, after the resignation of Labour councillor David Brennan. Term ends 2024.
Dates for byelections
- Breckland: The byelection due in Thetford Boudica ward will be held on 14 July.
- Camden: The byelection due in Hampstead Town ward will be held on 7 July.
- Chesterfield: The byelection due in Hollingwood and Inkersall ward will be held on 7 July.
- Epsom and Ewell: The byelection due in West Ewell ward will be held on 7 July.
- Hackney: The byelection due in De Beauvoir ward will be held on 7 July.
- City of London Corporation: An election for Alderman for Bridge ward will be held on 6 July (wardmote) and 7 July (poll).
- City of London Corporation: An election for Alderman for Walbrook ward will be held on 6 July (wardmote) and 7 July (poll).
- Milton Keynes: The byelection due in Woughton and Fishermead ward will be held on 7 July.
- Shetland Islands: The byelection due in North Isles ward will be held on 4 August.
- Welwyn Hatfield: The byelection due in Hatfield Central ward will be held on 7 July.
- West Sussex: The byelection due in Worthing West division will be held on 7 July.
Other updates
- Wrexham: Accidentally omitted from last week’s round-up of new council leaderships is the fact that the Independent and Conservative groups have agreed a coalition to run the council.
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