Quartet of change

Posted by David Boothroyd
View David's blog
8 months ago / February 9, 2024

The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.

Results

  • Blaenau Gwent: The byelection in Ebbw Vale South ward held on 8 February was won by Jonathan Millard, who was an Independent candidate. He succeeds a councillor elected as an Independent but who had joined the Labour Party.
  • Cheshire East: The byelection in Crewe Central ward held on 8 February was won by Roger Morris. Conservative gain from Labour.
  • Gwynedd: The byelection in Criccieth division held on 8 February was won by Siân Williams. Plaid Cymru win a seat previously held by an Independent councillor.
  • West Northamptonshire: The byelection in East Hunsbury and Shelfleys ward held on 8 February was won by Carl Squires. Liberal Democrat gain from Conservative.

Change of allegiance

  • Blackburn with Darwen: Hussain Akhtar, who was elected for the Labour Party in Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward, but suspended from the whip in August 2023, has now returned.
  • Havering: Robby Misir, who was elected for the Conservatives in Marshalls and Rise Park ward, has joined Havering Residents Association. Meanwhile Philip Ruck, who was elected for the Upminster and Cranham Residents’ Association in Cranham ward, and had been a member of the Havering Residents Association group, has left it to sit as an Independent councillor.
  • North Yorkshire: Mike Jordan, who was elected for the Conservatives in Camblesforth and Carlton division but left the party in June last year, has now joined Reform UK. He remains sitting in the NY Independent group.
  • Runnymede: Robert Bromley, who was elected for the Conservatives in Addlestone North ward, has joined Reform UK.

New vacancy

  • Knowsley: Whitefield ward, after the disqualification of Independent councillor Steve Guy, who failed to attend any meetings in six months. Term ends 2026.

Dates for byelections

  • Lancaster: The byelection due in Castle ward will be held on 14 March.
  • North Kesteven: The byelection due in Heckington Rural ward will be held on 21 March.
  • Orkney Islands: The byelection due in Stromness and South Isles ward will be held on 28 March.
  • Wiltshire: The byelection due in Cricklade and Latton division will be held on 14 March.