Hot cross buns special

Posted by David Boothroyd
View David's blog
4 years ago / April 17, 2020

The latest updates on local electoral information are as follows.

Local government reform

  • Some details of local government reorganisation in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire have had to be changed due to the Coronavirus crisis and consequent postponement of elections. Regulations now provide for the shadow Buckinghamshire authority to become the new council for the first year, and also to establish new shadow unitary authorities in North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. In each case the shadow authorities consist of all district and county councillors previously elected in areas covered by the new councils; if anyone was serving on both tiers, they get only one vote.

Changes of allegiance

  • Hartlepool: Tom Cassidy, who was elected as an Independent councillor for Hart ward and had been in the Independent Union group, has joined the Conservative Party.
  • Hertfordshire: Roma Mills, who was elected for the Labour Party in St Albans North division, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.
  • Portsmouth: Lee Mason, who was elected for the Conservative Party in Cosham ward, has been suspended from the party after questions were asked about hot cross bun decorations.
  • Rhondda Cynon Taff: It is noted that Mike Powell, elected for the Liberal Democrats in Trallwn division, left the party in December and is now an Independent; Mike Diamond, who was elected for the Conservatives in Llantwit Fardre division but left the party in February last year, has now returned.
  • St Albans: Roma Mills, who was elected for the Labour Party in Batchwood ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.
  • Scarborough: Neil Heritage, who was elected for the UK Independence Party in Newby ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor.
  • Wyre: The five-member Brexit Party group, four of whom were originally elected for the UK Independence Party and one of whom was originally Labour, have now left the party to establish the Wyre Alliance group.

New vacancies

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.
  • Aberdeen: The byelection due in Kincorth/Nigg/Cove ward will be held on 5 November.
  • North Lanarkshire: The byelection due in Fortissat ward will be held on 19 November.
  • North Lanarkshire: The byelection due in Thorniewood ward will be held on 19 November.