It's all about Reform this week, with the party defending both of the two vacant seats. After last week's surprise loss to the Greens, they will be looking to prevent Polanski's crazy gang from hijacking their momentum as the May elections draw closer. Both of the vacancies arose through resignations of incumbents elected last May, both ostensibly on health grounds. In Leicestershire the Reform councillor had been forced to issue a statement as to the motive for his departure, after it was linked to his poor attendance record. The Northumberland councillor had also been accused of poor attendance, in addition to a lack of engagement with local residents. Having confirmed he is being treated for kidney cancer, perhaps they could cut him a little slack now.
We expect podium finishes in Northumberland to go to Reform, the Conservatives and Greens, and probably in that order. The Leicestershire seat is also likely to go to one of these parties, we'll stick our necks out for a tremendously close Tory gain there.
Narborough & Whetstone, Leicestershire County Council
(Ref defence)
Cramlington South West, Northumberland County Council
(Ref defence)
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