COUNCIL BY-ELECTIONS 17.09.26

It's four vacancies again this week, including a Nottinghamshire seat filled on the somewhat unorthodox polling day of Tuesday.

Preview and results will appear below.

Wreake Valley, Charnwood Borough Council

(Grn defence)

Triggered by the resignation of the incumbent, due to ongoing health issues and 'changes in her personal circumstances'.  She was elected in 2023, topping the poll in a clean sweep for the Greens as they took all three of the ward's seats following boundary changes.  The Lib Dems and Reform will join a five way contest for this rural ward on Thursday.

Karl - Grn HOLD

Rich - Con GAIN

Walkley, Sheffield City Council

(Grn defence)

Triggered by the resignation of the incumbent, just three months after he sensationally unseated the Labour council leader.  It was a close fought contest on May 7, with the Green candidate winning by a narrow margin of 73 votes.  However, it turned out to be another case of poor candidate selection on the part of the Greens.  The new councillor stood down citing pressure and stress, as a direct result of what he called the 'huge weight of expectation and obligation'.  Labour will now be looking to win the seat back from their Sheffield coalition partners.  The only change from May's ballot is the absence of an independent candidate.

Karl - Lab GAIN

Rich - Lab GAIN

Avondale & Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire 

(free-for-all, was Ind)

Triggered by the death of the longstanding incumbent, following a lengthy illness.  She had been elected as a Labour councillor in 2012, but left the party shortly after being re-elected in 2017.  She was re-elected again in 2022, topping the poll on first preference votes.  The ballot paper will be a crowded affair this time, with no less than five newcomers.  There is no Alba candidate this time, with the party having folded earlier this year.  Reform, the Lib Dems, Your Party, the Alliance for Democracy and Freedom and a new independent join the fray.

Karl - Lab GAIN

Rich - SNP GAIN

East Markham, Bassetlaw District Council

Ref: 436 (49.6%) New

Con: 250 (28.4%) -37.6%

Lab: 151 (17.2%) -4.1%

Grn: 42 (4.8%) New

Ref GAIN from Con

Tuesday's action was triggered by the resignation of the incumbent, for undisclosed reasons.  The Conservatives have held this single seat rural ward for almost the entirety of its existence, although the outgoing councillor served less than one term.  He easily defeated second placed Labour in 2023, garnering more than three times their vote.  The Lib Dems did not stand this time.

Karl - Con HOLD ✘

Rich - Ref GAIN ✔