Second By-Election Announced in County Durham After Councillor's Resignation

Strategic Insights -

Voters in the Easington and Shotton ward will head back to the polls on August 7 following the resignation of Reform UK councillor John Bailey due to ill health. Bailey won the seat during May's local elections with 1,849 votes, leading his party to take control of Durham County Council. This will be the second by-election held by the local authority since May's local elections, with the first one taking place in the Benfieldside ward on July 3.

Key Takeaways:

  • A by-election will be held in the Easington and Shotton ward on August 7 after Reform UK councillor John Bailey's resignation due to ill health.
  • Bailey won the seat with 1,849 votes during May's local elections, helping his party take control of Durham County Council.
  • This is the second by-election to be held by the local authority since May's local elections, following the by-election in the Benfieldside ward on July 3.
  • Nomination papers for the by-election can be submitted from July 4 to July 11.
  • Voters must be registered and provide acceptable photo ID to vote, with a full list available on poll cards.

Statistics:

  • 1,849: The number of votes Bailey received during May's local elections.
  • 3: The number of by-elections held by the local authority since May's local elections.
  • August 7: The date of the by-election in the Easington and Shotton ward.
  • July 3: The date of the by-election in the Benfieldside ward.
  • 4-11 July: The period during which nomination papers for the by-election can be submitted.
  • 23 July: The deadline for postal vote applications.
  • 30 July: The deadline for proxy vote applications.
  • 22 July at midnight: The deadline for residents to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Sources:

  • "Reform councillor stands down due to health issues" (Source: The Northern Echo)
  • "County Durham council tax exemptions could be cut by local authority" (Source: The Northern Echo)