Following the resignation of a senior Conservative councillor on the Isle of Wight, a by-election could be held next month to find their replacement.
Former Tory party leader, Steve Hastings, announced his resignation from the Isle of Wight Council last month, after 4 years on the authority. Mr Hastings said he had become disillusioned with politics locally and nationally and he no longer believed in the Conservative Party.
His resignation from the council has triggered a by-election in the Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet ward. The official notice declaring the need to fill the seat was issued last week by the authority’s returning officer, Claire Shand.
Should more than 1 candidate come forward to stand in the seat a by-election will need to take place. If it is contested, voters in the villages will head to the polls on Thursday 24th November.
So far, 1 candidate has announced they are standing — although more applications are expected in the coming days.
Standing for the Liberal Democrats, Nick Stuart has contested the seat before and is also a member of 2 local parish councils. Nomination papers and all the other relevant forms must be returned by hand to County Hall. Nominations close at 16:00 on Friday, 28th October.
In the event of an election, those who are eligible to vote must be registered by Tuesday 8th November. Those wishing to apply or amend their vote to a postal one must do so by Wednesday 9th November.
If a new proxy vote is required — in the instance people cannot get to a polling station and do not want a postal vote — an application must be made by Wednesday 16th November. In 2021, the ward had a turnout of 48.77% of voters.
Mr Hastings was elected with 549 votes, beating other candidates from the Liberal Democrats, Nick Stuart (377 votes) and the Green Party, Doug Alldred (335).
