South Tyneside Council has revealed more details of an upcoming by-election following the resignation of an independent councillor.
Councillor John Robertson, who represented the Fellgate and Hedworth ward, resigned from the local authority earlier in June posting his resignation letter on Facebook and stating it was with ‘immediate effect.’
Despite trying to retract his resignation, he was told this was not possible under rules governing councils.
As a result, a vacancy was declared for Fellgate and Hedworth and a by-election to fill the seat has now been set for Thursday, July 29.
A dedicated webpage has been set up by South Tyneside Council for the by-election, including key deadlines and information for voters in the ward.
This includes dates for registering to vote in person, voting by post, information on applying for proxy votes and expected Covid-security measures at polling stations.
Poll cards will be delivered to voters in the Fellgate and Hedworth ward between June 24 and July 1 which will show the address of specific polling stations.
As with the local elections in May 2021, people attending polling stations are advised to wear a face covering (unless exempt), sanitise hands and maintain social distance.
Those intending to stand as a candidate in the by-election must also complete and return nomination papers by 4pm on Friday, July 2.
A full list of candidates is expected to be published after this date.
In the latest round of local elections on May 6 2021, 2,340 people in Fellgate and Hedworth cast their vote out of a total electorate of 5,700 – a turnout of 41.1 per cent.
Turnout in the ward has remained fairly consistent in previous council elections including 42.2 per cent in 2019 and 40.3 per cent in 2018.
Details of the upcoming Fellgate and Hedworth by-election can be found on the council’s website.
See here for more information.
