Fareham Borough Council by-election to be held after Portchester Wicor councillor Rob Turner resigns
The councillor was only elected in May, but left the Liberal Democrat group in July for health reasons, and now is standing down entirely
A councillor has quit less than five months after winning a seat, triggering a fresh vote in his ward.
Fareham Borough Council has announced a by-election in Portchester Wicor following the resignation of Cllr Robert Turner, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat in May. It comes after Cllr Turner left the Liberal Democrat group in July, citing health reasons.
At the time, he said he intended to continue serving residents as an independent councillor, but has now decided he does not feel able to continue in the role.
The vacancy was formally declared on Thursday, when the council published a notice confirming his resignation.
The upcoming contest will determine who joins Cllr Paul Nother in representing Portchester Wicor on the borough council.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Nother said: “I’m incredibly proud to represent Wicor and of what our Lib Dem team achieves for people here. We work hard for residents all year round – listening, taking up problems and getting things done.
“We’ll be selecting and announcing our candidate soon, and I’m looking forward to having a strong campaigner working alongside me in Wicor.
“The choice in this contest is clear: Liberal Democrat or Reform. We’ll be working hard to earn people’s support and keep Wicor represented by a strong councillor.”
Under electoral rules, a poll will be held if two registered electors submit a written request to the authority.
The council’s notice states that once a valid request has been received, the returning officer must set a date for a poll to take place within 35 working days.
Residents will then head back to the ballot box to choose a representative for Portchester Wicor on Thursday, November 19.