#by-election

#by-election

Suella Braverman's defection from the Conservatives means Reform UK now has eight MPs. Constituents of her Fareham and Waterlooville seat had a mixed reaction to the news, with many saying they were unsurprised, while others suggested it should mean there is a by-election. But Braverman is not obliged to trigger a new vote. When people vote at the polls in the UK they are voting for the individual to represent their area, not the party.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

Labour said Kathy Gibbon should stand down after she left Reform UK and joined the Tories on Buckinghamshire Council. Gibbon, who represents the Kingsbrook, Bierton and Wing ward, was elected for Reform last year, but announced her defection this week claiming the move would "allow me to work more effectively as part of a strong, experienced team". Reform UK councillor Cameron Anderson said voters would "now feel a great sense of dissatisfaction and injustice", while Labour called for a by-election.

In her absence, and not seeing that elsewhere on the landscape, I've decided to step forward," she said, speaking to the Irish Independent.

Ms Strom said she would do all she could to "ensure local voices are heard loud and clear". "We are working with the cards that have been handed to us by government, and under challenging conditions we continue to do our best to deliver for local people," she added.

When our councillors decide to change parties part way through their term of office, they should resign so that an election is held. Most people intend their vote for a party in the election, rather than for the particular person standing. So, if someone decides to change party part way through their term it's only fair that they should resign and, if they like, stand again in their new colours.

Voters in east Scarborough will head to the polls Monday to pick a new city councillor to fill the seat vacated by former councillor and deputy mayor Jennifer McKelvie after she won a seat in Parliament this year. Twenty candidates are vying to win the Scarborough-Rouge Park council seat and represent a massive suburban ward that stretches from Steeles Avenue E. to Lake Ontario. Voting will take place at 37 locations in the district from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, says a city news release.

The victory of the Liberal Democrats in the Chesham and Amersham by-election is a clear indicator that they pose a significant threat to the Conservatives now.

The by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse marks the first Scottish Parliament by-election since 2019, igniting competition ahead of next year's Holyrood elections.

The recent by-election in Runcorn and Helsby was prompted by the resignation of Mike Amesbury, who faced legal troubles leading to his resignation from the Commons.