By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A by-election will be held in Mansfield this September following the death of a “loyal and kind” councillor.
Vaughan Hopewell passed away in June 2022 after falling ill while he was out with his family.
Mr Hopewell was dubbed the ‘singing councillor’ after he produced a song for the charity Jigsaw.
A by-election will be held on September 15 for the Oak Tree ward of Mansfield District Council following the death of Mr Hopewell, who was elected in 2011.
He also represented Mansfield East for Nottinghamshire County Council.
At the July meeting of the authority, members paid tribute and recalled when Mr Hopewell stood up during an online meeting to reveal that he was only dressed smartly from the waist up – showing others that he was wearing blue shorts instead of trousers.
Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and Mansfield MP Ben Bradley (Con) said: “He was always a community champion and he was very visible as a local councillor.
“The community in and around Mansfield will miss him.
“In my experience, he was a kind, gentle man who worked really hard for his community.”
Leader of Ashfield District council Jason Zadrozny (Ind) said: “He was a very loyal councillor.
“He was very warm-humoured, he was fiercely passionate about Oak Tree and he doted upon his wife.”
Mansfield District Council said that candidates need to submit their nomination papers by August 18 at 4pm.
Returning Officer for Mansfield Adam Hill said: “This Mansfield District Council by-election is being held following the death of Councillor Hopewell who was elected to represent the ward in May 2011.
“If you have not registered to vote already, please make sure you do so by Tuesday 30 August in order to have your say in these elections.”
