By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
A local by-election is due in Gedling Borough following the resignation of an Independent councillor for reasons of ill health.
The election is planned for Monday, September 16 in the Bestwood St. Albans ward following the resignation of Councillor Des Gibbons (Ind).
Cllr Gibbons resigned from the Labour party in November over leader Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. He has since served as an independent councillor.
He was the second Gedling Borough Councillor to stand down from the party following Councillor Russell Whiting’s announcement that he would also leave Labour to become an independent.
Cllr Gibbons was also previously a parish councillor for St. Albans Parish Council.
Cllr Gibbons confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Monday (August 19) he was standing down due to ill health.
There could be a parish council by-election on the same day (September 16) if contested.
The by-election only affects residents who are registered to vote in the Bestwood St Albans Ward and St Albans Parish- residents living in other areas of Gedling Borough will not be eligible to vote.
The deadline for new voter registration applications is midnight on Thursday August 29, with the deadline to apply for a postal vote being 5pm on Friday August 30.
Gedling Borough Council said: “Recent home movers should check that they have updated the electoral register and will be eligible to vote.
“If contested, the by-election will take place on Monday 16 September and eligible voters will be notified about their nearest polling station soon. All voters must bring photographic identification in order to take part in the by-election.”
