By-election date set after councillor stepped down

A date for a by-election has been set after a Reform UK councillor stepped down from their role.

Leicestershire County Council said residents in Narborough and Whetstone would be able to vote for a new county councillor on 16 April after Andrew Thorp left his post.

In February it was confirmed that Thorp had quit the authority, but no reason was given at the time.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said more than 10,000 people were eligible to vote in the election, with the last day to register being 27 March.

Reform UK has 23 councillors on the county council, which it runs as a minority administration.

The Conservatives are the largest opposition party and have 15 seats on the authority.

According to the county council's website, there are 11 Liberal Democrats, two independent members, two Labour councillors and one Green Party member.

Rosemary Whitelaw, head of democratic services at Leicestershire County Council, said: "Decisions about these local services and issues are made by councillors, and they affect everyone, from roads and transport and adult social care to waste disposal and school places.

"That's why we're urging people eligible to vote in this by-election to use their vote and not lose out.

"Please don't assume you're registered to vote. People miss out on the chance to vote by thinking they're registered."

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