By-election to take place after death of popular councillor

»»SEVEN candidates have been nominated to fill a vacancy on Torridge Council left after the death of popular councillor Peter Christie

A by-election for the vacancy will be held in Bideford the same day as the police and crime commissioner election on Thursday, May 2.

Seven candidates have been nominated to represent the Bideford North ward, which Mr Christie did for the Green party for 33 years.

The town and district councillor, former mayor, Journal columnist, historian and author of 41 books, died in February after a short illness.

Tributes flooded in after Mr Christie’s death acknowledging “his passion, integrity and knowledge”.

The Bideford North ward accounts for three seats on Torridge District Council, the other two are held by Cllr Doug Bushby (Ind) who is council chairman and Cllr Trevor Johns (Lib Dem).

Candidates for the vacancy are: Ruth Craigie (Ind), Tom Hammett (Lab), Tony Inch (Ind), Nigel Johnson (Reform UK), John Puddy (Green), Morgan Daniel Taylor (Con) and Teresa Anne Tinsley (Lib Dem).

Residents will also be able to vote for the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner where there is a choice of three candidates. These are Conservative Alison Hernandez, who has held the position since 2016, former diplomat Daniel Steel, from Plymouth, who represents the Labour, and Co-operative Party and Tiverton businessman Steve Lodge for the Liberal Democrats.

Voters will need an accepted form of photo ID to vote which can include a passport, photographic driving licence, a blue badge or senior bus pass.