Democracy & Elections

The Statement of Persons Nominated has been published for the by-election of a County Councillor for the Hirst division of Northumberland County Council, which takes place on Thursday 1st October 2026.

The following candidates have been validly nominated:

John Victor Allen – Independent Calvin Clark – Liberal Democrats Kerry Davison – Reform UK David Ferguson – The Conservative Party Candidate Melanie Tuesday Fox – Labour Party Eden Webley – Restore Britain

Hirst Ward – County Council By-Election

Northumberland County Council has now published the Notice of Election for the election of a County Councillor for the Hirst Ward.

A casual vacancy arose following the former councillor’s failure to attend any meetings of the Council, its committees or sub-committees for a consecutive period of six months. Their last recorded attendance was on 18 February 2026. The vacancy was formally declared by Northumberland County Council on 19th August 2026.

The Notice of Election confirms that one County Councillor is to be elected for the Hirst Division.

Key dates Friday 4 September 2026, 4pm – deadline for delivery of nomination papers. Tuesday 15 September 2026, midnight – deadline to register to vote. Wednesday 16 September 2026, 5pm – deadline for postal vote applications, amendments or cancellations, and proxy vote amendments or cancellations. Wednesday 23 September 2026, 5pm – deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate and for new applications to vote by proxy. Thursday 1 October 2026 – polling day, if the election is contested.

Hirst Division – Notice of Vacancy

Northumberland County Council has published a Notice of Vacancy for the office of County Councillor for the Hirst Ward.

A casual vacancy has arisen following the former councillor’s failure to attend any meetings of the Council, its committees or sub-committees for a consecutive period of six months. Their last recorded attendance was on 18th February 2026.

The vacancy has now been formally declared by Northumberland County Council under Section 86(1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1972.

A by-election will be held within 35 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, of the Council’s declaration of the vacancy. The Returning Officer will confirm the date of the election in the formal Notice of Election tomorrow.

Following the Hirst Ward By-Election held on Thursday 18th December, Ashington Town Council is pleased to share the official Declaration of Result, with Jessica Appleby and Melanie Fox duly elected to serve as Town Councillors for Hirst Ward.

Residents of Hirst Ward are reminded that a by-election for two Town Councillor positions will take place on Thursday 18th December 2025.

Polling stations at Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, will be open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Seven candidates are standing for election: Jessica Appleby (Reform UK) Melanie Tuesday Fox (Labour Party) Andy McGregor (Liberal Democrats) Michelle Suzette Roberts (Reform UK) Sophie Willamina Robinson (Independent) Carla Louise Thompson (Independent) Graeme Wright (Labour Party) Eligible voters will receive their poll cards and can find their polling station details on the Notice of Poll linked below.

Ashington Town Council has unanimously agreed to formally adopt the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Civility and Respect Pledge, demonstrating strong leadership on standards in public life.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Kerry Davison, was agreed in full at the council meeting, with members speaking openly about their commitment to creating a working environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation.

The council has committed to:

Formally adopting the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge Arranging comprehensive Civility & Respect training for all councillors Reviewing and strengthening existing policies on councillor conduct Publicising the commitment to residents and stakeholders

Ashington (Hirst Ward) Town Council Election - Notice of Nominations Election Date: Thursday 18 December 2025

The Returning Officer has published the Statement of Persons Nominated for the Ashington (Hirst Ward) Town Council election.

This election is for two vacancies on the Town Council.

It is important that Hirst residents make their voices heard and choose who they want to represent them on Ashington Town Council.

The following candidates have been validly nominated:

Jessica APPLEBY - Reform UK Melanie Tuesday FOX - Labour Party Andy MCGREGOR - Liberal Democrats Michelle Suzette ROBERTS - Reform UK Sophie Willamina ROBINSON - Independent Carla Louise THOMPSON - Independent Graeme WRIGHT - Labour Party

Northumberland County Council has published the Notice of Election for two Town Councillor positions in Ashington’s Hirst Ward.

The nomination deadline is Friday 21st November 2025 at 4pm. Prospective candidates must hand-deliver their nomination papers to the Elections Office at County Hall, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF between 9am and 4pm on any working day, excluding bank holidays.

Following the Hirst Ward By-Election held on Thursday 16th October, Ashington Town Council is pleased to share the official Declaration of Result, with Cllr Sonia Simm duly elected to serve as Town Councillor for Hirst Ward.

Fox, Melanie Tuesday - 187 votes McGregor, Andy - 104 votes Peverley, Elaine - 41 votes Simm, Sonia - 230 votes (ELECTED) The turnout was 21%.

Notice is hereby given that:

• A poll for the election of a Town Councillor for Hirst will be held on Thursday 16 October 2025, between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm.
• The number of Town Councillors to be elected is one.
• The polling station is Hirst Welfare Centre on Alexandra Road.
• The names of the Candidates remaining validly nominated for election are as follows (in alphabetical order as they appear on the notice).

Melanie Tuesday Fox Andy McGregor Elaine Peverley Sonia Simm