Democracy & Elections

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 pursuant to section 84 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972, that John Allen, formerly a Member of Ashington Town Council, has ceased to be a Member of the Council, due to their resignation, and that a vacancy now exists in the office of Councillor for the Town.

Electors of the ward have until Monday 3rd November 2025 (14 working days, excluding weekends and bank holidays, from the date of publication) to request that an election be held. If ten or more electors either individually or together make such a request to the Returning Officer, a by-election will be arranged.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 84 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972, that Pauline Thompson, formerly a Member of Ashington Town Council, has ceased to be a Member of the Council, due to their resignation, and that a vacancy now exists in the office of Councillor for the Town. The formal Notice of Vacancy (PDF opens in a new tab) is published.

Electors of the ward have until Friday 17th October 2025 (14 working days, excluding weekends and bank holidays, from the date of publication) to request that an election be held. If ten or more electors either individually or together make such a request to the Returning Officer, a by-election will be arranged.

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

Ashington Town Council is encouraging residents to take part in a new survey being run by Northumberland County Council. The survey asks people what they feel and experience about where they live – what they value, and what they think is missing – all in respect of council services. This is an important opportunity for residents to help shape the County Council’s priorities and budgets for 2026–2029, and to influence the next Corporate Plan 2026–2030.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, with ten  questions about what matters most to you.