Cambridge City Council by-election called following resignation of independent Romsey councillor Mairéad Healy

A by-election will be held in Cambridge next month following the resignation of independent Romsey councillor Mairéad Healy.

Previously a Labour councillor, Ms Healy quit the party last year over its national leadership and comments made by Sir Keir Starmer about the Israel-Hamas war.

The by-election to fill the vacant seat on Cambridge City Council has been set for Thursday, 12 September.

Residents in Romsey ward are being reminded to ensure that they are registered to vote ahead of the poll.

Anyone who is not already registered must do so by 23:59 on Tuesday, 27 August by either going online to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or calling 01223 457048 for a paper application form.

Poll cards will be issued to electors in the Romsey ward shortly, which will indicate which polling station they should vote at.

For this election only, voters who would normally vote at the Romsey Mill polling station will be voting at Mill Road Baptist Church as the usual venue is not available.

If you are registered to vote already but will be away on 12 September, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote. You can find more information, apply online or download an application form via the Electoral Commission's website.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 28 August and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 4 September.

Following changes to the voting rights of European Union citizens on 7 May 2024, a review of registered EU citizens is currently under way. If you have received a letter asking for you to confirm your immigration status, please respond by 27 August so that if you live in Romsey and continue to be entitled to vote, you can do so on 12 September.

People voting in person at polling stations for the by-election will need to show photo ID to vote.

Robert Pollock, the council’s chief executive and returning officer for the by-election, said: “I would encourage Romsey residents to vote, and to take a few minutes to register, even if they are not yet sure they want to vote on the day. Don’t forget to bring photo ID to the polling station on 12 September and please check your poll card to find out which polling station you should attend.”

For more information or to check if you are registered go to www.cambridge.gov.uk/elections, email elections@cambridge.gov.uk or call 01223 457048.