A by-election has been scheduled for Thursday 10 September to fill the council seat left vacant by the death of Terry Porter, a long-serving councillor for North Somerset.
Mr Porter represented Hutton and Locking as a Conservative councillor from 2009 until his peaceful passing at home on 26 June. He was widely recognised as one of the council’s most dedicated and active members, and his death prompted heartfelt tributes from colleagues across the political spectrum.
Independent councillor Mike Solomon continues to represent Hutton and Locking alongside the vacant seat.
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The official list of candidates for the by-election will be published on Friday 14 August. Residents wishing to vote must ensure they are registered by Monday 24 August.
Michael Pryke, leader of the Conservative opposition and councillor for Clevedon Walton, expressed his deep sadness on learning of Mr Porter’s death. He stated:
“I will personally miss his advice and thoughtful contributions shared with his usual good humour and charm.”
Mr Pryke highlighted Mr Porter’s lifelong commitment to public service, noting his beginnings on the Hutton Parish Council before his election to North Somerset Council. He served the residents of Hutton and Locking with unwavering dedication for over 17 years. Throughout his tenure, Mr Porter held several key positions, including chair of the council. He was respected across party lines as a diligent, principled, and thoughtful councillor.
Independent councillor Steve Bridger of Yatton shared on Facebook:
“It’s all too easy to be cynical about politics and those who serve in it, but Terry was genuinely the epitome of a conscientious, passionate, and genuinely kind public servant, and the council is poorer for his passing.”
During his time on the council, Mr Porter served as vice-chair of the planning committee and was an active member of two scrutiny panels. In April’s full council meeting, he delivered a heartfelt speech urging councillors to support the proposal to transform the Tropicana into a major music arena, reflecting on his childhood memories swimming at the seafront lido during the 1950s and 1960s. Notably, in 2012, he opposed plans by his own party to demolish the lido. A revised arena proposal received the full backing of the Conservative group in May.
Outside of council duties, Mr Porter contributed to the community through involvement with the Hutton Horticultural Society and the organisation of the annual Hutton Show.
On the day of the by-election, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Voters are reminded to bring an acceptable form of photo identification to cast their vote.