Stuart Ball, a former Avon and Somerset police officer dismissed in 2019 following a controversial dispute over a basketball, is now running as a Reform UK candidate in the upcoming council byelection for Mendip ward.
Ball’s dismissal came after an incident in Sports Direct where his son found a basketball that staff claimed was lost property and not for sale. The subsequent confrontation escalated, with Ball asserting “finder’s rights” and detaining a shop assistant, leading to heated exchanges with store management. A police misconduct panel later found Ball guilty of “bullying, disrespectful and a wholly disproportionate misuse of his position,” highlighting that he unjustly tried to criminalize the store manager. Ball denies wrongdoing, insisting the situation was “blown out of proportion” and that he was unfairly treated by the police system.
Now, Ball hopes to secure a seat on Bath and North East Somerset Council in the July 3 Mendip byelection. If elected, he would be the first Reform UK councillor on the council and serve as a local councillor to former Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. Ball spoke about his motivation, focusing on what he describes as the country’s “disintegration” and the urgent need to address issues such as immigration— which he believes leads to NHS delays, housing shortages, and other challenges. Drawing on his 26-year policing career, Ball cited firsthand experience tackling illegal immigration and European arrest warrants.
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Following his dismissal, Ball transitioned into a new role as an emergency ambulance associate and union representative. In this role, he has supported around 70 staff members with health and disciplinary matters, channeling his experiences to help others.
The Mendip ward covers areas including Temple Cloud, East and West Harptree, Cameley, Hinton Blewett, Coley, and North and South Widcombe. The seat became available after Liberal Democrat councillor David Wood stepped down due to health reasons.
The byelection will be held on July 3, with voters required to present photo ID at the polls.