A by-election in Long Ashton is set for Thursday, November 13, following the resignation of Green councillor Stuart McQuillan. Five major parties—Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK—are all contesting the vacant seat on North Somerset Council.
Long Ashton, a village represented by two councillors on North Somerset Council, shifted from Conservative control in 2019 when Green Stuart McQuillan and Liberal Democrat Ash Cartman won the two seats. Both were re-elected in 2023 with even larger majorities. However, McQuillan recently stepped down as he and his family prepare to leave the area. Ash Cartman continues to serve as the remaining councillor for Long Ashton.
Stuart McQuillan commented: “Representing Long Ashton, Leigh Woods, Wraxall, and Failand since 2019 has been an honor. As my family and I are relocating from North Somerset, I have decided to resign. I believe residents deserve a councillor who lives locally and can fully dedicate themselves to the community.”
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Interestingly, although the Greens, Labour, and Liberal Democrats currently form a partnership administration on the council, all three parties have nominated candidates to compete against each other in this by-election. Previously, in the 2023 local elections, each party only fielded one candidate for the two vacancies.
Reform UK is entering the race with its first candidate for this council ward. Their candidate, Nigel Farage’s party, aims to double its representation, currently holding a single seat with councillor Stuart Davies, who represents Wick St Lawrence and St Georges after leaving the Liberal Democrats over political differences.
Before McQuillan’s resignation, the 50-seat North Somerset Council was composed of 12 Conservatives, 10 Labour members, 8 Greens, 9 Liberal Democrats, 3 Portishead Independents, 1 Reform UK representative, and 6 Independents—some of whom align with various party groups for council activities.
Voter registration for the Long Ashton by-election closes at midnight on October 28. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on November 13. Voters must bring photo ID to cast their ballots.
The candidates in this by-election are:
[Insert full list of candidates here]