Shock By-election in Phoenix Ward - Labour Councillor resigns after 3 months
One of the newly elected Labour Borough Councillors for Phoenix Ward has announced that he is moving to Mexico! After only three months in the job, he has decided to up sticks and move abroad, letting down local voters who had every right to expect him to represent them on the Council for the next four years.This staggering lack of commitment has triggered a Gedling Borough Council by-election.
Popular local Lib Dem campaigner Andrew Ellwood represented Phoenix Ward along with Ray Poynter for four years until last May. In a very close election and following a recount, Andrew lost out by four votes. He vowed to carry on fighting for the people of Phoenix Ward despite the setback. However, it is now clear that Andrew should have been reelected in May. Andrew has announced that he will be fighting this by-election and fully intends to win. Andrew said "The people of Phoenix deserve a hard working councillor who is committed to do the job. This Labour Councillor has shown a total lack of respect to the people of Phoenix by quitting so soon.
The by-election will now take place on Thursday 15th September 2011. If you live in Phoenix Ward and are away on holiday let us know and we can arrange to get a postal vote application form to you. Contact us by email on andrewmellwood@yahoo. co.uk or phone us on 0115 859 9168