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The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Bassetlaw district council: Vacancy in Worksop South ward after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2012.
• Blaby district council: Vacancy in Saxondale ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Alexandra Dilks. Term ends May 2011.
• Broxtowe district council: Byelection on 19 August in Cossall and Kimberley ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Tony Rutherford, who failed to attend any meetings of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Northampton borough council: Two defections that occurred some time ago have not yet been reported. Jean Hawkins (Eastfield ward) and Malcolm Mildren (Parklands ward), both of whom were elected as Liberal Democrats, left the party in October 2009 and now sit as Independents. Their move has reduced the Liberal Democrat overall majority on the council to one seat.
• Nottinghamshire county council: Vacancy in Worksop West division after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2013.

East of England

• Dacorum borough council: Byelection on 26 August in Aldbury and Wigginton ward, after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Mike Edwards who has failed to attend any meeting of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Norwich city council: Byelections on 9 September in 13 separate wards. The disqualified incumbents, who may be defending their seats, are Labour councillors Jenny Lay (Crome ward), Brian Morrey (Catton ward), Mary Cannell (Lakenham ward), Linda Blakeway (Mile Cross ward), Sue Sands (Sewell ward), and James 'Bert' Bremner (University ward), Green Party councillors Howard Jago (Mancroft ward), Claire Stephenson (Nelson ward), Janet Bearman (Town Close ward) and Tom Llewellyn (Wensum ward), Liberal Democrats Brian Watkins (Eaton ward) and Joyce Divers (Thorpe Hamlet ward), and Conservative councillor Antony Little (Bowthorpe ward). Winners will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year.

London

• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: There are two vacancies, in Earls Court and Cremorne wards, after the resignations of Conservative councillors Barry Phelps and Mark Daley respectively; they are expected to be held on 16 September. All terms end in 2014.
• Tower Hamlets borough council: Following the referendum vote in favour of establishing the position, the election of an executive Mayor for Tower Hamlets will be held on 21 October.

North East

• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.
• Gateshead borough council: Vacancy in Lobley Hill and Bensham ward after the death of Labour councillor and former Mayor Frank Donovan. Term ends May 2011.
• Middlesbrough borough council: Vacancy in Ayresome ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Barbara Dunne. Term ends May 2011.
• Redcar and Cleveland council: Byelection on 26 August in Brotton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Peter Scott. Term ends May 2011.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Byelection on 19 August in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cheshire East council: Vacancy in Alderley ward after the death of Conservative councillor Liz Gilliland. Term ends May 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Vacancy in Kilnhouse ward after the death of former Mayor and Conservative councillor John Prestwich. Term ends May 2011.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Lancaster city council: Vacancy in Harbour ward after the death of Morecambe Bay Independent councillor John Barnes. Term ends May 2011.
• Liverpool city council: Double vacancy in Croxteth ward, after the death of Labour councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Rose Bailey, and the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Phil Moffatt who is moving to Northern Ireland. Terms end 2011 and 2012.
• Preston city council: Vacancy in Cadley ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Onyon. Term ends 2012.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• Tameside borough council: Vacancy in Longdendale ward after the death of Labour councillor Roy Oldham, who was leader of the council for 30 years. Term ends 2014.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Medway council: Byelection on 12 August in River ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Bill Esterson, now MP for Sefton Central. Term ends May 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Conservative candidate John De Mierre was elected councillor for Haywards Heath Franklands ward on 29 July, holding the seat for his party.
• Rushmoor borough council: Vacancy in Wellington ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Francis Williams. Term ends 2011.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Byelection on 26 August in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council: Wilson Hendry, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat in Pinkneys Green ward, has joined the Conservative Party.

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Liberal Democrat candidate Simon Allen was elected councillor for Radstock ward on 29 July, taking a seat previously held by an Independent.
• Exeter city council: There will be byelections for 13 seats on 9 September. Twelve were vacated when the High Court quashed an order extending councillors' terms. The incumbents, who may stand for re-election, are Liberal Democrats Stella Brock (St. David’s ward) and Ben Noble (Duryard ward), and Paul Smith (Alphington ward), Labour councillors Pete Edwards (Whipton Barton ward and group leader), Ian Martin (Mincinglake ward), Lesley Robson (Priory ward) and John Shepherd (Newtown ward), Conservatives Yolonda Henson (Polsloe ward and group leader), Margaret Baldwin (Cowick ward), and Ruth Smith (Pinhoe ward), plus Independent ex-Labour councillor Connel Boyle (Exwick ward) and Liberal councillor Chris Gale (Heavitree ward). The winners of the byelection will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year. There will also be a byelection in Topsham ward, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Mark Starling; the term there will end in 2012.
• Herefordshire council: Vacancy in St Nicholas ward, after the death of Independent councillor David Benjamin. Term ends May 2011.
• Sedgemoor district council: Vacancy in Woolavington ward after the death of Labour group leader Roger Lavers. Term ends May 2011.
• Teignbridge district council: Vacancy in Ipplepen ward after the death of Conservative councillor Victor Elliott. Term ends May 2011.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Byelection on 26 August in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council: Raymond Slater, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat in Talke ward, has joined the Conservative Party.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Labour candidate Linda Leach was elected councillor for Bilston North ward on 29 July, gaining the seat from the Conservatives. Her win means that the ruling Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition in Wolverhampton no longer has an overall majority, although they may retain control using the Mayor's casting vote.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Byelection on 5 August in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.
• Scarborough borough council: Vacancy in Eastfields ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Brian O’Flynn. Term ends May 2011.
• Sheffield city council: Byelection on 26 August in Woodhouse ward after the death of Labour councillor Marjorie Barker. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Gwynedd county council: There are two vacancies. That in Seiont ward arises from the death of Independent councillor Bob Anderson. That in Bowydd and Rhiw ward arises from the resignation of Llais Gwynedd councillor Dafydd Hughes. Both terms end in 2012.

Scotland

• Edinburgh city council: Byelection on 9 September in Liberton and Gilmerton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Ian Murray, now MP for Edinburgh South. Term ends 2012.

Indigo Public Affairs has helped a client achieve unanimous planning committee approval for eight executive homes on Green Belt land in Hertsmere, on the outskirts of Watford.

We were appointed three weeks before the committee date with instructions to make sure that everything possible could be done to achieve a resolution to grant. We knew that Green Belt would be the issue.

We researched previous similar applications and the foibles of committee members to ensure that the application was not to fall foul of particular dislikes of members. 

We found a champion who could put our case well to councillors.

We also briefed councillors about the special circumstances allowing development in the Green Belt.  At the committee, the councillors spoke highly of our scheme and passed it unanimously.

London Councils, the body that represents the 33 London boroughs, is trying to strip Boris, and future London Mayors, of their power to decide strategic applications without reference to the Boroughs.

For the Coalition Government that believes in localism, and stripping powers back to the local level in planning, this should be an easy decision, particularly as the Tories were against giving the powers to the London Mayor in the first place.

It was Tony Blair's almost final act as Prime Minister to give the then London Mayor Ken Livingstone the power not just to refuse applications, but to positively decide applications.  Blair left immediately afterwards, and Ken was kicked out in favour of Boris.

Boris has decided just two applications with his powers.  We helped our client push Columbus Tower through the Mayor, and Boris also decided on a scheme in Ealing.

Not surprisingly, Boris (and Sir Simon Milton) is having none of it.  The first law of politics is that if you have a power, don't give it up - no matter whether you opposed the introduction of the power in the first place.

I suppose the problem for the Conservative London authorities is that they might trust Boris to intervene sparingly - but just think how many schemes would have been approved by Ken if he was still London Mayor (lots).

We shall see who prevails. 

The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Bassetlaw district council: Vacancy in Worksop South ward after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2012.
• Blaby district council: Vacancy in Saxondale ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Alexandra Dilks. Term ends May 2011.
• Broxtowe district council: Byelection on 19 August in Cossall and Kimberley ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Tony Rutherford, who failed to attend any meetings of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Nottinghamshire county council: Vacancy in Worksop West division after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2013.

East of England

• Babergh district council: Labour candidate Tony Bavington was elected councillor for Great Cornard North ward on 22 July, regaining the council seat he had lost in 2007 from the Conservatives.
• Basildon borough council: Liberal Democrat candidate Phil Jenkins was elected councillor for Nethermayne ward on 22 July, holding his party's seat.
• Dacorum borough council: Byelection on 26 August in Aldbury and Wigginton ward, after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Mike Edwards who has failed to attend any meeting of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Norwich city council: Byelections on 9 September in 13 separate wards. The disqualified incumbents, who may be defending their seats, are Labour councillors Jenny Lay (Crome ward), Brian Morrey (Catton ward), Mary Cannell (Lakenham ward), Linda Blakeway (Mile Cross ward), Sue Sands (Sewell ward), and James 'Bert' Bremner (University ward), Green Party councillors Howard Jago (Mancroft ward), Claire Stephenson (Nelson ward), Janet Bearman (Town Close ward) and Tom Llewellyn (Wensum ward), Liberal Democrats Brian Watkins (Eaton ward) and Joyce Divers (Thorpe Hamlet ward), and Conservative councillor Antony Little (Bowthorpe ward). Winners will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year.

London

• Camden borough council: Conservative candidate Gio Spinella held his party's seat in Frognal and Fitzjohns ward at the byelection on 22 July.
• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: Rock Feilding-Mellen, who was a councillor for St Charles ward in the previous term of the council, was elected for Holland ward in the byelection on 22 July. He kept the seat in Conservative hands. There are also two vacancies, in Earls Court and Cremorne wards, after the resignations of Conservative councillors Barry Phelps and Mark Daley respectively; they are expected to be held on 16 September. All terms end in 2014.
• Tower Hamlets borough council: Following the referendum vote in favour of establishing the position, the election of an executive Mayor for Tower Hamlets will be held on 21 October.

North East

• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.
• Gateshead borough council: Vacancy in Lobley Hill and Bensham ward after the death of Labour councillor and former Mayor Frank Donovan. Term ends May 2011.
• Middlesbrough borough council: Vacancy in Ayresome ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Barbara Dunne. Term ends May 2011.
• Redcar and Cleveland council: Byelection on 26 August in Brotton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Peter Scott. Term ends May 2011.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Byelection on 19 August in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cheshire East council: Vacancy in Alderley ward after the death of Conservative councillor Liz Gilliland. Term ends May 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Vacancy in Kilnhouse ward after the death of former Mayor and Conservative councillor John Prestwich. Term ends May 2011.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Lancaster city council: Vacancy in Harbour ward after the death of Morecambe Bay Independent councillor John Barnes. Term ends May 2011.
• Liverpool city council: Vacancy in Croxteth ward after the death of Labour councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Rose Bailey. Term ends 2012.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• Tameside borough council: Vacancy in Longdendale ward after the death of Labour councillor Roy Oldham, who was leader of the council for 30 years. Term ends 2014.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Cherwell district council: Alaric Rose was elected councillor for Kidlington North ward on 22 July, holding the seat for the Liberal Democrats.
• Medway council: Byelection on 12 August in River ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Bill Esterson, now MP for Sefton Central. Term ends May 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Byelection on 29 July in Haywards Heath Franklands ward after the death of Conservative councillor Clive Chapman. Term ends May 2011.
• Rushmoor borough council: Vacancy in Wellington ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Francis Williams. Term ends 2011.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Byelection on 26 August in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• West Berkshire council: Liberal Democrat candidate Bob Morgan was elected for Thatcham South and Crookham ward on 22 July, holding the seat for the Liberal Democrats.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Wycombe district council: Conservative candidate Dominic Barnes was elected councillor for Greater Marlow ward on 15 July, holding the seat for his party. (This notice was accidentally omitted from last week's post)

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Byelection on 29 July in Radstock ward after the death of Independent councillor Allan Hall. Term ends May 2011.
• Exeter city council: There will be byelections for 13 seats on 9 September. Twelve were vacated when the High Court quashed an order extending councillors' terms. The incumbents, who may stand for re-election, are Liberal Democrats Stella Brock (St. David’s ward) and Ben Noble (Duryard ward), and Paul Smith (Alphington ward), Labour councillors Pete Edwards (Whipton Barton ward and group leader), Ian Martin (Mincinglake ward), Lesley Robson (Priory ward) and John Shepherd (Newtown ward), Conservatives Yolonda Henson (Polsloe ward and group leader), Margaret Baldwin (Cowick ward), and Ruth Smith (Pinhoe ward), plus Independent ex-Labour councillor Connel Boyle (Exwick ward) and Liberal councillor Chris Gale (Heavitree ward). The winners of the byelection will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year. There will also be a byelection in Topsham ward, after the resignation of Conservative councillor Mark Starling; the term there will end in 2012.
• Herefordshire council: Vacancy in St Nicholas ward, after the death of Independent councillor David Benjamin. Term ends May 2011.
• Sedgemoor district council: Vacancy in Woolavington ward after the death of Labour group leader Roger Lavers. Term ends May 2011.
• Teignbridge district council: Vacancy in Ipplepen ward after the death of Conservative councillor Victor Elliott. Term ends May 2011.
• Torbay council: Liberal Democrat Andrew Baldrey was elected councillor for St Marys with Summercombe ward on 22 July; he gained the seat from the Conservatives.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Byelection on 26 August in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Warwick district council: Conservative candidate Linda Bromley was elected councillor for Warwick South ward on 22 July, and so her party holds the seat.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Byelection on 29 July in Bilston North ward after the death of Conservative councillor Gill Fellows, who was cabinet member for children's services up to the beginning of last month. Term ends 2012.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Byelection on 5 August in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.
• Scarborough borough council: Vacancy in Eastfields ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Brian O’Flynn. Term ends May 2011.
• Sheffield city council: Byelection on 26 August in Woodhouse ward after the death of Labour councillor Marjorie Barker. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Gwynedd county council: There are two vacancies. That in Seiont ward arises from the death of Independent councillor Bob Anderson. That in Bowydd and Rhiw ward arises from the resignation of Llais Gwynedd councillor Dafydd Hughes. Both terms end in 2012.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council: Labour Party candidate Chris Williams was elected for Cymmer ward on 22 July, holding the seat for his party.

Scotland

• Edinburgh city council: Byelection on 9 September in Liberton and Gilmerton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Ian Murray, now MP for Edinburgh South. Term ends 2012.

The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Bassetlaw district council: Vacancy in Worksop South ward after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2012.
• Blaby district council: Vacancy in Saxondale ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Alexandra Dilks. Term ends May 2011.
• Broxtowe district council: Byelection on 19 August in Cossall and Kimberley ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Tony Rutherford, who failed to attend any meetings of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Leicester city council: Labour candidate Neil Clayton was elected councillor for Castle ward on 15 July, gaining the seat from the Green Party.
• Nottinghamshire county council: Vacancy in Worksop West division after the death of Conservative councillor Michael Bennett. Term ends 2013.

East of England

• Babergh district council: Byelection on 22 July in Great Cornard North ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Carole Todd. Term ends 2011.
• Basildon borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Nethermayne ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Williams to become Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons. Term ends May 2011.
• Norwich city council: Vacancies in 13 separate wards after the High Court quashed an order which had extended the terms of the councillors. Affected are Labour councillors Jenny Lay (Crome ward), Brian Morrey (Catton ward), Mary Cannell (Lakenham ward), Linda Blakeway (Mile Cross ward), Sue Sands (Sewell ward), and James 'Bert' Bremner (University ward), Green Party councillors Howard Jago (Mancroft ward), Claire Stephenson (Nelson ward), Janet Bearman (Town Close ward) and Tom Llewellyn (Wensum ward), Liberal Democrats Brian Watkins (Eaton ward) and Joyce Divers (Thorpe Hamlet ward), and Conservative councillor Antony Little (Bowthorpe ward). The byelections are expected to be held in September; winners will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year.
• Rochford district council: Conservative candidate Aron Priest was elected councillor for Wheatley ward on 15 July, holding the seat for his party.

London

• Camden borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Frognal and Fitzjohns ward after the sudden death of Conservative group leader and former cabinet member Martin Davies. Term ends 2014.
• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Holland ward, following the resignation of former council leader Baroness Hanham who is now a junior minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government. There are also two vacancies, in Earls Court and Cremorne wards, after the resignations of Conservative councillors Barry Phelps and Mark Daley respectively; they are expected to be held on 16 September. All terms end in 2014.

North East

• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.
• Gateshead borough council: Vacancy in Lobley Hill and Bensham ward after the death of Labour councillor and former Mayor Frank Donovan. Term ends May 2011.
• Middlesbrough borough council: Vacancy in Ayresome ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Barbara Dunne. Term ends May 2011.
• Redcar and Cleveland council: Byelection on 26 August in Brotton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Peter Scott. Term ends May 2011.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Byelection on 19 August in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cheshire East council: Vacancy in Alderley ward after the death of Conservative councillor Liz Gilliland. Term ends May 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Vacancy in Kilnhouse ward after the death of former Mayor and Conservative councillor John Prestwich. Term ends May 2011.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Liverpool city council: Vacancy in Croxteth ward after the death of Labour councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor Rose Bailey. Term ends 2012.
• Preston city council: Labour candidate Linda Crompton was elected councillor for Riversway ward on 15 July, regaining the seat she lost by four votes in May.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• Tameside borough council: Vacancy in Longdendale ward after the death of Labour councillor Roy Oldham, who was leader of the council for 30 years. Term ends 2014.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Cherwell district council: Byelection on 22 July in Kidlington North ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor John Wyse. Term ends 2011.
• Guildford borough council: Gordon Jackson of the Conservative Party was elected councillor for Pirbright ward on 15 July, holding the seat.
• Medway council: Byelection on 12 August in River ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Bill Esterson, now MP for Sefton Central. Term ends May 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Byelection on 29 July in Haywards Heath Franklands ward after the death of Conservative councillor Clive Chapman. Term ends May 2011.
• Rushmoor borough council: Vacancy in Wellington ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Francis Williams. Term ends 2011.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Vacancy in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• Surrey county council: Nigel Sutcliffe (Conservative Party) was elected councillor for Worplesdon division on 15 July, holding the seat for his party.
• West Berkshire council: Byelection on 22 July in Thatcham South and Crookham ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Terry Port who is to move back to the south coast. Term ends May 2011.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Wycombe district council: Byelection on 15 July in Greater Marlow ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Helen Wilkinson who has failed to attend any meeting in six months and whose leave of absence has expired. Term ends May 2011.

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Byelection on 29 July in Radstock ward after the death of Independent councillor Allan Hall. Term ends May 2011.
• East Dorset district council: Liberal Democrat candidate Phil Harknett was elected councillor for Corfe Mullen South ward on 15 July, holding the seat.
• Exeter city council: Vacancies in 13 separate wards after the High Court quashed an order which had extended the terms of the councillors. Affected are Liberal Democrats Stella Brock (St. David’s ward) and Ben Noble (Duryard ward), and Paul Smith (Alphington ward), Labour councillors Pete Edwards (Whipton Barton ward and group leader), Ian Martin (Mincinglake ward), Lesley Robson (Priory ward) and John Shepherd (Newtown ward), Conservatives Yolonda Henson (Polsloe ward and group leader), Margaret Baldwin (Cowick ward), and Ruth Smith (Pinhoe ward), plus Independent ex-Labour councillor Connel Boyle (Exwick ward) and Liberal councillor Chris Gale (Heavitree ward). The winners of the byelection will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year. However Tim Payne (Pennsylvania ward), who won a byelection held on 6 May, has been reinstated; it was originally thought he had been disqualified but legal advice states he has a term ending in 2014. The byelections are expected to be held in September.
• Sedgemoor district council: Vacancy in Woolavington ward after the death of Labour group leader Roger Lavers. Term ends May 2011.
• Torbay council: Byelection on 22 July in St Marys with Summercombe ward after the death of Conservative councillor Stuart John. Term ends May 2011.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Vacancy in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Walsall borough council: Labour candidate Fred Westley was elected councillor for Bloxwich West ward on 15 July, gaining the seat from the Conservatives.
• Warwick district council: Byelection on 22 July in Warwick South ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Chris White, now MP for Warwick and Leamington. Term ends May 2011.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Byelection on 29 July in Bilston North ward after the death of Conservative councillor Gill Fellows, who was cabinet member for children's services up to the beginning of last month. Term ends 2012.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Byelection on 5 August in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.
• Scarborough borough council: Vacancy in Eastfields ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Brian O’Flynn. Term ends May 2011.
• Sheffield city council: Vacancy in Woodhouse ward after the death of Labour councillor Marjorie Barker. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Gwynedd county council: Richard Lloyd Jones was elected councillor for Diffwys and Maenofferen ward on 15 July. Like the retiring councillor he is a member of Llais Gwynedd. There is also a vacancy in Seiont ward after the death of Independent councillor Bob Anderson. Both terms end in 2012.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Cymmer ward after the death of Labour councillor Eurwen Davies. Term ends 2012.

Scotland

• Edinburgh city council: Byelection on 9 September in Liberton and Gilmerton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Ian Murray, now MP for Edinburgh South. Term ends 2012.

The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Broxtowe district council: Byelection on 19 August in Cossall and Kimberley ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Tony Rutherford, who failed to attend any meetings of the council in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Leicester city council: Byelection on 15 July in Castle ward after the death of Green Party councillor Phil Gordon, who fell from a tree while working as a tree surgeon. Term ends 2011.

East of England

• Babergh district council: Byelection on 22 July in Great Cornard North ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Carole Todd. Term ends 2011.
• Basildon borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Nethermayne ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Williams to become Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons. Term ends May 2011.
• Norwich city council: Vacancies in 13 separate wards after the High Court quashed an order which had extended the terms of the councillors. Affected are Labour councillors Jenny Lay (Crome ward), Brian Morrey (Catton ward), Mary Cannell (Lakenham ward), Linda Blakeway (Mile Cross ward), Sue Sands (Sewell ward), and James 'Bert' Bremner (University ward), Green Party councillors Howard Jago (Mancroft ward), Claire Stephenson (Nelson ward), Janet Bearman (Town Close ward) and Tom Llewellyn (Wensum ward), Liberal Democrats Brian Watkins (Eaton ward) and Joyce Divers (Thorpe Hamlet ward), and Conservative councillor Antony Little (Bowthorpe ward). The winners of the byelection will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year.
• Rochford district council: Byelection on 15 July in Wheatley ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Pullen. Term ends 2012.

London

• Barking and Dagenham borough council: Louise Couling, who was disqualified from the seat she won on 6 May in Goresbrook ward because as a lollipop lady she was technically employed by the council, was re-elected on 8 July after resigning the post. She is a member of the Labour Party.
• Camden borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Frognal and Fitzjohns ward after the sudden death of Conservative group leader and former cabinet member Martin Davies. Term ends 2014.
• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Holland ward, following the resignation of former council leader Baroness Hanham who is now a junior minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government. There are also two vacancies, in Earls Court and Cremorne wards, after the resignations of Conservative councillors Barry Phelps and Mark Daley respectively. All terms end in 2014.
• Redbridge borough council: Recent past NUS President Wes Streeting was elected as councillor for Chadwell ward on 8 July, holding the seat for the Labour Party.

North East

• Darlington borough council: Labour candidate Jan Cossins was elected councillor for Cockerton West ward on 8 July, holding the seat for her party.
• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Vacancy in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cheshire East council: Vacancy in Alderley ward after the death of Conservative councillor Liz Gilliland. Term ends May 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Vacancy in Kilnhouse ward after the death of former Mayor and Conservative councillor John Prestwich. Term ends May 2011.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Preston city council: Byelection on 15 July in Riversway ward due to the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Liam Pennington. Term ends 2014.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Brighton and Hove council: Lizzie Deane, the candidate of the Green Party, retained the party's seat in St Peter's and North Laine ward at a byelection held on 8 July.
• Cherwell district council: Byelection on 22 July in Kidlington North ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor John Wyse. Term ends 2011.
• Guildford borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Pirbright ward after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2011.
• Medway council: Byelection on 12 August in River ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Bill Esterson, now MP for Sefton Central. Term ends May 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Byelection on 29 July in Haywards Heath Franklands ward after the death of Conservative councillor Clive Chapman. Term ends May 2011.
• Rushmoor borough council: Vacancy in Wellington ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Francis Williams. Term ends 2011.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Vacancy in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• Surrey county council: Byelection on 15 July in Worplesdon division after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2013.
• Tandridge district council: Lisa Bangs, who was elected for the Liberal Democrats in Lingfield and Crowhurst ward, has left the party to sit as an Independent councillor. She is opposed to the coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
• West Berkshire council: Byelection on 22 July in Thatcham South and Crookham ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Terry Port who is to move back to the south coast. Term ends May 2011.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Wycombe district council: Byelection on 15 July in Greater Marlow ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Helen Wilkinson who has failed to attend any meeting in six months and whose leave of absence has expired. Term ends May 2011.

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Byelection on 29 July in Radstock ward after the death of Independent councillor Allan Hall. Term ends May 2011.
• East Dorset district council: Byelection on 15 July in Corfe Mullen South ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Stewart Hearn whose challenge for the leadership of his group was unsuccessful. Term ends 2011.
• Exeter city council: Vacancies in 13 separate wards after the High Court quashed an order which had extended the terms of the councillors. Affected are Liberal Democrats Stella Brock (St. David’s ward), Ben Noble (Duryard ward), Tim Payne (Pennsylvania ward), and Paul Smith (Alphington ward), Labour councillors Pete Edwards (Whipton Barton ward and group leader), Ian Martin (Mincinglake ward), Lesley Robson (Priory ward) and John Shepherd (Newtown ward), Conservatives Yolonda Henson (Polsloe ward and group leader), Margaret Baldwin (Cowick ward), and Ruth Smith (Pinhoe ward), plus Independent ex-Labour councillor Connel Boyle (Exwick ward) and Liberal councillor Chris Gale (Heavitree ward). The winners of the byelection will have notional terms ending in 2014, dependent on whether planned boundary changes go ahead next year. The idea of re-electing the incumbent councillors unopposed has been suggested.
• Torbay council: Byelection on 22 July in St Marys with Summercombe ward after the death of Conservative councillor Stuart John. Term ends May 2011.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Vacancy in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Walsall borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Bloxwich West ward after the death of Conservative councillor Melvin Pitt. Term ends 2012.
• Warwick district council: Byelection on 22 July in Warwick South ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Chris White, now MP for Warwick and Leamington. Term ends May 2011.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Byelection on 29 July in Bilston North ward after the death of Conservative councillor Gill Fellows, who was cabinet member for children's services up to the beginning of last month. Term ends 2012.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Byelection on 5 August in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.
• Sheffield city council: Vacancy in Woodhouse ward after the death of Labour councillor Marjorie Barker. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Blaenau Gwent county borough council: Labour candidate Bernard Willis was elected councillor for Tredegar Central and West ward on 8 July, holding the seat for his party.
• Caerphilly county borough council: Former councillor Nigel Dix returns to the council representing Blackwood ward after winning a byelection on 8 July; standing for the Labour Party, he gained a seat previously held by an Independent councillor.
• Gwynedd county council: Byelection on 15 July in Diffwys and Maenofferen ward after the resignation of Llais Gwynedd councillor Gwilym Roberts. There is also a vacancy in Seiont ward after the death of Independent councillor Bob Anderson. Both terms end in 2012.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Cymmer ward after the death of Labour councillor Eurwen Davies. Term ends 2012.

Scotland

• Edinburgh city council: Vacancy in Liberton and Gilmerton ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Ian Murray, now MP for Edinburgh South. Term ends 2012. The byelection is expected to be held in September.

Last month the High Court upheld a challenge to the legality of the Exeter and Devon (Structural Changes) Order 2010 and the Norwich and Norfolk (Structural Changes) Order 2010 and quashed the orders – which would have made Exeter and Norwich unitary councils. The councils had been due to have elections for one third of their councillors on 6 May but the orders provided that the terms of councillors up for election then should be extended until a full council election in 2011.

With the orders annulled, what should happen to the councillors whose terms should have expired? The High Court has just ruled: they are disqualified immediately, and must be replaced at byelections. The ruling has changed the compositions of Exeter city council and Norwich city council.

The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Leicester city council: Byelection on 15 July in Castle ward after the death of Green Party councillor Phil Gordon, who fell from a tree while working as a tree surgeon. Term ends 2011.
• Newark and Sherwood district council: Linda Tift was elected councillor for Rainworth ward on 1 July, holding the seat for Labour after the death of her husband Allen.

East of England

• Babergh district council: Byelection on 22 July in Great Cornard North ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Carole Todd. Term ends 2011.
• Basildon borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Nethermayne ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Williams to become Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons. Term ends May 2011.
• Rochford district council: Byelection on 15 July in Wheatley ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Pullen. Term ends 2012.

London

• Barking and Dagenham borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Goresbrook ward after the disqualification of Labour councillor Louise Couling who was, as a school crossings officer (lollipop lady), employed by the authority. She has resigned this post and is standing in the byelection. Term ends 2014.
• Camden borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Frognal and Fitzjohns ward after the sudden death of Conservative group leader and former cabinet member Martin Davies. Term ends 2014.
• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Holland ward, following the resignation of former council leader Baroness Hanham who is now a junior minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government. Term ends 2014.
• Lambeth borough council: Ruth Ling was elected councillor for Tulse Hill ward on 1 July, holding the seat for Labour and returning to the council only seven weeks after losing her seat in Clapham Common ward.
• Redbridge borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Chadwell ward due to the disqualification of Labour councillor Mark Gittens, who is employed as a science teacher at Wanstead High School and therefore an employee of the council. Term ends 2014.

North East

• Darlington borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Cockerton West ward, after the resignation of Labour councillor Jenny Chapman who was elected MP for Darlington in the general election. Term ends 2011.
• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Vacancy in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Frank Andrews, the Conservative Party candidate, was elected councillor for Ribby-with-Wrea ward on 1 July. He takes a seat previously held by an Independent. There is also a vacancy in Kilnhouse ward after the death of former Mayor and Conservative councillor John Prestwich. Term ends May 2011.
• Hyndburn borough council: Labour Party candidate Wendy Dwyer was elected councillor for Peel ward on 1 July, holding the seat for her party.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Preston city council: Byelection on 15 July in Riversway ward due to the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Liam Pennington. Term ends 2014.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Brighton and Hove council: Byelection on 8 July in St Peter's and North Laine ward, after the resignation of Green group leader Keith Taylor who is to replace Caroline Lucas as Member of the European Parliament. Ms Lucas was elected to the United Kingdom Parliament last week and the European Parliament now prohibits 'dual mandate' members. Term ends 2011.
• Cherwell district council: Byelection on 22 July in Kidlington North ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor John Wyse. Term ends 2011.
• Guildford borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Pirbright ward after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Byelection on 29 July in Haywards Heath Franklands ward after the death of Conservative councillor Clive Chapman. Term ends May 2011.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Vacancy in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• Surrey county council: Byelection on 15 July in Worplesdon division after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2013.
• West Berkshire council: Vacancy in Thatcham South and Crookham ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Terry Port who is to move back to the south coast. Term ends May 2011.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Wycombe district council: Byelection on 15 July in Greater Marlow ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Helen Wilkinson who has failed to attend any meeting in six months and whose leave of absence has expired. Term ends May 2011.

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Byelection on 29 July in Radstock ward after the death of Independent councillor Allan Hall. Term ends May 2011.
• East Dorset district council: Byelection on 15 July in Corfe Mullen South ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Stewart Hearn whose challenge for the leadership of his group was unsuccessful. Term ends 2011.
• Mendip district council: Garfield Kennedy of the Liberal Democrats was elected councillor for Shepton West ward on 1 July, gaining the seat from the Conservatives. As a result the Conservative administration on the council is now in a minority.
• Torbay council: Byelection on 22 July in St Marys with Summercombe ward after the death of Conservative councillor Stuart John. Term ends May 2011.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Vacancy in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Shropshire council: Richard Huffer of the Liberal Democrats was elected councillor for Clee ward on 1 July, gaining the seat from the Conservatives.
• South Staffordshire district council: Conservative Party candidate David Williams was elected (by a majority of 2 votes) councillor for Huntington and Hatherton ward on 1 July, holding for his party a seat vacated by his mother's death.
• Walsall borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Bloxwich West ward after the death of Conservative councillor Melvin Pitt. Term ends 2012.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Byelection on 29 July in Bilston North ward after the death of Conservative councillor Gill Fellows, who was cabinet member for children's services up to the beginning of last month. Term ends 2012.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Byelection on 5 August in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.
• Sheffield city council: Vacancy in Woodhouse ward after the death of Labour councillor Marjorie Barker. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Blaenau Gwent county borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Tredegar Central and West ward after the death of Labour councillor Derek Morris. Term ends 2012.
• Caerphilly county borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Blackwood ward after the resignation of Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge. Term ends 2012.
• Gwynedd county council: Byelection on 15 July in Diffwys and Maenofferen ward after the resignation of Llais Gwynedd councillor Gwilym Roberts. There is also a vacancy in Seiont ward after the death of Independent councillor Bob Anderson. Both terms end in 2012.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Cymmer ward after the death of Labour councillor Eurwen Davies. Term ends 2012.

Scotland

• No updates this week.

We secured our third successful major planning committee approval in Hackney this year after plans to redevelop tram sheds in Clapton were approved last night, 4 votes to 3.

All three schemes have been controversial - and this one certainly brought a wave of protest from some members of the community, including protestors outside the town hall and a packed noisy committee meeting.  The meeting was lively and even had to be suspended for a few minutes to quieten people down.
 
Our client brought us in, given the large and organised campaign of misinformation about the scheme put out by some members of the community, on blogs, in petitions and through posters. 

Our messages to the councillors focussed on the jobs that we were saving, and the conservation aspects of the proposal. 

Despite intensive questioning from committee members, the application was approved after a discussion lasting over two hours.

Our client said:

"You did a great job & be assured we would use you again."

The latest information about other local council electoral matters is as follows:

East Midlands

• Leicester city council: Byelection on 15 July in Castle ward after the death of Green Party councillor Phil Gordon, who fell from a tree while working as a tree surgeon. Term ends 2011.
• Newark and Sherwood district council: Byelection on 1 July in Rainworth ward after the death of Labour councillor Allen Tift. Term ends 2011.

East of England

• Babergh district council: Byelection on 22 July in Great Cornard North ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Carole Todd. Term ends 2011.
• Basildon borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Nethermayne ward after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Williams to become Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in the House of Commons. Term ends May 2011.
• Bedford borough council: Former Labour group leader Shan Hunt was elected councillor for Kempston North ward on 24 June, holding the seat.
• Braintree district council: Abi Olumbori was elected councillor for Braintree South ward on 24 June, holding the seat for the Conservatives.
• Rochford district council: Byelection on 15 July in Wheatley ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Pullen. Term ends 2012.

London

• Barking and Dagenham borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Goresbrook ward after the disqualification of Labour councillor Louise Couling who was, as a school crossings officer (lollipop lady), employed by the authority. She has resigned this post and is standing in the byelection. Term ends 2014.
• Camden borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Frognal and Fitzjohns ward after the sudden death of Conservative group leader and former cabinet member Martin Davies. Term ends 2014.
• Kensington and Chelsea borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Holland ward, following the resignation of former council leader Baroness Hanham who is now a junior minister at the Department for Communities and Local Government. Term ends 2014.
• Lambeth borough council: Byelection on 1 July in Tulse Hill ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Toren Smith. Term ends 2014.
• Redbridge borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Chadwell ward due to the disqualification of Labour councillor Mark Gittens, who is employed as a science teacher at Wanstead High School and therefore an employee of the council. Term ends 2014.

North East

• Darlington borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Cockerton West ward, after the resignation of Labour councillor Jenny Chapman who was elected MP for Darlington in the general election. Term ends 2011.
• Durham county council: Vacancy in Brandon ward after the death of Labour councillor Ronnie Rodgers. Term ends 2013.

North West

• Allerdale district council: Vacancy in Christchurch ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Les Lytollis who has not attended any meetings in six months. Term ends 2011.
• Cumbria county council: Vacancy in Aspatria and Wharrels division due to the death of Council leader Jim Buchanan, also a Conservative. Term ends 2013.
• Fylde borough council: Byelection on 1 July in Ribby-with-Wrea ward, after the death of Independent councillor Lyndsay Greening. Term ends 2011.
• Hyndburn borough council: Byelection on 1 July in Peel ward after the resignation of Labour councillor and former council leader Graham Jones, who was elected MP for Hyndburn in the general election. Term ends 2012.
• Knowsley borough council: Vacancy in Park ward after the resignation of Labour councillor Margaret Dobbie. Term ends May 2011.
• Preston city council: Byelection on 15 July in Riversway ward due to the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Liam Pennington. Term ends 2014.
• St Helens borough council: Vacancy in Billinge and Seneley Green ward, after the death of Labour councillor Richard Ward. Term ends 2012.
• West Lancashire borough council: There are two vacancies, both caused by the deaths of Labour councillors. Doreen Saxon of Skelmersdale South ward died on 28 March, and former Labour group leader Terry Rice of Upholland ward died on 2 June. Both terms end in May 2011.

South East

• Brighton and Hove council: Byelection on 8 July in St Peter's and North Laine ward, after the resignation of Green group leader Keith Taylor who is to replace Caroline Lucas as Member of the European Parliament. Ms Lucas was elected to the United Kingdom Parliament last week and the European Parliament now prohibits 'dual mandate' members. Term ends 2011.
• Cherwell district council: Byelection on 22 July in Kidlington North ward after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor John Wyse. Term ends 2011.
• Guildford borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Pirbright ward after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2011.
• Mid Sussex district council: Byelection on 29 July in Haywards Heath Franklands ward after the death of Conservative councillor Clive Chapman. Term ends May 2011.
• Slough borough council: Rakesh Pabbi, who was elected for the Labour Party in Colnbrook with Poyle ward, has joined the Conservatives.
• South Buckinghamshire district council: Vacancy in Burnham Church ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Nicholas Binns. Term ends 2011.
• Surrey county council: Byelection on 15 July in Worplesdon division after the death of Conservative councillor Mike Nevins. Term ends 2013.
• West Sussex county council: Vacancy in Maidenbower division after the resignation of former council leader Henry Smith, who is now MP for Crawley. Term ends 2013.
• Wycombe district council: Byelection on 15 July in Greater Marlow ward after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Helen Wilkinson who has failed to attend any meeting in six months and whose leave of absence has expired. Term ends May 2011.

South West

• Bath and North East Somerset council: Byelection on 5 August in Radstock ward after the death of Independent councillor Allan Hall. Term ends May 2011.
• East Dorset district council: Byelection on 15 July in Corfe Mullen South ward, after the resignation of Liberal Democrat councillor Stewart Hearn whose challenge for the leadership of his group was unsuccessful. Term ends 2011.
• Mendip district council: Byelection on 1 July in Shepton West ward, after the disqualification of Conservative councillor Ashley Taylor who failed to attend any meetings in six months. Term ends May 2011.
• Torbay council: Byelection on 22 July in St Marys with Summercombe ward after the death of Conservative councillor Stuart John. Term ends May 2011.

West Midlands

• Cannock Chase district council: Vacancy in Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury ward after the death of Conservative councillor John Jillings. Term ends 2012.
• Shropshire council: Byelection on 1 July in Clee ward after the resignation of Conservative councillor Paul Andrews, who had been suspended for four months by the Adjudication Panel for England. Term ends 2013.
• South Staffordshire district council: Byelection on 1 July in Huntington and Hatherton ward, after the death of Conservative councillor Patricia Williams. Term ends 2011.
• Walsall borough council: Byelection on 15 July in Bloxwich West ward after the death of Conservative councillor Melvin Pitt. Term ends 2012.
• Wolverhampton borough council: Byelection on 29 July in Bilston North ward after the death of Conservative councillor Gill Fellows, who was cabinet member for children's services up to the beginning of last month. Term ends 2012.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• Rotherham borough council: Vacancy in Sitwell ward after the death of former Conservative leader Michael Clarke. Term ends 2012.

Wales

• Blaenau Gwent county borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Tredegar Central and West ward after the death of Labour councillor Derek Morris. Term ends 2012.
• Caerphilly county borough council: Byelection on 8 July in Blackwood ward after the resignation of Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge. Term ends 2012.
• Conwy county borough council: Jobi Hold was elected councillor for Mostyn ward on 24 June, holding the seat for the Labour Party.
• Gwynedd county council: Byelection on 15 July in Diffwys and Maenofferen ward after the resignation of Llais Gwynedd councillor Gwilym Roberts. Term ends 2012.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough council: Byelection on 22 July in Cymmer ward after the death of Labour councillor Eurwen Davies. Term ends 2012.

Scotland

• No updates this week.