Tomorrow, the 5th of May 2022, by-elections will be taking place across the country, and Rutland is no exception.

The Uppingham Ward by-election will see 4 candidates going head-to-head to win the votes of the Uppingham residents.

These for candidates are:

Phil Bourqui (Reform UK)

Dave Ainslie (Independent)

Giles Clifton (Conservative)

Stephen Lambert (Liberal Democrat)

The residents of Uppingham will be able to attend the polling booth between 7am and 10pm to vote for their chosen candidate, with the results being published once the votes have been counted.

In line with Electoral Commission and government guidance, voters are advised to wear face masks and use hand sanitiser when attending the polling station.

Single use pencils will also be provided.

Meanwhile, Uppingham Town Council elections have been put on hold due to a lack of applicants. Michael Fish was elected uncontested in early April, and elections to fill the two remaining seats are yet to be announced.

In other election news, the Oakham and Barleythorpe Neighbourhood Plan referendum is set to take place between 7am and 10pm on Thursday the 26th of May 2022. This referendum will be asking residents of Oakham and Barleythorpe parishes to vote in favour or opposition of the adoption of a plan which sets a vision for the area for the next 30 years:

"A Neighbourhood Plan settles a vision for the future of a neighbourhood, parish, or town and sets out how this vision will be realised through planning and development. The document must reflect the views of the residents of the Plan Area."

Click the link to find out more.

Alternatively, share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.