Tories first to field St Peter’s ward by-election candidate – Richard Bunting

CONSERVATIVES in Islington were “smelling blood” this week, being the first to declare a candidate to fight a by-election in the wake of the shock resignation of a Labour councillor.

Richard Bunting, chairman of the local party, will fight St Peter’s ward on Thursday August 11. He points out that his party came second at the last local elections, beating the Lib Dems into third place. 

Labour and the Lib Dems are expected to announce their candidates next week.

The by-election has been called after councillor Shelley Coupland – daughter of a former Mayor of Islington – announced she was standing down to fight claims of benefit irregularities. 

She appeared at Horseferry Road Magistrates’ Court last week charged with failing to notify changes in her circumstances to the Department for Work and Pensions.  

She is accused of being in remuneration for work with earnings in excess of permitted limits and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on August 5. 

Mr Bunting said that his party will be taking the election seriously.

“I expect this will be a straight fight between Conservatives and Labour,” he said. “We’ll also have the added benefit of London Mayor Boris Johnson, who lives in the ward, kick-starting his own campaign for re-election next year.”

Residents are being advised to check Islington Council’s website for voter registration deadlines, polling day and postal vote details.

Council chief executive Lesley Seary said: “Our job is to make sure the by-election is run smoothly and that everyone who is entitled to vote has the opportunity to do so by post or in person.

“We are determined to run the process as efficiently as possible to keep a firm grip on costs.

“Our website will have all the voter registration deadlines, polling day and postal vote details.”

Residents not on the electoral role must register to vote by July 27 at the latest.  

A full list of candidate nominations will be published on July 19.

Published: 8th July, 2011
by PETER GRUNER