The Holsworthy Town Council By-Election – Thursday 16 July 2026
A by-election will be held on Thursday 16 July 2026 to fill two vacancies on Holsworthy Town Council. Voters may vote for no more than two candidates on the ballot paper. Poll cards are not required for parish and town council elections unless requested by the parish or town council; electors should contact Torridge District Council’s elections team if they have any questions about polling arrangements:
elections@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237 428739. Voter photo ID is required by law for voting in person at local elections in England.
The election follows the resignations of former councillors Nigel Kenneally and Jeremy Tadman. Following the publication of notices of vacancy, sufficient requests from local electors were received to require a poll (public election) rather than the vacancies being filled by co-option (elected by current Holsworthy Town Council members). Polling stations will be open at the Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. Please note that Holsworthy Town Councillors do not receive payment and work as volunteers.
The Councillors elected on 16 July, 2026 will:
- Represent the residents of Holsworthy.
- Participate in Full Council meetings and committee work.
- Help determine local priorities.
- Contribute to managing council assets and services.
- Uphold the statutory responsibilities and ethical standards expected of elected members.
The by-election provides residents with an opportunity to choose representatives who will help shape the future direction of Holsworthy and ensure that local decision-making reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.
Footnotes – Principal Legislation
- Local Government Act 1972 – establishes parish and town councils, their powers, meetings and governance.
- Representation of the People Act 1983, as amended – principal electoral legislation governing local government elections, registration, polling, offences and election administration.
- Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 – procedural rules for parish and town council elections, including notices, nominations, ballot papers, polling and counting.
- Elections Act 2022 and Voter Identification Regulations 2022 – introduced and implement the requirement for voters to show accepted photo ID when voting in person at local elections in England.
- Electoral Commission guidance for Returning Officers administering Local Government Elections in England – provides practical guidance on poll cards, voter materials, polling station notices and voter ID administration.
