By-elections to be held in south Norfolk communities

New members for the South Wymondham, and Mulbarton and Stoke Holy Cross wards will be elected after a vote next Thursday. 

On the ballot for South Wymondham are: Lowell Doheny (Labour), Martyn Lemon (Conservative), Carmina McConnell (Liberal Democrat), Victoria Walters (Green) 

For Mulbarton and Stoke Holy Cross, the candidates are: Tony Holden (C), Nigel Legg (Independent), Robert McClenning (LD), Geraldine Smith-Cullen (L), Claire Sparkes (G). Tony Holden, when he was mayor or Wymondham in 2018 (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Mr Holden and Mr Legg were both councillors until May this year when they lost their seats.  

Mr Legg had been a Conservative Mulbarton councillor, while Mr Holden had been the member for the North Wymondham ward. 

The former Mulbarton member once caused controversy when he said that having more affordable housing could bring "feral youths" to communities.

Following the comments he was suspended from the Tory group.

Nigel Legg (Image: Submitted)

Carmina McConnell is the only candidate who did not also stand in the local elections in May.  

Mr Lemon was a member of Spooner Row Parish Council until June, an authority which has been in disarray in recent months after a row broke out over who should control its website.

The Wymondham election is being held following the death of Julian Halls, a Liberal Democrat councillor.   

Mr Halls died on July 18, following a “short illness”, having been a councillor since May 2019.   

Julian Halls, councillor for Wymondham South Ward (Image: Liberal Democrats) (Image: Liberal Democrats)

The Mulbarton and Stoke Holy Cross seat has become available following the resignation of fellow Lib Dem councillor Julian Fulcher.  

Mr Fulcher was only elected to the council in May and it is unclear why he stood down so soon after the election.