By-election for Holt after Conservative councillor quits

Eric Vardy has stepped down as councillor for the Holt division on North Norfolk District Council.

Mr Vardy had served the ward since 2021, when he succeeded predecessor Duncan Baker, who resigned to focus on his parliamentary career as North Norfolk MP.

Mr Vardy, a retired police inspector, said: "I am stepping down to spend more time with my family.

"I also have a great interest in animal welfare matters and volunteer for PACT, so intend to do more of that."

Mr Vardy also represents Holt at Norfolk County Council, where he used to be cabinet member for the environment.

Elections at County Hall have been suspended for a year to allow local government reorganisation and devolution to be organised.

That will see all eight of Norfolk's councils abolished and replaced with new ones, along with a mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk.

Mr Vardy said he would continue his county council duties until the next set of elections there.

The candidates to succeed Mr Vardy in his North Norfolk District Council Holt division have been confirmed.

They are Fiona Hayward (Labour), Connor Rouse (Liberal Democrat), Simon Russell (Green), Alex Savva (Conservative) and Beverley Seaward (Reform UK).

The by-election will take place on Thursday, May 1, with the polls open between 7am and 10pm.

Liberal Democrat-controlled North Norfolk District Council is made up of 40 councillors - 25 Lib Dems, 13 Conservatives, and two independents.

Elsewhere in Norfolk, there are a number of other by-elections on the same May 1 date.

Three wards at Norwich City Council are up for grabs - in Mancroft, Sewell and Bowthorpe.

There is one for Acle at Broadland District Council, and one for Thetford Priory at Breckland District Council.

There are also by-elections for three Norfolk County Council divisions - Marshland North, Mancroft in Norwich and Thetford West.