Residents in Throckley, Walbottle and Newburn face another election after Reform UK councillor Amy Hunter resigned only 63 days after being elected.
Her resignation creates a vacancy on Newcastle City Council and triggers a by-election expected to cost approximately £20,000 to administer.
Residents elected Amy Hunter in May with the reasonable expectation that she would serve the ward and represent their interests for a full term. Instead, local people are being asked to return to the polls little more than two months later.
Newcastle Labour believes elected office carries a serious responsibility. Councillors must be prepared to provide consistent representation, remain accountable to residents and exercise sound judgement.
The resignation also leaves the ward with reduced representation until the by-election is completed. Residents should be able to contact councillors who are present, accessible and focused on issues affecting their communities.
Local people should not have to bear the disruption and public expense caused by an avoidable political failure.
Labour will offer the ward a dependable alternative through Linda Wright, a lifelong Throckley resident with decades of experience representing and serving local communities.
Linda has deep roots in the ward and a long record of involvement with Newburn Community Hall and Throckley Community Hall. She understands the area and will concentrate on the issues residents raise with her.
Our campaign will focus on stable representation, neglected local sites, traffic and road safety, community investment and protecting services including Walbottle Recycling Centre.
Residents deserve a councillor who will serve the whole ward and remain committed to it.
Linda said:
“Residents elected a councillor in May and had every right to expect committed representation for a full term. Instead, they face another election and an estimated £20,000 bill. I will offer the stable, experienced and community-focused representation our area deserves.”