Byelection candidates revealed following death of ‘highly-respected’ councillor

This story was written by the local democracy reporting service (LDRS), a BBC-funded scheme to improve the coverage of issues relating to local democracy. The Leicester Gazette has been a partner in the scheme since March 2024, and so receives some stories as part of it.

Because LDRS reporters are not employed by the Gazette, their stories do not follow our style guide or standards code****.****

                        Learn more
                    

The vacancy on Harborough District Council’s Lutterworth East ward follows the death of Councillor David Gair on Tuesday, April 14.

Cllr Gair was a long-standing member of Lutterworth Town Council before joining Harborough District Council as a councillor for Lutterworth East in 2023.

Harborough District Council has confirmed the by-election for Councillor Gair’s former seat will take place on Thursday, July 2.

Candidates from Labour, the Conservatives, the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are standing.

There are five candidates nominated. The complete list of candidates standing for election and their reasons for seeking office can be found below.

Labour Party: Martin Cullen

Martin Cullen, Labour Party Candidate Image: Who Can I Vote For?

Reform UK: Bill Piper

Bill Piper, Reform UK candidate Image: Who Can I Vote For?

The Conservative Party: Sarah Anne Simms

Sarah Anne Simms, Conservative Party candidate Image: South Leics Cons Facebook page

Sarah Anne Simms was born and bred in Lutterworth. She said: “I am a dedicated local champion with a strong record of public service both during my career with Leicestershire Police and through continued involvement in local community groups as a town councillor and trustee for Age Concern Lutterworth and District, Lutterworth Community Transport, Lutterworth Lions, and Chair of Wycliffe Medical Practice PPG.

“I am also chair of the town hall trustees.

“Should I be elected, my main aims would be to give Lutterworth a louder voice within Harborough District Council, and specifically champion cleaner streets by tackling fly tipping, and making Lutterworth town a safer place to live, work and play by upgrading the town’s CCTV systems, and finally to bring back commerce to the town centre by sourcing and procuring grants which will help our shops thrive.”

Stephen Walkley (Liberal Democrats)

Stephen Walkley, Liberal Democrats party candidate Image: Who can I vote for?

In a statement updated on Monday, June 8, the Liberal Democrat party candidate said: “I lived in Woodmarket for over 30 years since moving here in 1984.

Join the conversation

Our app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community.

Want to support our work? Click here for membership__.__

“I support Lutterworth rugby and cricket teams and I was treasurer of the cricket club for 13 years. As chair of the town hall charity, I obtained grants for the new lift and repainting the building – a task that needs doing regularly due to the pollution caused by the excessive traffic in the centre of Lutterworth.

“I am very concerned about the plans for Lutterworth East, which means that Lutterworth will not get an effective north-south bypass that is urgently needed to stop traffic blighting the town. I recently asked a Freedom of Information request to Leicestershire County Council – apparently, they have already spent £39.4m on the project and may only go ahead with more warehousing on the fields on the other side of the M1. The proposed Misterton Quarry will exacerbate traffic issues without a bypass.

“Local representatives shouldn’t be dependent on party politics but on having someone who will effectively represent you. Having said that, many local elections recently have been decided on national issues, with extremists of both sides making gains. I believe that we should work with others rather than against them. I wish we were back in the EU but if not should be in the single market and want fairness to all, especially minority groups, and electing me is a small way of supporting this approach.”

Green Party: Adam Karl Holmes

Adam Holmes has lived in South Leicestershire for the past 13 years. He said: “My name is Adam, the Green Party candidate for Lutterworth East Ward.

“I have a background working in graphic design and ICT. Having worked in our NHS, I have a passion to protect it.

“As a husband and father, I am deeply concerned with the state of the world. Like many of us, I am unhappy with the growing inequality and increasing division in our society. For many families, it feels like things just keep getting worse.

“I’m proud to stand on behalf of the Green Party because I want to bring real hope to our community in Lutterworth. We offer a positive alternative to the traditional parties, who have let us all down.

“I will work hard for Lutterworth and call for the improved infrastructure the town needs. I will help cut down on traffic through the promotion of active travel and regular, reliable bus services.

“I want to support the police in reducing anti-social behaviour. I will take steps to protect our environment, clean up our waterways, and fight for much needed investment in our NHS through proper developer contributions.

“Whatever the result on July 2nd, I’ll always be available to listen to your concerns and lend my support towards a better Lutterworth.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted the other candidates for updated statements, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

Polling stations for the by-election have been named by Harborough District Council (HDC) as Masonic Hall, Wycliff Rooms, and Dunley Way Football Pavilion.

If residents are hoping to vote by proxy, HDC said “any new applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7AG by 5 pm on Wednesday, 24th June 2026.

Verification and counting of votes will take place after voting closes on Thursday, July 2, at Lutterworth Town Council Offices.

Before you go… We've recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we're a small team on a shoestring budget.

Now, we're ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.

The app connects with Bluesky , Mastodon and Threads , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It's a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community.