A look into the chaotic local politics of the 19th-century

Dear readers – this week our history writer Margaret Brecknell wrote a feature about a 19th-century Leicestershire politician. The career of Charles Hay Frewen highlights just how corrupt and elitist politics and elections were in the 19th century. The feature article is linked below.

In the present day, byelection for Harborough District Council’s Lutterworth East ward is now in full swing. Last week the LDRS reported that five candidates are standing in the ward, represnting the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour, Green party, and Reform UK. Residents in Lutterworth East will head to the polls on Thursday 2 July.

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This week's weather

Monday ☀️ Sunny – there's an amber weather warning in place. 31C

Tuesday ☀️ Sunny – there's an amber weather warning in place. 35C

Wednesday ☀️ Sunny. 36C

Thursday ☀️ Sunny. 36C

Friday 🌤️ Sunny intervals. 29C

Weekend ⛅ Sunny intervals changing to partly cloudy by nighttime.**** 26C

We get our weekly weather forecast from the Met Office_._

Your weekly briefing

The chequered career of 19th-century politician Charles Frewan

At a time when only rich men could vote, we look at Leicestershire politician, Charles Hay Frewen and the corrupt practices of elections during this era.

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

The candidates for a Leicestershire byelection set to be held next month have been announced.

Harborough District Council votes in favour of new parish council

A new parish council for part of Leicestershire has been approved – but the low polling turnout to decide the move has raised some concerns.

Send staff send open letter to parents due to strike action over proposed changes

Staff providing special educational needs and disabilities (Send) services tell parents they are 'deeply concerned' for their children.

Glenfield hospital: 'unclean theatres' and 'understaffed' according to inspectors

Glenfield hospital still requires improvement after inspectors found that services were understaffed and infection control was poor.

Photo of the week

Rhys and Devon at the Clarendon Park Summer Fair on Sunday. Photograph: Joseph Herbert

Things to look forward to

Fifa World Cup – England vs Ghana

England will be playing Ghana in the Fifa world cup on Tuesday 23 June. Kick off is at 9pm, and the match can be watched at several venues across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Punch Needle Embellished Tote Bag

Create your own wonderfully embellished tote bag in this half day beginner's punch needle embroidery class. No experience or sewing skills are required! Attenborough Arts Centre Saturday 27 June, 10:30am - 3pm. Tickets from £30.

Leicester Jazz House presents: The Iain Ballamy Quartet

Iain Ballamy**** is an award-winning saxophonist and composer. His distinctive approach is characterised by a warm, lyrical tone and thoughtful phrasing. The Y Theatre, Thursday 25 June. Tickets from £6.

Fifa World Cup – England vs Panama

England will be playing Panama in the Fifa world cup on Saturday 27 June. Kick off is at 10pm, and the match can be watched at several venues across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Leicester Sympthony Orchestra: Peter And The Wolf

Join the Leicester Symphony Orchestra for a relaxed family concert. Arrive early to make your own toy instrument to join in with Haydn’s Toy Symphony and a mask to wear for your favourite character in Peter and the Wolf. The Little Theatre, Sunday 28 June. Tickets are from £6.

A window to the past

An 1881 painting of the Old River Soar in Leicester. Illustration: University of Leicester

A warm welcome to our new readers

Over the weekend Rhys, Devon, and Joseph were at the Clarendon Park Summer Fair. We had a lovely time speaking to people, chatting about the Gazette and the type of journalism we do. We're pleased to report that we had a few new sign ups!

If you're new here, welcome. And thank you for supporting your local independent newsroom! If you fancy taking your support a step further, please do consider becoming a member – it costs £2 a month, which is less than a cup of coffee.

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