AN official date has been set for the by-election in South Gloucestershire.
The by-election for the parliamentary constituency of Kingswood will take place on Thursday February 15, 2024 following the resignation of Chris Skidmore MP.
Mr Skidmore had held the Kingswood seat since 2010, beating second-placed Labour by 11,220 votes at the last general election.
He handed in his resignation earlier this month in protest at government plans to boost oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Who are the candidates?
So far three candidates have announced their intention to stand at the by-election.
This includes Conservative parliamentary candidate Sam Bromiley - who is currently South Gloucestershire Council Conservative group leader.
Damien Egan will be standing for Labour in the Kingswood by-election.
He previously defeated Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees to become parliamentary candidate for Bristol North East in July last year.
Meanwhile, it was announced this morning Rupert Lowe is the candidate for the Reform Party.
Following last year’s constituency boundaries review, Kingswood is planned to be split up between three seats: North East Somerset and Hanham, Bristol North East, and Filton and Bradley Stoke.
The new boundaries will not impact the by-election, but any MP elected will have to move seats if they wish to stand in the next election.
How do I vote?
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, February 15.
South Gloucestershire Council have announced voters in the constituency who want to have their say in the by-election must be registered to vote by Tuesday, January 30.
Following new legislation introduced in May 2023, all residents voting in person must remember to bring a form of photo ID with them.
You can register to vote here - www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here