Fighting plans to expand Leicester is among the pledges of those vying to win over Leicestershire residents in a five-way by-election contest.
Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) has confirmed the Wreake Valley by-election will take place on September 17 following the resignation of Councillor Laurie Needham, leader of the Green Party.
In a statement, she said she was stepping down due to “changes in circumstances” and “ongoing health issues”.
Officials at CBC have revealed that candidates from the Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Lib Dems and Reform UK will appear on the by-election ballot paper when voters go to the polls next month.
Opposition to the government’s plans to relocate thousands of Leicestershire residents into an expanded Leicester city boundary – an initiative known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – has emerged as a key issue in the campaigns.
Conservative candidate James Poland previously held the seat between 2013 and 2023 and also currently serves on Leicestershire County Council.
He said: “I’ve been fiercely opposed to the expansion of Leicester City. It’s a massive white hot issue – these villages have their own identity and they don’t see themselves as a suburb of Leicester because they’re not.
“I pride myself on being responsive and getting results for residents in my ward first and foremost. If you need to get something done, go to James Poland.”
Mr Poland also highlighted tackling overdevelopment and flooding as his key priorities.
The ward has been represented by Green Party councillors since 2023. Hoping to retain the seat is Green candidate Hamzah Sheikh, an Oxford chemistry graduate who is currently studying law at the University of Nottingham.
Mr Sheikh said he would use his experience working for Westminster and a local Citizens Advice charity to advocate for residents during the LGR process.
He said: “It feels like the government is taking an action against local democracy. People are going to lose half of their elected representatives for something that they really didn’t want to happen when they were asked.
“We want to keep planning decisions as close to the people that it affects as possible. We have got huge developments coming up and so it’s really important to advocate for public services to be protected and make sure the flood prevention is in place for them.
“When people have an issue in their daily lives, I’ll be able to signpost them and handle it properly. I’m really happy to advocate for people when they need help.”
Mr Sheikh added that he would also support poverty and climate change initiatives.
Labour’s candidate, 19-year-old Jay Dyas, has promised to stand up for residents but did not outline LGR as a key priority.
He said: “I grew up in Charnwood and the community here has made me the person I am today. To have the chance to represent friends and neighbours as their councillor is an honour.
“I am passionate about giving young people a voice in local politics, but I will champion everyone in Wreake Valley, from every age and every background.
“Having been involved in fundraising and running street stalls for Loros, I know the power our community has to make change when it comes together. If elected as your councillor, I promise to make that change happen and stand up for the interests of all residents.”
The deadline for receiving applications to register to vote is September 1.
The full list of candidates:
- Jay Dyas – Labour
- James Poland – Conservative Party
- Hamzah Sheikh – Green Party
- Alexander Sinclair – Liberal Democrats
- Michael Slade – Reform UK
By Caitlin James, Local Democracy Reporter
