ELECTIONS for district councillors for the Areley Kings and Riverside Ward and parish councillors for Areley Kings East Parish, Stourport, due to take place on May 7, have been cancelled.

The postponement of these elections in this district ward and town council ward follows the death of Nigel Thomas, an Independent Community and Health Concern candidate who had been nominated for election in both areas.

The Parliamentary Election will still take place on Thursday, May 7, as will the parish elections for the town council wards of Areley Kings West and Stourport-on-Severn Central.

Ian Miller, returning officer, said: “Following Nigel Thomas’ death, I have cancelled the elections in the area where he was standing.

“This is a sad time for his partner, family and friends and my staff and I extend our condolences to them. I am following protocol as set out by law and will announce a new date for the elections in the near future. We will send out new poll cards to let people know the date.

“I urge people living in the affected district ward and town council ward to still use their vote in the Parliamentary Elections on Thursday, May 7. For those affected electors who receive a postal vote, their pack will contain a ballot paper only for the elections they are entitled to vote at on May 7.

“They will receive a further postal vote pack for the postponed elections nearer the time of the new poll.”

The returning officer will make a further announcement about the new election timetable for these areas in due course.

Other candidates who have already been nominated for the two areas will not need to be nominated again and, by law, they are not allowed to withdraw their nominations. As a result of the postponement of the polls, there will be an opportunity for other candidates to put their name forward.