Ward election postponed after candidate's death

A council ward's election has been called off after the death of one of the candidates.

The St Helens Town Centre ward election scheduled for 7 May will be rearranged after the death of Andrew John Feeney, who was standing for Reform UK.

Organisers said the contest would now be rearranged for within 35 days of the original election date.

Mark Palethorpe, returning officer for St Helens Borough Council said: "We send our condolences to Andrew's family at this sad time."

Tributes to Feeney were shared on Facebook by the Market Tavern pub, in St Helens.

"He lived his life defined by courage and commitment to his family, his country and to his community, whether in uniform or every day life, he stood for what he believed in and gave his best to others," it said.

Council officer Palethorpe said postponing the election in the town centre was a legal requirement following the death of a candidate.

"I have already contacted the other candidates and will be writing to all affected electors in the ward," he said.

New polling cards will be sent to voters once the new election date is decided, which will explain postal and proxy vote arrangements if they cannot attend at the polling station on the new date.

Candidate nominations will also reopen once the new date has been agreed.

All previously validated candidates will remain on the ballot paper.

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