Voters in the High Fell ward of Gateshead have just over a week to cast their ballots in a by-election scheduled for July 9. The election was triggered after Reform UK's Danielle Cavanagh, who won the seat in May's local elections, stood down. Gateshead Council's newly elected Reform UK majority has stated it will refund the cost of the by-election by having one of its cabinet members forgo their special responsibility allowance for this year.
Cost and Candidates
The special responsibility allowance offered to cabinet members is currently £19,689 annually. The by-election is expected to cost between £18,000 and £20,000. Seven candidates are standing: Jonathan Aibi (Liberal Democrat), Lindsay Atkinson (Reform UK), Elaine Brunskill (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Barry Malcolm Flux (Conservative), Lee Turner (Green), and Kathryn Dorothea Walker (Labour).
Polling Stations and Voting Requirements
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Voters in the queue by 10pm will be allowed to vote. The count will take place at Gateshead Civic Centre that night. Photo ID is required, including passports, full or provisional driving licences, blue badges, and bus passes. A full list of accepted ID is on The Electoral Commission's website.
The polling stations are: Springwell Community Centre, Lanchester Avenue, Springwell Estate; St John's Church, Gateshead Fell, Church Road, Sheriff Hill; Beacon Lough Baptist Church, 99 Southend Road; Larkspur Community Primary School, Beacon Lough East; and St Oswalds RC Primary School, Easington Avenue, Wrekenton.
