The first by-election to be held in the U.K. since before the Covid-19 lockdown took place on Thursday 1st October. It is one of a series of polls scheduled in Scotland over the coming weeks. Unlike the rest of the U.K., Scotland is pressing ahead with polls in areas where local lockdowns are not in place. Wales will not see by-elections until at least February and England has legislated to prevent polls until the next scheduled local elections in May. While these restrixtions are in place, the number of vacancies steadily rises. More than 200 electoral divisions across the U.K. currently have no elected representative.
The North Isles ward of Orkney Council has three councillors in normal times. Independent Kevin Woodbridge passed away in April, triggering this by-election. First elected in 2017, Councillor Woodbridge stood on a platform of regeneration for the North Isles. He was also Chairman of the Orkney Ferries Board.
Kevin Woodridge’s daughter Heather has now won the by-election to replace him. In doing so, she has become Orkney Council’s youngest ever councillor at the age of 26. Councillor Heather Woodbridge stood on a platform of regeneration for the North Isles and has vowed to be a voice for young people on the islands.
Elections Count 