It's been confirmed that there will be a double by-election in Newcastle following the resignation of two borough councillors.

There will be a by-election held in Audley and Knutton wards on Thursday 7th September 2023.

Audley

There are four candidates standing in Audley – Rebekah Lewis (Lab), Duran O'Dwyer (Ind), Sally Rudd (Con) and Andrew Wemyss (Lib Dem).

Rebekah Lewis (Labour) is standing in next month's by-election (Image supplied).

Rebekah Lewis (Labour) said: "I am a local mum, and work as a community adviser for a local not-for-profit organisation in the charity sector. I have grown up in a family of public servants.

"Our villages are all too often overlooked and the local needs of residents and small businesses are forgotten by the Conservative leadership on the borough council.

"Support for farmers, more local school places, access to medical services, a better road infrastructure and accessible transport are all areas that need urgent investment – the Conservative council has failed to deliver any of these things, in fact they have overseen a managed decline this past six years.

"I am standing to be that local village voice. I am passionate about helping people and delivering real change."

Sally Rudd (Conservative) has lived in Bignall End for 13 years and works as a dental therapist (Image supplied).

Sally Rudd (Conservative) said: "I've lived in Bignall End with my other half Nick and our son for 13 years now. I'm a dental therapist working locally in Newcastle and love living in our beautiful village.

"As a regular dog walker in the area, I'm keen to improve and maintain our local environment.

"I want to contribute to the great work done by Nick Crisp and Ian Wilkes, furthering the overhaul of the Marion's Way pathway, helping residents access their local services, and answering their questions and queries.

"A vote for me would give residents three local councillors who live in the Audley ward and who care about its future."

Andrew Wemyss (Liberal Democrat) is the former councillor for Halmer End (Image supplied).

Andrew Wemyss (Liberal Democrat) said: "I've lived in Audley all my life and as the former Liberal Democrat councillor for Halmer End I know what residents in the parish want and need.

"I'm truly the local candidate who will listen to people regarding the current planning proposals to destroy our green fields.

"I'll stand up for the people of Audley and I'll make sure your voice is heard loud and clear.

"A vote for me is for equality, fairness and real choice to hold the others to account. I'll ensure our views are considered and that we won't be taken for granted by either of the big two."

Duran O'Dwyer (Ind) did not respond to the LDRS' request for more information.

Knutton

There are three candidates standing in Knutton – Derrick Huckfield (Con), Aidan Jenkins (Lib Dem) and Rob Moss (Lab).

Aiden Jenkins (Lib Dem) is a former Knutton resident and a local SEN teacher (Image supplied).

Aidan Jenkins (Liberal Democrat) said: "As the chair of the local Newcastle-under-Lyme Liberal Democrats and former Knutton resident, I want to ensure that the people of Knutton have a real choice.

"People from Knutton are the 'salt of the earth' and so deserve better from a local candidate they can trust.

"I'm a local SEN teacher who takes time to volunteer at our church safe space facility. I'm also a Scout leader so will ensure our young people have the skills they need to be successful. I'll put the heart back into our community.

"A vote for me is a vote for choice, equality, fairness. A strong local voice that holds the others to account. Don't let them take you for granted again."

Rob Moss (Labour) recently retired after nearly 30 years as a firefighter based at Newcastle Fire Station (Image supplied).

Rob Moss (Labour) said: "I recently retired after 28 years as a Fire Fighter at Newcastle Fire Station, based right here in Knutton.

"After responding to emergencies in the local community my entire working life, I want to continue looking after local people – my neighbours, family and friends.

"I will be accessible, visible and will work day and night to bring real investment and change to Knutton and its people."

Derrick Huckfield (Con) did not respond to the LDRS' request for more information.

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