Horsforth Hall Park By-Election Confirmed 2026

Key Points

• Residents in Horsforth’s Hall Park ward will head to the polls following confirmation from Horsforth Town Council.
• The vacancy arose due to the resignation of Councillor Becky Heaviside, as first reported last month.
• At least ten registered voters in the ward were required to submit written requests to trigger the by-election.
• Horsforth Town Council confirmed the by-election today, stating it will occur on Thursday, 7 May 2026, coinciding with the Leeds City Council elections, if contested.
• Nomination papers must be submitted by Thursday, 9 April 2026.
• Requests for the by-election were directed to the Returning Officer at Leeds City Council, Electoral Services, Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 1UR.
• If fewer than ten requests were received, the vacancy would have been filled by co-option, with the council appointing a new councillor.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) April 2, 2026 – Residents in Horsforth’s Hall Park ward are set to participate in a by-election after Horsforth Town Council officially confirmed the poll today. The vacancy stems from the resignation of Councillor Becky Heaviside, leaving the seat open for a new representative. This development follows a process where at least ten registered voters in the ward submitted written requests, meeting the threshold to trigger the election, scheduled for Thursday, 7 May 2026 – aligning with the broader Leeds City Council elections.

Why Did Councillor Becky Heaviside Resign?

As reported by Harry Ward of West Leeds Dispatch on 5 March 2026, the seat became vacant following the resignation of Councillor Becky Heaviside. Harry Ward wrote:

“The seat became vacant following the resignation of Councillor Becky Heaviside.”

This initial coverage highlighted that local electors had the option to trigger a by-election by submitting at least ten written requests.

No specific reasons for Councillor Heaviside’s resignation were detailed in the reports from Horsforth Town Council or West Leeds Dispatch. However, the notice issued by the council, as shared on their official Facebook page, stated:

“Notice is hereby given that due to the resignation of Becky Heaviside, a vacancy exists in the office of Town Councillor for Horsforth Town Council Hall Park ward.”

This formal announcement underscores the procedural nature of the vacancy without delving into personal motivations.

Councillor Heaviside had previously served in the Hall Park ward, representing the Liberal Democrats alongside figures like Simon Dowling in past elections, according to historical election data. Her departure marks a notable shift in local representation for the area.

What Triggered the By-Election?

Horsforth Town Council’s confirmation today verifies that the required threshold of at least ten registered voters submitted written requests. As outlined by Harry Ward of West Leeds Dispatch:

“If at least ten registered voters in the ward submit a written request for a poll, a by-election will be organised.”

In contrast, if fewer than ten requests had been received, the vacancy would have been filled through co-option, where the town council appoints a new councillor directly. Requests were to be sent in writing to the Returning Officer at Leeds City Council, Electoral Services, Civic Hall, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 1UR, as specified in the West Leeds Dispatch report.

Leeds City Council guidelines further clarify the process for town and parish council vacancies, noting that a written request by two registered local government electors can initiate a by-election under Section 89(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, with the poll set within 35 days, excluding weekends and bank holidays. However, for Horsforth Town Council specifically, the ward-level threshold of ten voters applied, distinguishing it from city-wide procedures.

When and How Will the By-Election Take Place?

The by-election, if contested, is fixed for Thursday, 7 May 2026, the same day as the Leeds City Council elections. Horsforth Town Council announced this date in their confirmation today.

Nomination papers must be submitted by Thursday, 9 April 2026, providing a tight window for potential candidates to register. This timeline ensures alignment with the returning officer’s obligations under local election laws.

Polling stations and further details will follow standard procedures, with a timetable and list available via Leeds City Council closer to the date. The coincidence with city council elections may boost turnout, as voters address multiple contests simultaneously.

Who Can Participate in the By-Election?

Eligible candidates must submit nomination papers by the 9 April deadline to the Returning Officer. Registered voters in the Hall Park ward who signed the requests – at least ten in number – have successfully activated the poll, demonstrating community demand for an election over co-option.

Voters need to be on the electoral register for the ward. Horsforth, as a suburb in north west Leeds covering parts of the Horsforth ward on Leeds City Council, maintains distinct town council representation.

What Is the Context of Horsforth’s Hall Park Ward?

Hall Park ward falls within Horsforth Town Council, distinct yet related to the broader Horsforth ward on Leeds City Council. Past elections saw strong Liberal Democrat presence, with Becky Heaviside securing votes alongside Simon Dowling, Nathalie Bethesda of Labour, and others from Green and Yorkshire parties.

The 2026 Leeds City Council election on 7 May provides backdrop, amid a history of by-elections due to resignations and party switches, such as those involving Trish Smith, Mark Sewards, and others.

Horsforth Town Council handles local matters like community facilities, differing from city council remit. This by-election fills a critical gap in ward representation.

How Does This Fit with Leeds Election Trends?

Leeds has seen frequent by-elections, including Morley South on 12 June 2025 after Winifred Kidger’s resignation, and others in 2024-2025 due to resignations and defections.

The Green Party, for instance, fielded Chris Bell in Morley South, reflecting growing local competition. Similarly, Reform UK gained ground in some contests.

This Horsforth poll aligns with national local election cycles, potentially influencing turnout and party strategies in Leeds.

What Happens Next in the Process?

Post-nomination on 9 April, candidates will campaign leading to 7 May. Horsforth Town Council will oversee ward-specific aspects, while Leeds City Council manages logistics via Returning Officer Ed Whiting at Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR (ed.whiting@leeds.gov.uk).

If no valid nominations emerge, the seat might revert to co-option, though current momentum suggests contestation. Residents should watch council notices for updates.

Implications for Horsforth Residents

This by-election empowers Hall Park voters to shape local governance directly. With the ward’s history of competitive elections, expect interest from Liberal Democrats, given Heaviside’s affiliation, alongside Labour, Greens, and independents.

Coinciding with city elections, it amplifies civic engagement in Horsforth, a key Leeds suburb. Community priorities like parks, services, and development may feature prominently in campaigns.

Historical Election Data for Context

In prior Leeds City Council Horsforth ward contests, Liberal Democrats like Simon Dowling (1,292 votes, 17.0%) and Becky Heaviside (974 votes, 12.8%) competed against Labour’s Nathalie Bethesda (2,208 votes) and Greens.

Another tally showed Heaviside at 1,903 votes, with Dowling at 1,976 and Christopher Read at 1,288, majorities around 729-742 votes.

These figures illustrate the ward’s competitiveness, setting the stage for the 7 May poll.

Broader Leeds Electoral Framework

Under the Leeds (Electoral Changes) Order 2017, the city features 33 wards, each with three councillors, influencing by-election mechanics.

Wikipedia tracks ongoing vacancies, with 2026 elections due on 7 May amid recent shifts.

Horsforth Town Council’s process adheres to these, ensuring transparency.