By-election in Oakham for place on Rutland County Council

The polling station has opened in the Oakham by-election and residents can have their say about who represents them.

Following the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Hannah Edwards, Rutland County Council called a by-election for the Oakham North East ward and four candidates are on the ballot.

The country’s four main parties, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Conservative and Reform UK are all fielding candidates, with the result a possible test of how the newly elected Labour government is doing.

The Liberal Democrats currently control the 27-seat authority, with the Conservative group and Independent group each having five councillors. Labour is the smallest group, with two candidates.

Kate Ross is the Labour candidate. She is the daughter of the Labour group leader Ramsay Ross.

Coun Mark Chatfield’s wife Linda is also on the ballot. She is a serving town councillor, along with the Conservative candidate Christopher Clark.

Former Conservative county councillor Ben Callaghan is attempting to regain a place on the council as an Independent.

Eligible residents can vote at the polling station based at All Saints' Church until 10pm tonight (Thursday). Photo ID is compulsory to cast a vote.

The votes will be counted tomorrow morning at the county council offices from 10am and the new councillor will be announced later in the day.