By-election to be held in South Norfolk for Bunwell ward

South Norfolk Council will hold the vote for Bunwell Ward on May 2 with four candidates standing for election. 

The seat was previously held by Conservative councillor Stephen Ridley, who passed away in March following a short illness.

Among those on the ballot is former two-time mayor of Diss, Trevor Wenman, who is the Liberal Democrat candidate. Mr Wenman stood in Diss and Roydon at the last election.

Former Diss mayor Trevor Wenman (Image: Sonya Duncan)The Labour Party pick is Mike Crouch, who previously stood for election in Wicklewood ward and came in third place. 

Charles Easton, the Conservative candidate, represented Bunwell ward between 2015 and 2019 but did not bid for the seat at the last two elections. 

Suzanne Wateridge, the Green candidate, is a freelance writer who moved to South Norfolk with her family seven years ago. 

She is the only candidate not to have previously stood in the district.

There is only one seat up for grabs at South Norfolk Council (Image: South Norfolk Council)READ MORE: Extraordinary showdown halts council meeting amid row with scaffolding firm

The by-election will be held on May 2, when voters across Norfolk will take to the polls to choose the county's next police and crime commissioner.

A third of the seats at Norwich City Council are also up for grabs.

The Bunwell ward seat on South Norfolk Council has been vacant since the death of Mr Ridley last month. 

Councillor Stephen Ridley (Image: South Norfolk Council)Lord Fuller, leader of the council, said: "Stephen was a larger than life person who could fill a room with his wit, intelligence, professionalism and passion. 

"He was a true patriot and an excellent advocate for his residents on our council and he will be sadly missed."

He had represented Bunwell from May 2019 and more recently had served as chairman of a committee and board. He had a successful career as a barrister but had lately stepped back from court work.