Reform UK Newark branch confirm search for replacement underway following resignation of newly-elected Newark West councillor to Nottinghamshire County Council
Reform UK says the resignation of one of their newly-elected councillors “will not derail” the party’s capacity to serve residents - and the process of finding a replacement is already underway.
Yesterday, the Advertiser was the first to report that Reform UK’s Desmond Clarke had made the decision to step away from politics and resign, less than a week after being elected to the Newark West division on Nottinghamshire County Council.
A party spokesperson confirmed the news of Mr Clarke’s decision not to take up his position as elected councillor due to “significant recent changes to his personal circumstances” which had led him to conclude that he is “not in a position to deliver the level of service to the people of Newark West that they deserve and require”.
In thanking those who voted for him, Mr Clarke, said: “I would rather take this decision now than risk letting the people of Newark West down just because I am unable to deliver what they need.”
A by-election has been triggered by the resignation — a process which typically would take around six weeks — although, no voting date has yet been confirmed.
Reform’s Newark branch chairman, Lee Smith, said: “We all wish Desmond well in the future and thank him for his contribution to the success of Reform UK in the local elections.
“The process of selecting the Reform UK candidate to contest the by election is already underway and we can assure all of our supporters in the Newark West division that this news will not derail Reform’s determination and capacity to deliver great services for the people of Newark West.”
Mr Clarke had won his seat with 909 votes, defeating sitting Conservative councillor Keith Girling who placed second with 756 votes.
Reform won 40 of Nottinghamshire’s 66 divisions, handing them an overall majority on the council, and the resignation of Mr Clarke does not affect the balance of power.
