14 September 2020

Candidates for Ellon and District by-election announced

Aberdeenshire Council can today (Monday, September 14) confirm the candidates contesting the Ellon and District by-election.

Here is a list of the candidates:

Name Political party
BENNETT John David Scottish Labour Party
CRAWLEY John Paul Scottish Conservative and Unionist
KENNEDY Peter Alexander Scottish Green Party
MASON Trevor Booth Scottish Liberal Democrats
MCALLISTER Louise Scottish National Party (SNP)

The seat became vacant following the resignation of Richard Thomson, which followed his election as MP for the Gordon constituency last year. Polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Thursday, October 15.

The deadline to register to vote for the by-election is Tuesday, September 29. Anyone wishing to submit a postal vote needs to apply by 5pm on Wednesday, September 30. Applications for a proxy vote need to be received by 5pm on Wednesday, October 7.

It is also possible to apply for an emergency proxy vote. It can be used if anyone is self-isolating having sought medical advice or if a local lockdown is imposed. The deadline for applying for an emergency proxy vote is 5pm on Thursday, October 15.

Returning Officer, Jim Savege said: “We are doing everything we can to make polling stations as Covid-19 secure as possible. This includes our election staff adhering to physical distancing requirements, following national guidance from the Electoral Commission and the Electoral Management Board for Scotland.”

More information about the Ellon and District by-election is available by visiting: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/elections/ellon-and-district-ward-by-election/