Local poll to be rearranged due to candidate death

The election for the Port Talbot electoral ward of Neath Port Talbot Council on Thursday 5 May, 2022 will be rearranged following the sad death of the independent candidate Andrew Tutton.

All other polls on Thursday, 5 May, 2022 will go ahead as planned.

David Rees, the Senedd Member for Aberavon said: “It is with deepest regret and sadness that I heard of the passing of Andrew Tutton. Andrew was a long standing member of the community, a former councillor and current candidate for the Port Talbot ward in the local elections in May.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Fellow Port Talbot ward candidate, Saifur Rahaman said: “I am sorry to hear about the death of Andrew Tutton, a Gentleman with a great sense of humour whom I have known for many years. My deepest condolences to all his family at this very difficult time.

“Therefore as a mark of respect I have taken the decision to cancel all election campaigning until further notice. Andrew was one of the fellow candidate for the upcoming Port Talbot ward local council election. I am sure Andrew will be greatly missed by many, Rest in peace Andrew.”

Karen Jones, Returning Officer for Neath Port Talbot Council said: “We send our deepest condolences to Andrew’s family at this sad time. Legally, we must now postpone the election in the Port Talbot electoral ward. I have already contacted the other candidates, and will be writing to all affected electors.”

A new date for the election to the Port Talbot ward has been set for Thursday 23rd June, 2022 and new poll cards will be sent to all affected voters. They will tell voters how to arrange a postal or proxy vote if they cannot make it to the polling station on the new date.

Any already returned postal votes for the Port Talbot ward will no longer count. Postal voters affected will be sent a new postal vote. The new ballot papers will be lilac coloured to help voters make sure they return the correct one.

Candidate nominations will reopen for a set period between Wednesday 18th May and 4pm on Wednesday 25th May, 2022. All other candidates remain validly nominated and will be included on the ballot paper.