Resignation forces River ward contest

A by-election was called following the resignation of Conservative councillor John Charles after less than six months on the council.

Mr Charles had an address in Middleton-on-Sea at the time of May’s local council elections, but has since moved to Felpham, beyond the three-mile limit within which members of the town council need to live.

He remains a member of Arun District Council, as he still lives within the district’s boundaries.

The by-election will be held on Thursday, December 8.

Labour has already named its candidate, Alan Butcher, and the Gazette will publish the full list next week.

The Conservatives took two seats in the ward off Labour and the Lib-Dems in May,