Cheshire

Thelwall residents given until 17 June to force parish council by-election after resignation

By

Karen McGinn
30 May 2026, 10:22 am

Residents of Thelwall have an opportunity to shape who represents them on Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council after a vacancy opened up in the ward. Councillor Helena Drogan has resigned, leaving a casual vacancy that will either be filled through a by-election or by the remaining members appointing a successor themselves.

The formal notice of vacancy was published on 28 May 2026, and local electors now have until 17 June to trigger a vote. If at least ten residents write to the returning officer asking for an election, a by-election must take place no later than 19 August. Written requests should be sent to Sarah Smith, returning officer and chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, at the Town Hall on Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH.

Should the required number of electors not come forward by the deadline, the parish council will instead fill the post through co-option, meaning the existing councillors will choose a new colleague themselves. The process follows the rules set out in the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) legislation, with the notice published on the Warrington Borough Council website.

The Thelwall Ward sits within the Grappenhall and Thelwall civil parish in northern Warrington, and the borough council administers the electoral process on behalf of the parish. Residents who want a direct say in their new representative must gather the necessary signatures and submit them before the deadline passes.

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