Lydd’s scheduled town council election has been cancelled after no candidates put their names forward by the deadline, leaving three seats vacant. Folkestone & Hythe District Council confirmed on 29 June that the poll planned for Thursday 23 July 2026 will not take place, with Returning Officer S. Priest stating no nominations were received by the 4pm cut-off on Friday 26 June.
A fresh by-election to fill the three empty councillor positions must now be called within 35 working days of the original 23 July date. Residents who wish to vote in that future contest still need to meet the existing deadlines: registering by midnight on Tuesday 7 July and applying for a postal vote by 5pm on Wednesday 8 July. Anyone casting a ballot in person will also need to show an accepted form of photo ID at the polling station, a requirement introduced under the Elections Act 2022.
The uncontested notice continues a pattern seen in Lydd, where independent candidate Tony Hills was elected without opposition on 15 January 2026. With no names on the July ballot, Lydd Town Council will carry on with reduced representation for the time being—its next scheduled meeting remains set for 6 July, with further sessions listed for 7 September and 2 November. The council held its annual mayor-making ceremony on 18 May.
While the three seats stay empty, the district council’s electoral team will set a new by-election timeline. Residents can check the Folkestone & Hythe District Council elections page for updates on candidate nominations and polling day once the fresh contest is announced.
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