Candidates announced for Newquay by-election

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 15:08

The candidates have been confirmed for a by-election to elect a new Cornwall councillor for Newquay Porth and Tretherras.

The seat became vacant following the death of Cornwall councillor Kevin Towill in February. He was 46.

The following candidates will stand in the election:

Sandy Carter (Liberal Democrats)
Topher Chard (Independent)
Suzanne Featherstone (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Lyndon Spencer Harrison (Reform UK)
Abigail Jane Hubbucks (The Green Party)
Oli Kimber (The Conservative Party)

Voters in the Newquay Porth and Tretherras electoral division will go to the polls on Thursday 23 April.

Mr Towill had served as both a town councillor and a Cornwall councillor. He was first elected as a Conservative in 2017, later defecting to Reform UK, and was re-elected to represent the division.

Applications to register to vote must be received by midnight on Tuesday 7 April.

Postal vote applications must be submitted by 17:00 on Wednesday 8 April, while applications for proxy votes close at 17:00 on Wednesday 15 April.

Voter ID applications must also be completed by 17:00 on 15 April.

Further information on how to register or apply for postal or proxy voting is available on the UK government website.

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Candidates announced for Newquay by-election

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