Meet the candidates for Royston Palace by-election

It comes after incumbent Chris Hinchliff stepped down following his election as MP for North East Hertfordshire at July’s general election.

In May this year, Mr Hinchliff and Cllr Cathy Brownjohn were elected to North Herts Council as Labour candidates for the ward, receiving 581 and 546 votes respectively.

The remaining candidates finished as follows:

Jean Green (Con) – 376

Emma Squire-Smith (LD) – 362

Paul Fletcher (Con) – 337

Gill Lewis (LD) – 334

Lisa Adams (Ind) – 195

Polling stations for the by-election will be open from 7am until 10pm on 17 October.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked each candidate why voters should put a cross next to their name – you can find their answers below.

Callum Bartram-Bell – Conservatives

“Royston has been my home for several years and I have been actively involved in understanding the town’s issues by talking to residents, attending council meetings and working closely with our councillors.

Callum Bartram-Bell with leader of the Conservative group Ralph Muncer (Image: North Herts Council) “If elected on 17th October as your Conservative party representative for Royston Palace ward, I will ensure all residents are equally heard and represented, providing opposition to Labour’s proposed winter fuel payment cuts, potentially impacting on over 23,000 residents in North Hertfordshire.

“More locally, I will join the Conservative group in holding the Labour administration in Letchworth accountable for the services they provide, including opposing the new bin contract, seeing collections going three weekly which many residents are heavily critical of.

“I am also a member of the MND [motor neurone disease] association following my grandad suffering the incurable condition, so ensuring Royston has the best healthcare provisions possible will be a key priority of mine.

“Furthermore, I will support housing developments in Royston if they are sustainable and suitable with sufficient affordable dwellings so young people can buy their own home.

“However, these developments require a thriving high street, which I will seek to support, ensuring our town has the facilities it requires and allows self-employed residents the chance to make a livelihood.”

John Froggett – Reform UK

“I decided to stand in the local district council elections because for me the time was right.

“I’ve always been grateful to Royston for its support of my business and family over the last 35 years.

Reform UK candidate John Froggett (Image: North Herts Council) “So why stand as a Reform UK candidate? I felt that all other mainstream parties are broken both morally and democratically.

“Unable or unwilling to listen to the concerns of the majority of this country’s hard-working men and women. Examples of this arrogance is all around us.

“Reform offers something different and more importantly it allows someone like me the freedom to act in the best interest of the community that I represent, with no national party involvement.

“I promise to act in the best interest of the people of Royston Place. Transparency, Integrity and Honestly are the mantras I live by and I will apply these to all my role as a councillor.

“Politics is not a career for me, I just wish to serve this community to the best of my ability; bringing to the role the passion, drive, honesty, transparency and integrity, plus the accessibility this role deserves.”

Gill Lewis – Liberal Democrats

“I am thrilled to be the Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming Palace election, with the very real chance of becoming Royston’s sixth Lib Dem District Councillor out of seven seats.

“I have been a resident and loyal supporter of all things Royston for 42 years now, my extended family living in the town and grandchildren attending school here.

Gill Lewis (right) with North Herts Lib Dem leader Ruth Brown (Image: North Herts Council) “My focus is to work hard to help my already-elected colleagues to keep the pressure on the Labour North Herts Council administration, particularly countering their plan to cancel the learner pool for the Leisure Centre, something which is sorely needed for the community.

“I look forward to proactively pushing to achieve a permanent banking hub for the town and to optimise health provisions for our residents.

“I am so proud to be part of the Lib Dem family in Royston, our highly active and visible group staying in touch with each and every resident throughout the year.

“This is something in stark contrast to the other parties who are only seen at election times.

“Your vote will enable me to give my all for our wonderful town and people. Thank you in anticipation of your support.”

Sarah Lucas – Labour

“As a resident of Royston Palace, I know how important it is to have a councillor who will stand up for our community.

“If elected, I will champion our incredible town and its strong values of inclusion, equality and opportunity.

Labour candidate Sarah Lucas (Image: Courtesy of Sarah Lucas) “I will prioritise safe, clean green spaces for everyone, advocate for affordable housing with essential infrastructure (including health provision), and support a thriving high street that protects local businesses while welcoming new opportunities.

“I am fully committed to protecting our natural environment through our council’s green initiatives and by working with partners and local organisations.

“I will work closely with community groups and organisations to help them to provide entertainment, activities and support for residents.

“Most importantly, I will promote the needs and values of residents and ensure that the success of our district means the success of Royston.

“I want to hear from residents abotut their concerns, needs and what they care about because I want to be a representative who truly reflects the community’s voice and works for our collective goals.

“It’s important to me that every resident feels heard and represented, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the community’s needs are my top priority.”

Peter Wilkin – Green

“If elected as your Councillor, I would stand up for the people of Royston Palace and the whole town.

“My father was a Church of England vicar, and from observing his pastoral care for the local community I learnt that it’s important to have compassion for all people and when needed respectfully disagree with people while still working together for the greater good.

Green Party candidate Peter Wilkin (Image: Courtesy of Peter Wilkin) “I also learnt that it is important to work and strive for a better future and to always stand-up for the voiceless and disadvantaged.

“We need to prioritise affordable homes for local people and have a brake in out-of-town developments.

“I’ve worked in Quality Control for over 10 years, and as such I know that quality is always more important than quantity. I would be honoured to represent Royston Palace in North Herts Council.

“I believe that even one lone Green voice on the council can change the debate, challenge the status quo and Labour’s complacency, to ensure local people concerned about climate change and passionate about their community have an effective voice within the District government.

“I am enthusiastic about creating a more sustainable positive future for Royston where everyone can live their best life.”