By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: Elections in a Somerset village have been paused after the death of council hopeful Tim Morgan.
Mr Morgan was standing to become a Green Party councillor for Paulton in May’s elections to Bath and North East Somerset Council.
He had lived in the area for 35 years and recently retired from running a special educational needs and disability service in a local authority.
Sam Ross, the chair of the council area’s Green Party branch, said: “Tim was an active campaigner and candidate for the party over the years and his warm smile and kind nature will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.”
She said: “On behalf of the Bath and North East Somerset Green Party, we would like to offer our deepest condolences to his friends and family at this difficult time.”
Elections in the ward have now been put on hold and will take place at a later date, which has not yet been announced.
Elections in all other wards will continue as planned on May 4.
Will Godfrey, the council’s CEO and returning officer in the upcoming election said: “We send our condolences to Tim Morgan’s family at this sad time.
“Legally, we must now postpone the election in Paulton ward. I have contacted the other candidates and letters have gone out first class to notify all affected electors”
Postal votes which have already been sent will not be counted, and postal voters will receive new ballot papers once the date is set.
All other candidates will remain on the ballot paper, but anyone else wishing to stand can request nomination papers from the council.
Mr Morgan was one of two Green party candidates standing in the ward, as the ward sends two representatives to the council.
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