A COUNCIL by-election is to be held in Windle after the resignation of former local authority leader David Baines.

Cllr Baines, who is standing as Labour candidate in the St Helens North parliamentary constituency in July's general election , has stepped down from his role as a councillor.

Voters in the Windle ward will be able to choose a new councillor on the same day as the general election, Thursday, July 4.

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Cllr Baines led the council from 2019 until last month, with Cllr Anthony Burns selected as his successor at the Labour group's annual general meeting.

Cllr Baines has also stepped down from his council seat as the focus shifts to his campaign for the general election.

St Helens Star: A by-election for the town hall seat will be held on July 4A by-election for the town hall seat will be held on July 4 (Image: Stock)

The notice of election has now been published by the council, with the date of the ballot and timeline. Nominations for candidates must now be submitted by 4pm on Friday, June 7. 

Residents can register to vote until June 18 and applications for postal votes must be done by 5pm on June 19.

Meanwhile, new applications to vote by proxy must be submitted by 5pm on June 26.