A snap council by-election has been called in Salford after the death of a long-serving councillor, sparking claims of ‘petty-minded politicking’.
Voters will go to the polls in the Barton and Winton ward on Wednesday April 22 for a seat which was held by Labour councillor David Lancaster until he passed away in February.
The ward boundary covers an area west of Eccles town centre from Barton upon Irwell and up to Winton.
The seat was due to be contested at the local elections in May, but the vote was brought forward under electoral law after two registered voters called for an earlier by-election.
It is thought the early election will cost the public purse around £20,000 in extra costs. Political leaders at Salford council have issued a statement condemning the move.
The joint statement was signed by Salford mayor Paul Dennett, Conservative group leader Bob Clarke, and Unwhipped group leader Andrew Walters.
They said: “There is no discernible benefit for the people of Barton and Winton in moving this election forward, and we condemn those responsible for putting petty-minded politicking ahead of the needs of residents and families at this time, especially when this could have easily been rolled into the forthcoming local elections in May.
“Moreover, to do this when family, friends, loved ones and the wider community are still grieving the loss of Councillor David Lancaster, who gave so much to Salford and was supported throughout by those close to him, feels profoundly out of step with the values that define our city.”
They added: “In recognition of his legacy and out of consideration for his family, friends and loved ones who continue to grieve at this time, it is custom and practice that the city council would issue the formal notice of a vacancy after a funeral had taken place.
“However, the statutory process to hold an election in the ward of Barton and Winton has been triggered prior to any vacancy notice being issued by the council as two members of the electorate have formally requested this, requiring the council to now proceed with holding a by-election for this vacancy in Barton and Winton in April rather than alongside the scheduled local elections in May.”
The joint statement added that the £20,000 could have been spent on ‘increases to tackle pot-holes and fly-tipping, while continuing our important work in the fight against the housing and homelessness crisis, cost-of-living crisis and the real issues facing our city currently and impacting residents & families lives.’
Polling stations in the ward will be open from 7am to 10pm on April 22.
Nominations for candidates must be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday, March 24.
Stephen Young, returning officer for Salford council, said: “Following the sad passing of Councillor Lancaster, a by-election has been called to find a new councillor to fill his seat.
“We had hoped to combine electing a new representative for this ward with May’s local elections in nine weeks’ time. However, under electoral law, the local authority must open the polls for a by-election within 35 working days of two registered voters requesting one.
“Council officers are now making arrangements for the by-election and will send out polling cards to all those registered to vote in the Barton and Winton ward.
“If you live in the ward and are not registered to vote you have until midnight on Tuesday April 7 2026 to do so, and until 5pm on the same day to apply for a postal vote.
“For those who don’t have an acceptable form of photo ID to show at a polling station, they can apply for a free voter authority certificate (VAC) up until 5pm on Tuesday April 14 2026. Applications for a proxy vote must also be submitted by then. Anyone needing face-to-face help, can call into Eccles gateway.
“This is your chance to have your say on who represents your views – so make your mark at this election.”
The last time an election was held in Barton and Winton in May 2024, Councillor Jacqui Fahy was elected with 1,633 votes.
Jack Smith from the Green Party came second in the ward in 2024 with 386 votes.
