THERE is now just 24 hours to go until the polls officially open for the Bromsgrove South by-election.
The polls will open at 7am tomorrow (Thursday, October 30) and close at 10pm.
The vote is being held after Reform UK’s Gaynor Jean-Louis resigned due to ill health.
She was elected to the authority at the Worcestershire County Council elections in May.
The four candidates announced for the poll are Matt Dormer (Conservative), Sam Ammar (Liberal Democrat), Laura Rollins (Labour) and Philip Hingley (Reform UK).
Conservatives – Matt Dormer
Former Redditch Borough Council leader and current councillor, Matt Dormer, on the authority will be standing for the Conservatives.
Mr Dormer has served on the county council for five years and has been a retained firefighter for 28 years.
He has vowed to protect Bromsgrove’s green belt amidst the Government increasing the district’s housing target by 85 per cent.
He has also said he would ensure the A38 BREP scheme kept Bromsgrove moving and delivered on the promises made by Worcestershire County Council.
On the Local Government Reorganisation, Mr Dormer is an advocate of One Worcestershire – a single authority for the whole county.
Mr Dormer said he was honoured to be selected.
“Residents have been massively let down by their Reform county councillor and since May they’ve not had the representation they deserve. Residents deserve better.
“I have the experience needed to hit the ground running from day one and I would be humbled and honoured if residents placed their trust in me to be their voice on Worcestershire County Council.”
Liberal Democrats – Sam Ammar
The Lib Dems have chosen Sam Ammar, who came second in the WCC poll in May, finishing just 89 votes behind Ms Jean-Louis.
Ms Ammar, who lives in Bromsgrove, said: “Since May I have continued to work for the residents of the area against the plans to build houses on our green belt in Stoke Prior and Aston Fields, working with my Lib Dem colleagues against that disastrous A38 BREP scheme and securing a new playground upgrade in Charford.
“I am out listening and engaging with local residents, I want to hear your concerns, I want to champion your concerns and I want to help solve your concerns.”
Deputy Lib Dem group leader at Worcestershire County Council, Coun Josh Robinson added: “Sam is a real community champion – since being elected as a district councillor she has worked tirelessly for the people of Bromsgrove.
“The resident of Bromsgrove South deserve a hard-working local champion to be fighting for them everyday and it is clear Sam is the only candidate who has the proven track record and local connections to do this.’”
Labour – Laura Rollins
Labour has selected Laura Rollins to represent it at the by-election.
Ms Rollins moved to Bromsgrove district four years ago.
Prior to that she served as a councillor and cabinet member in Sandwell, where she championed local services, community wellbeing, and inclusive growth.
She began her career in the NHS and went on to spend 18 years as a project manager in healthcare.
The party says her professional background has given her a first-hand understanding of the pressures on public services and a deep commitment to protecting and improving them for everyone.
And it adds she has a strong record of public service and is committed to community values.
A Labour spokesperson said: “Since moving to Bromsgrove four years ago, Laura has been an active part of the local community.
“She’s ready to be a strong voice for you at County Hall – standing up for better roads, schools, healthcare, and support for families and older people.
“Now settled in Bromsgrove, Laura is ready to bring her experience, passion, and Labour values to County Hall – fighting for properly funded services, fairer opportunities and a council that works for all.”
Reform UK – Philip Hingley
Philip Hingley is standing in the poll for Reform UK.
Speaking to the Standard, he said he had leadership experience, a business background and an unwavering drive for improvement, adding the by-election ‘presented a real opportunity for change’.
“Voters deserve an experienced leader who can bring clear direction and strategy.
“In this campaign, you will rightly hear much about two issues of immediate concern – protecting our precious green belt from inappropriate development and finally delivering the long-awaited improvements to the A38.
“These are pressing priorities, and I will continue to champion them.”
Mr Hingley added: “Reform UK is committed to listening to residents, identifying their real priorities and setting out a long-term vision for growth and prosperity.”
He said it meant promoting a strategy for enterprise, supporting local businesses, and creating the right environment for talent and innovation to thrive.
And he said everyone shared a responsibility to provide a better and safer environment for our families and our children which could only be achieved ‘by working together with honesty, purpose, and determination’.
The Standard will be at the count and be bringing you the result as soon as it comes in.
