A candidate who was standing in the forthcoming local elections has died.

Mike Elliott was standing as a candidate for Reform UK in the Hartburn ward for Stockton Council. The local election in that ward, which was to take place on Thursday, May 4, will now be delayed.

Council returning officer Mike Greene said today: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Mike Elliott and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

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Under election law, people cannot now go to the polls on May 4 to elect three councillors in Hartburn. The election in that area has been “countermanded”, which means it will not take place on the original date.

All other borough and parish elections will go ahead as planned. A new notice of election for the three councillors for Hartburn will be published on May 17 and new poll cards and postal votes will be sent out.

Mr Elliott had been running for Reform UK in Hartburn alongside Andrew Elliott. Two candidates for the Labour Party and three for the Conservative Party were also running for election.