Wednesday 5th April, 2023
The list of runners and riders has been published for the Colchester City Council elections taking place on 4th May, 2023. One seat in all seventeen wards is up for grabs.
The focus is on the coalition partners of Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Both parties are vying to become the senior partner on the Council.
Also of interest is the return of ex-Council Leader Tory Paul Dundas making a return, but this time in the safer Tiptree ward.
The current Council is made up of 19 Conservatives, 15 Labour, 15 Liberal Democrats, and 2 Green Councillors. With these numbers, it is unlikely that the Tories will take overall control of the Council.
Some notable Council names will not be standing for re-election, including LibDem Phil Coleman in Mile End, Labour’s Adam Fox in Old Heath and Hythe, Conservative Nigel Chapman in Rural North, and LibDem Helen Chuah in St Anne’s and St John’s.
Tory Councillor Patricia Moore is also not running for re-election in Mersea and Pyfleet after being found guilty of breaking the Council’s Code of Conduct.
Reform UK is standing a candidate in Greenstead with Kevin Blair giving the electorate an extra choice.
There’s also a Reform UK candidate standing in Mersea and Pyfleet, as well as long-time independent John Akker.
Long-time Tory activist Thomas Rowe may finally have found himself a safe seat in Rural North.
The key battlegrounds include Castle, with the Tories hopeful of winning once again at the expense of the Greens.
Highwoods is unpredictable. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats made gains in the recent by-elections. Mile End and New Town & Christ Church are also tough to call.
Shrub End and Stanway could also be interesting with Labour and the Liberal Democrats fancying their chances in these wards.
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