Date for by-election set after councillor resigns

Former Reform UK councillor Robert Bloom was at the count at Kettering Leisure Village in May when he was elected

A date has been set for a by-election to replace a councillor who resigned after allegations he used racial slurs to neighbours.

Robert Bloom, who represented Reform UK on North Northamptonshire Council, resigned last month having been in the role since May.

The polls will open on 9 October for the Lloyds and Corby village ward.

At the time of Mr Bloom's resignation, the Northamptonshire Telegraph published allegations that he had used racial slurs against a family in his neighbourhood.

The BBC has not been able to independently verify the claims.

Mr Bloom has not responded to the BBC's request for comment.

North Northamptonshire Council's Reform UK leader Martin Griffiths issued a statement at the time of Mr Bloom's departure, which said he had stepped down for "personal reasons".

He added that it was important for residents to "have the opportunity to elect a new representative to champion their cause and make sound decisions in the interest of all residents of north Northamptonshire".

People going to the polls will vote for just one councillor, who will join Labour's Mark Pengelly in representing Lloyds and Corby village.

Applications to register to vote must be made no later than midnight on 23 September.