By-election after councillor quits over tweets

A by-election for Rick Payne's former seat in the Kingstanding ward was called as a result of his resignation

The resignation of a councillor suspended over claims he sent offensive tweets has prompted a by-election.

Rick Payne left his post last month after being suspended by Birmingham City Council's Conservative group.

It is alleged he posted the content from a social media account used anonymously.

As a result, thousands of residents will go to the polls in the Kingstanding ward on 30 May.

The seat will be contested by the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Workers Party and Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

It will be the second by-election held in Birmingham since the city council approved a wave of cuts to local services and 10% rise in council tax.

The ward was closely fought when Mr Payne was elected in 2022, with Conservatives and Labour each taking one of its two seats.

A separate by-election held in the Bournbrook and Selly Park ward of Birmingham earlier this month saw Jamie Scott retain a vacant seat for the Labour Party.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.