Peter Bone's partner quits Northants council post before MP election

Helen Harrison was selected to be the Conservative candidate in the forthcoming by-election earlier this week

A Conservative councillor has stepped down from her leadership post after becoming a candidate to replace her partner Peter Bone as an MP.

A by-election was fixed in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, after Mr Bone's constituents removed him as MP via a recall petition.

Helen Harrison stood down as executive member for adults, health and wellbeing at North Northamptonshire Council.

The leader of the council thanked her for her "hard work and commitment".

She will continue to represent the Oundle ward on the council.

Ms Harrison was elected to the council in its first set of elections in 2021.

Mr Bone lost his seat after he was suspended from the House of Commons for six weeks.

The subsequent recall petition in Wellingborough was signed by 13.2% of eligible voters, clearing the 10% threshold, meaning Mr Bone lost his seat.

Peter Bone and Helen Harrison have ben partners for several years

Ms Harrison was chosen as the Conservative candidate for the by-election by the party earlier this week.

North Northamptonshire Council said an announcement about who would replace Ms Harrison on the executive would be made soon.

Jason Smithers, Conservative leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: "I would like to thank Helen for her hard work and commitment as a member of our executive.

"The position as lead member for adults, health and wellbeing is an important component of the executive and we will move swiftly to fill the vacancy."

Other candidates are also standing in the Wellingborough by-election on 15 February.

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