The nominees for next month’s Bracknell Town Council by-election have been announced, as Labour and Conservative candidates are set to go head-to-head. 

A poll for the election of a new town councillor for Old Bracknell ward will take place on Thursday, July 21 between 07:00 and 22:00, when one candidate will be selected. 

The election is to take place after the ward’s previous councillor, Malcolm Tullett, stepped down from the role which he said was ‘not done lightly.’ 

This is the second by-election to take place due to a resignation by the former Conservative representative, who also stepped down from his role as borough councillor for Old Bracknell last year. 

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The subsequent election was won by the Labour candidate, Paul Bidwell, having beaten Conservative candidate Ian McCracken to the seat by a margin of 158 votes. 

There are two nominees that will go to the public vote, representing Labour and the Conservatives, with no candidate from the Liberal Democrats, Green Party or Independent Group. 

Local members have selected Guy Gillbe, 32, of Saffron Road, Easthampstead, as the Labour Party candidate. The party says the by-election is an opportunity to ‘renew our promise of better representation’ of the ward following Cllr Bidwell’s gain last year. 

Mr Gillbe said that representing the local residents will be an ‘honour’ and “looks forward to speaking with residents” ahead of the vote. 

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“I have had the chance to speak to residents these past few months about the problems in their area. Often, I hear the same things come up: the maintenance of our green spaces and walkways; the difficulty with parking; anti-social behaviour; and the spread of litter. 

“Old Bracknell needs a councillor who will not just fight at the town council, but lobby other groups like Bracknell Forest Council and Silva Homes. […] if elected I commit to regularly hitting the pavements to ask just what needs improvement where you live.” 

The Conservative Party have selected Dee Hamilton to be its candidate in the by-election, who has been a councillor at Bracknell Forest since 2007 and currently represents Wildridings and Central on the Borough Council.

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Cllr Hamilton said: "The prospect of working for the Old Bracknell community is very exciting because I have lived in the area for over thirty years and my children went to Brakenhale, so I know what it’s like to bring up a family round here. 

"[...] If elected, I will focus on the things the town council can deliver such as maintaining and enhancing our parks and open spaces which helps keep the community happy and healthy. 

"Keeping the commitment to reduce the effects of climate change is vital and I believe it will be delivered more effectively as a partnership between local councils, businesses and the whole community. 

"Finally, the residents of Old Bracknell will get an experienced councillor, totally committed to the community, listening to, and involving residents and focused on what matters locally.