By-election set after Reform UK councillor quits

A date has been set for a by-election after a Reform UK councillor quit her seat on Leicestershire County Council.

Helen Butler, who was division councillor for Shepshed, stepped down in August, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

She was part of the minority Reform UK administration that took control of County Hall after the elections in May 2025.

Voters in Shepshed will have the chance to elect a new councillor on 15 October.

Butler was appointed cabinet member for finances and resources at the authority but stepped down from that post in October last year, citing family commitments.

Her resignation means Reform holds 23 of the 55 seats on the authority.

The Conservatives have 15 seats, the Liberal Democrats have 11 and Labour has two councillors.

There is one Green Party councillor, one Restore Britain member and an independent.

The Shepshed by-election will be run by Charnwood Borough Council, which has asked candidates to submit their nominations by 18 September.

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.