Douglas by-election called for Derby Ward

A by-election to nominate two new councillors in Douglas will be held next month.

Douglas Borough Council has called a by-election for Derby Ward following the passing of former Mayor, Debbie Pitts, in January and the resignation of Colin Cain last year.

The successful candidates will serve in their posts until May 1 next year, when the Derby Ward will cease to exist due to boundary changes for the local authority which have already been approved by Tynwald which will eventually see the number of councillors for the capital cut from 18 to 12.

Once Derby Ward is dissolved, its constituent polling stations will then be split between Douglas Central and Douglas East.

If more than two candidates put themselves forward, voters in the area will go to the polls on October 15 to pick their preferred representative.

The council says anyone wanting to put themselves forward for one of the posts must complete a nomination paper and return it to Douglas Town Hall on Ridgeway Street before 5pm on Monday, September 21.

The authority says nomination papers can be obtained from the town hall reception between 8.45am and 5.15pm on weekdays.