By-Election Called After Newcastle-under-Lyme Councillor Resigns

A by-election has been called in Newcastle-under-Lyme following the resignation of Town Ward councillor Christine Duffy.

Councillor Duffy resigned from her position on August 20, 2026, meaning residents in the Town Ward will now have the opportunity to elect a new borough councillor.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has confirmed that the election process will now get underway, with further details about the poll expected to be announced in due course.

The by-election will give local voters the chance to choose who they want to represent them on the borough council and speak on behalf of the ward on local issues.

More information, including the date of the by-election and the candidates standing, is expected to follow once the formal election arrangements are confirmed.

Statement from Cllr Sheelagh Casey-Hulme

Following the resignation, Town Ward borough councillor Sheelagh Casey-Hulme said she had received news of Councillor Christine Duffy’s resignation.

She said serving as an elected representative was “a privilege and an important responsibility” and expressed her regret that Cllr Duffy would not be able to complete the term of office she was elected to serve in May 2026.

Cllr Casey-Hulme acknowledged that being a councillor can be demanding, with pressures involved in representing residents and contributing to the work of the council.

She said: “I have every sympathy for anyone who finds themselves unable to honour their responsibility to the people for whatever reason.”

She also said her thoughts were with Cllr Duffy and wished her well for the future.

Cllr Casey-Hulme added that her focus remained on ensuring residents in Town Ward continued to have a strong voice and that their concerns were properly represented.

She said residents deserved councillors who were “present, accessible and committed to working on their behalf”.

She also said she would continue working to represent the community alongside Newcastle-under-Lyme’s MP, Adam Jogee, to “get things done for local people”.

Cllr Sheelagh Casey-Hulme

Borough Councillor for Town Ward