Battle for Barleythorpe: Four Candidates Confirmed for Rutland County Council By-Election
The contest for the vacant seat on Rutland County Council's Barleythorpe Ward is officially underway, with four candidates confirmed to stand in the by-election scheduled for Thursday, 24 July 2025. The Statement of Persons Nominated was published by Rutland County Council on Friday, 27 June 2025, setting the stage for a diverse electoral battle.
The candidates vying for the Barleythorpe seat are:
Andy Burton – Independent
Andy Burton stood for the Conservative in the 2021 by-election for Oakham South. Andy has also served as an Oakham Town Councillor.
Andrew William Nixon Dinsmore – The Conservative Party Candidate
Was elected in 2022 for Fulham Town, Hammersmith and Fulham local election
in 2024 he stood for Hammersmith and Chiswick inUK Parliamentary general election for the Conservatives and was not elected.
Declan McCarthy – Reform UK
Jonathan David Nichols – Liberal Democrat
This by-election offers residents of Barleythorpe Ward a crucial opportunity to shape their local representation. With candidates from various political backgrounds and an independent contender, voters will have a clear choice on the direction of their local council.
Rutland County Council has urged all eligible residents to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the upcoming deadlines. The final day to register to vote for this by-election is midnight on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. The easiest and quickest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. For those unable to register online, assistance is available by calling 01572 720 954 or emailing elections@rutland.gov.uk.
For voters preferring to cast their ballot by post or via a proxy, important deadlines are fast approaching. Applications, changes, or cancellations for postal or postal proxy votes must reach Rutland County Council’s Electoral Office by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. The deadline to apply for a new proxy vote is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. Further information on postal and proxy voting can be found on the Rutland County Council elections website: www.rutland.gov.uk/elections.
In line with national requirements, anyone voting in person at a polling station on 24 July will be required to present a valid form of photo identification or a Voter Authority Certificate. Voters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the accepted forms of ID by visiting the Electoral Commission website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk or by contacting elections@rutland.gov.uk for guidance.
The by-election promises to be a key moment for the Barleythorpe community, as residents prepare to elect their new representative to Rutland County Council.
