By-Election Called Following Death of Harborough Councillor
Written by HFM News on 1st June 2026
A by-election has been triggered following the death of a much respected Harborough district councillor.
The poll will take place in the Lutterworth East ward on Thursday July 2nd after Labour councillor David Gair died in April aged 79.
Councillor Gair, who had represented Lutterworth East since 2023 and was also a long-serving member of Lutterworth Town Council, was described as hardworking, approachable and widely respected across political lines.
It will be the first by-election since the Conservatives took control of Harborough District Council in April, when a Tory motion to remove Liberal Democrat Phil Knowles as leader was passed by a single vote.
Councillor Simon Whelband subsequently took over as council leader.
Councillor Knowles had headed a coalition of Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and independent councillors since 2023.
Candidates wishing to stand in the by-election have until Friday to submit their nominations.
