By-election date set after former Labour councillor resigns

Jean Robinson, who represented the Hart ward, stepped down from her role as councillor on June 5.

A by-election to fill the Hart seat is now scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 25.

Speaking at the Hartlepool Council meeting on Thursday evening, council chief executive Gill Alexander confirmed Ms Robinson had decided to retire due to health reasons.

She said: “I received a letter of resignation and Councillor Robinson has explained she has decided to retire for health reasons.

“She’s asked me to pass to her elected member colleagues and also to staff her grateful thanks for the support that she has received over her years as a councillor.

“I can confirm we received a request from two local government electors for a by-election to be convened.”

Nomination forms to become a candidate can be obtained from the Civic Centre from the returning officer.

Nomination papers must then be delivered back to the returning officer at the Civic Centre on Victoria Road by 4pm on Friday.

Coun Stephen Aker-Belcher paid tribute to the work of Ms Robinson.

“She is far from a politician, what we need is people like Jean who care about the community, and anybody who spent any time talking to Jean would realise she is one of the most genuine, caring people you could meet,” he said.