Date set of Torridge by-election after councillor jailed

Len Ford was convicted for abusing a senior officer

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 1st Apr 2025

A date's been set for a by-election at Torridge District Council after a councillor was jailed for abusing a senior officer.

Len Ford represented Appledore but was handed an 18 week prison sentence in January for persistently making use of a public communication network to cause annoyance, inconvenience and anxiety; and harassment without violence.

He's been dismissed from his role as a councillor following an unsuccessful appeal against his sentence.

A vote to replace him on the local authority will now take place later this month (Thursday 17th April).

Four candidates are standing:

  • Keith Funnell for the Green Party
  • Nigel Johnson as an Independent
  • Kerry O'Rourke for the Lib Dems
  • Carrie Woodhouse for the Conservatives

Polls will be open from 7.00am to 10.00pm on the day of the by-election.

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