A local election vote in Southampton has been called off because a Conservative candidate died after the polls had opened.
In a relatively rare occurrence, the vote in the Coxford ward for Southampton city council was completely cancelled. A new election will be held within 35 days, with a new nominations process taking place.
Colleagues paid tribute to Graham Galton, who was a sitting councillor for Millbrook ward in the city but was standing this time for Coxford, alongside his wife, Diana, also a Conservative. Their son, Steven, is standing in Millbrook for the party.
Daniel Fitzhenry, leader of the Conservative group, told the Southern Daily Echo newspaper that Galton was “a true gentleman, an incredibly kind, warm and friendly man, who many people got on with and he loved to take the time to talk with anyone”.
He said: “I have had the pleasure of spending lots of fun times with Graham over the past few weeks during this election period, witnessing and feeling his humour and willingness to help others.
“Graham loved his family deeply and supported our wider team continually in all he did. We recently had so many laughs together. I shall greatly miss him and I know our team will too.”
The council said in a statement: “The returning officer has been advised of the death of Coxford ward candidate Mr Graham Galton, who was standing for election to Southampton city council in today’s elections. Our condolences go to Mr Galton’s family.
“The law provides that where proof of death of a candidate is delivered to the returning officer after polls have opened, but before the declaration of result, the poll must be abandoned, and a new election must be held for that ward.
“Therefore, the returning officer has closed all the polling stations in Coxford ward and voters should not go to these locations.”
Another seven candidates in this year’s local elections died between the close of nominations and polling day. In this instance, the election is stopped, but it is “countermanded” rather than cancelled, with the same nominations staying in place, but with new candidates able to be nominated.
