Rotherham to go to polls in first-ever all out election

VOTERS will go to the polls tomorrow in the first-ever all-out Rotherham Borough Council elections.

A total of 163 candidates are standing across all 21 wards in the borough — the first time all 63 seats on the council have been up for election at the same time.

The all-out election was ordered as part of a package of Government measures after the CSE scandal.

Labour will field the most candidates with 63, followed by UKIP with 41 and 23 from the Conservatives.

The list of hopefuls also includes 13 Greens, 13 independents, five Lib Dems, three from the Trades Unionist and Socialist Coalition and two representing Yorkshire First.

Candidates include former Mayor Barry Dodson, who quit to successfully battle allegations of a child sex offence and is standing as an independent, and whistleblower and Swinton Lock Activity Centre boss Jayne Senior, who is out to become a Labour councillor.

The councils lead commissioner Sir Derek Myers urged voters to ensure they have their say in the elections, explaining it was now crucial for the towns recovery.

Sir Derek said the council was in its second year of rebuilding confidence and reforming its services, practices and culture.

He added: “As residents this is your chance to vote for the people you want to represent you and your community for the next four years.

“This is your council and you have the right to choose who makes the big decisions, sets the council tax and decides priorities.

“We want a competent, successful council that deserves residents trust.

“Our aim as commissioners is to support the council as it develops sustainable services and regulation, so that healthy democratic leadership can be restored. 

“We have already returned some powers to the council and will look to return others as soon as possible after the local elections.”

Sir Derek said that only 35 per cent of registered residents voted last year and urged more to have their say tomorrow.

He said: “I hope that this year, many more of you will use your vote so that your council represents your views and needs.”

Council chief executive Sharon Kemp said: “This is a particularly significant election for Rotherham, as all seats across all of our wards are up for election. 

“As such, it is especially important that you cast a vote.

“Because all seats are up for election, voters will be able to vote for up to three candidates in their ward.”

Ms Kemp said: “We will be doing our best to help everyone understand the changes this year.”

Rotherham Borough Council currently comprises 47 Labour members, 12 UKIP, three independents and one Conservative.

Councillors will remain in post until 2020.

Voters will also be electing a new police and crime commissioner at the polls tomorrow.

The five candidates battling it out are Labour’s Dr Alan Billings, UKIPs Gavin Felton, Joe Otten for the Liberal Democrats, Conservative Ian Walker and David Allen, of the English Democrats.

Votes in the council elections will be counted at Magna on Friday. 

Visit www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk and follow our reporter Gareth Dennison on Twitter (@GarethAtWork) for the results as they are announced.

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