A formal notice of the latest councillor vacancy has been issued by Maldon District Council (MDC).

The notice posted on the council's website today (Tuesday, 8 December) tells of the vacancy created by last month's resignation of Conservative councillor Elaine Bamford, who represented the Tollesbury ward.

The former council leader resigned for personal reasons days after Independent Councillor Wendy Stamp was elected as the new leader.

The notice tells how "a by-election will take place to fill the vacancy if the Returning Officer receives two requests for an election to be held."

However, the Coronavirus Act means that no by-elections can take place until next May - with Thursday, 6 May as the current date set for the vote.

This is the same date currently set for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) and Essex County Council elections.

This is the second district councillor vacancy at the authority as Conservative Councillor Bryan Harker, representing Heybridge East ward, resigned from the role in August.

The number of Independent councillors on MDC now outnumbers the total number of Conservative councillors by one, with 15 in the Independent group and 14 Conservatives, split between the main Party group, the new Democratic Alliance and one non-aligned Tory.

The notice can be viewed on the Maldon District Council website here.