Moorside election cancelled after candidate’s death

The Bury Council elections in the Moorside ward have been cancelled following the death of one of the candidates.

The council received the sad notification that Victor Hagan, who was standing for Reform UK, has passed away.

The council will now reschedule the election in Moorside, which must be held within 35 working days of the planned local elections on Thursday 7 May. It will write to all residents of the ward informing them of the change.

All other wards are unaffected, and the 7 May election will proceed as normal across the rest of the borough.

Lynne Ridsdale, Returning Officer for Bury, said: “We are shocked and saddened by the death of Mr Hagan who has been a foster carer, alongside his wife, in the borough for many years, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.”

A new date for the election is being arranged, and new poll cards will be sent to all affected voters once the date is set. They will tell voters how to arrange a postal or proxy vote if they cannot make it to the polling station on the new date.

Candidate nominations will re-open for a set period once the new date is announced. All other previous candidates remain validly nominated and will be included on the ballot paper. Anyone wanting to submit a nomination can email electionservices@bury.gov.uk for a nomination pack.

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 April 2026.