Political parties in Northumberland have confirmed their candidates for the upcoming county council by-election in the Amble ward. It comes ahead of polling day on 1 October. The contest was triggered by the death of Reform UK councillor Arty Hume, who passed away on 29 July at the age of 71. Coun Hume was first elected in May 2025 as Reform made significant gains to become the council’s official opposition.
He defeated Labour and Co-op Incumbent Terry Clark 44.4% of the vote in 2025 – a majority of 69 votes. The county-wide election saw Labour fall to just eight seats across Northumberland.
Reform, The Conservatives and Labour are all standing in the seat alongside Restore Britain, the right-wing party led by MP Rupert Lowe who split from Reform after clashing with Nigel Farage.
The full list of candidates is as follows:
- Michael Joyce – Restore
- Warren Ladyman – Reform UK
- Jenny Richards – Conservatives
- Amy Spriggs – Labour
The by-election will be held on the same day as one in Ashington’s Hirst ward, triggered after incumbent John Allen failed to turn up to any meetings for six months. Due to the current makeup of the council, there is no prospect of the balance of power shifting from the two elections.
The Conservatives currently remain the largest party with 28 seats. Reform are the official opposition with 18 seats, followed by Labour on eight.
Anyone wishing to register to vote must do so by midnight on Tuesday 15 September. The deadline to register as a candidate passed on Friday.
Postal vote applications and amendments must reach the council by Wednesday 16 September. Applications to vote via proxy must reach the local authority by Wednesday 23 September, although emergency applications can be made until polling day.
A lifelong Amble resident and former police officer, Coun Hume was described as a “humble, polite, respectful man of service” by his family, while Reform leader Rick Baker described him as the “compassionate heart” of the opposition group.
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