Hampshire County Council has just announced that a by-election will be held on Thursday October 31 in the Bishop's Waltham electoral division, following the retirement of the local authority’s former Leader, Councillor Rob Humby. 

Cllr Humby had stepped down from his role as Leader of Hampshire County Council in May and had assured residents that he would “look forward to continuing to serve the residents of the Bishop’s Waltham electoral division.”

However, by the end of October, he will be retiring from a role that he has held since 2013. 
 
Rob Humby spent many years as a Winchester city councillor, holding a variety of roles including Deputy Leader, Leader of the Council and has previously held the position of Cabinet Member for Economy, Transport and Environment.

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The names of the candidates nominated to stand for election in the Bishops Waltham by-election will be published on October 7. 
 
Residents who have not registered to vote will need to do so by Tuesday October 15. You can register online, at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote  

Winchester City Council is running the by-election on behalf of Carolyn Williamson, the County Council's Chief Executive and Returning Officer.  

New applications for a postal vote must be made by 5pm on Wednesday October 16.  
 
Applications to vote by proxy must be made by 5pm on Wednesday October 23.  

(Image: Contributor) Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on October 31. 

Photo identification is now needed to vote at a polling station. If you are planning to vote in person at a polling station, you will need to take photo identification with you. Information about registering to vote and what ID is accepted can be found on the Electoral Commission website - Voter ID | Electoral Commission