A by-election will be held in the Christleton and Huntington ward next month, following the death of Conservative councillor Stuart Parker MBE.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the candidates for the contest as Steve Davies (Green Party), Martin Andrew Kemp (Reform UK), Stephen James Mosley (Conservative), Fran Riley (Labour), and Chris Ward (Liberal Democrats).

On 11 June, voters will go to the polls to elect one councillor alongside Cllr Mark Williams, the ward's other representative, who now sits as a Reform councillor. He previously represented the Conservatives but defected in 2025, saying the party had "left him".

Steve Davies, the Green Party candidate, has been described as a long-term local resident who has been active in the community for many years, and previously came close to winning a council seat at the 2023 local elections.

Reform UK candidate Martin Andrew Kemp has called for improved local maintenance, infrastructure and greater council accountability, while Conservative candidate Stephen James Mosley is a former MP for the City of Chester (2010–2015) who previously served on both Chester City Council and Cheshire County Council.

Fran Riley grew up in Huntington, attended local schools, and now works as a teaching assistant, with her campaign highlighting her local roots and community involvement.

Chris Ward is a long-standing parish councillor from Dodleston, where he has served for around 15 years, and says he is focused on being a strong local voice and delivering practical action for residents.

The by-election follows the death of Councillor Stuart Parker MBE, a long-serving local representative whose legacy included his role in the development of Storyhouse.

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Cllr Parker died on Sunday 5 April 2026, prompting tributes from colleagues across Cheshire in recognition of his nearly two decades of public service.

He had served on Cheshire West and Chester Council since its creation in 2008, initially representing Gowy ward until 2011, before serving Chester Villages until 2019. He was then re-elected to represent Christleton and Huntington in 2019 and 2023 following boundary changes.

The election will take place on Thursday 11 June, with polling stations open from 7am to 10pm.

The local polling station for Huntington residents will be St Luke's Church, Chester Road. Polling cards will be delivered in advance, but voters do not need to bring them to vote.

Voters must be registered and will be required to show an accepted form of photographic identification at the polling station.