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

The poll will be held on Thursday 11 June, when residents will elect one councillor to serve alongside Cllr Mark Williams, who represents the ward and now sits as a Reform councillor after leaving the Conservatives in 2025.

Five candidates have been formally confirmed for the contest, with voters set to choose between Steve Davies (Green Party), Martin Andrew Kemp (Reform UK), Stephen James Mosley (Conservative), Fran Riley (Labour), and Chris Ward (Liberal Democrats).

Green Party candidate Steve Davies 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 Cllr 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.

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.