THE Liberal Democrats have confirmed their candidate for a Lichfield District Council by-election.
The Armitage with Handsacre seat has been vacated following the resignation of Conservative member Nikki Hawkins.
The ballot to choose the new councillor will take place on 11th December.
Morag Maclean has been confirmed as the Lib Dem hopeful, having previously lived in Handsacre for more than 20 years.
She said:
“Even though I have not lived in the ward for a few years, I still have many friends there who keep me informed of local issues.
“I have been told of anti-social behaviour, speeding cars and electric bicycles, dogs fouling public paths and parking in the city among other matters affecting the lives of residents.
“These are all issues where if I am elected I will, working together with the Lib Dem councillors already in place and reaching across the aisle to other parties, do my best to solve these problems.”
Cllr Hugh Ashton, acting as election agent for Morag, said the vote would allow voters to make an informed choice.
“This election is the first where Reform UK have had an extended opportunity to show their competence and expertise in Staffordshire – we say that both at a county and a district level, they have not lived up to their promises.
“Nationally, the Liberal Democrats have become the main opposition to Reform UK – collecting more votes in recent by-elections than the Labour, Conservative and Green parties combined.
“We hope that the residents of Armitage with Handsacre will see things the same way.”
Not sure if that is “Handsacre City”, “Armitage City” or “Kings Bromley City” but the LibDem candidate might have inside information from her friends.
Just for the record, the Conservative councillor who has caused this expensive by-election would not have attended a meeting for six months on Friday (and she only had to attend one) and so would have been unceremoniously chucked off the council. In other words she resigned rather than be pushed a few days later.
Mind you, I cannot find anyone who heard her speak at any district council meeting since she was selected by the Conservatives and elected in May 2023!
Steven Norman always seems quick to criticise the opposition, but maybe not as quick to accept his own sides failings.
I’m fed up with politicians blaming others or having a go at others. I want to hear about what they will do to improve things.
If all politicians want what’s best for us they should really work together for our best interests. It really is time to stop the playground politics and make Lichfield, and indeed the country the best it can be by working together, and stopping the cheap shots and blame games.
This Conservative councillor’s resignation deserves to be a news report in itself. What’s the reason they couldn’t fulfill their promise of bringing “experience and dedication” to the role?
https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2023/04/13/conservative-candidate-hoping-to-bring-experience-and-dedication-to-the-role-if-she-wins-seat-in-armitage-with-handsacre-ward/
As a fellow trustee of the village hall, It should be worth noting that Nikki has resigned for family reasons and that she continues to work tirelessly as chair of Armitage with Handsacre village hall trustees. Since taking the roll of chair, which is a voluntary position, she has within two years turned a failing village hall, into a thriving, fantastic community hub. Without Nikki, the doors of the village hall may have closed for good.
For clarity:
Nikki has resigned to look after her 92 year old mother who broke her hip from a fall in June 2025. Due to this, her commitment is to her mother and I really hope people understand this without judgement.
For information, Nikki also resigned has a Justice of Peace in the summer to free her time to look after her mother.
These decisions have not been taken lightly and as Nikki is a valued servant to public service but we’re not always in control of our destiny.
Let’s keep this by-election civil with dignity and avoid any kind of division. We’re all here to serve our communities and not self serving. Well I’m not anyway!
Richard