Controversial Rayleigh By-election

THE former Leader of Rochford District Council is set to stand in the upcoming June 18 Rayleigh by-election after receiving what she described as ‘overwhelming support’ from local residents.
Danielle Belton, whose husband Stuart previously led Rochford District Council, will represent The Conservative Party in the upcoming by-election, set to be held on June 18.
The role of Sweyne Park and Grange Councillor was held for just four days by Stuart Prior, who resigned from the Reform Party amid allegations of racism.
Mr Prior has denied being responsible for the social media posts and rejected accusations of racism.
Mrs Belton said encouragement from residents and supporters persuaded her to enter the race, despite initially planning to step back from politics following a family bereavement.
She told reporters: “To be honest, I was not looking to get straight back on the saddle.
“It is not going to be an easy campaign, Reform have done really well in the area.”
She added the ‘unmeasurable’ loss of her step-mother-in-law on the same day as the Local Elections had made recent weeks a ‘trying time’, but said she is committed to getting ‘stuck in’ again.
“I have the support of the local Independent Groups, they recognise I bring something different to the role and take the politics out of it.” she said.
“I stand for a party but I don’t base my decisions on party politics.”
Other candidates standing in the by-election include Dawn Balding (Liberal Democrats), Liam Lonergan (Green Party), Lorraine Ridley (Labour) and Paul Stephen Thurgood (Reform UK).
Picture: Danielle Belton
REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON
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