I NOTE that there will not now be a by-election in Middlewich Cledford because there was only one nominated candidate at the close of nominations.

At first sight, this is a win-win situation as we have an excellent new town councillor who I worked with for a few years and the council has been saved many thousands of pounds.

However, this is due more to good fortune than any skill in using the electoral process.

I had got to the point of seeking signatures for my candidacy when I by chance caught sight of the press release by Middlewich First stating it would not be contesting the election.

While I have little doubt Rachel would have won the contest, it would have been an unnecessary drain on the council’s funds.

The electorate deserve to be told how the post was not filled by co-option when it was a Labour councillor who resigned, causing the vacancy and we have all out elections next May.

Dr Peter Hirst

Middlewich