Immediate Release: 30th May, 2024

Councillor steps down triggering Hull Road ward by-election

Labour Hull Road Ward councillor Sophie Kelly has signalled her decision to step down from City of York Council and trigger a by-election in the ward on the same day as the General Election.

Councillor Kelly was elected as part of Labour’s new intake in 2023 that saw the party establish a majority and take control of City of York Council for the first time since 2015.

However, Councillor Kelly said the demands of being a councillor had been more difficult to balance with her personal circumstances than she’d anticipated.

Councillor Kelly said:

“It has been a real privilege to serve the residents of Hull Road ward following my election to the council.  We’ve achieved some great outcomes in the ward including improved access to exercise facilities, support to residents during the cost-of-living crisis and enabling community groups to deliver a range of activities in the ward to combat loneliness and isolation.

“I’m proud to have been part of a Labour administration that is delivering tangible improvements for residents in the most challenging of circumstances. This decision has not been an easy one, but Hull Road ward deserves 100% commitment and I’m confident that is what residents will get with a new Labour councillor for the area”.

Labour Group Leader and Leader of the Council, Councillor Claire Douglas said:

“I’d like to thank Sophie for her service and her firm commitment to both her residents and to what we’re trying to achieve as an administration for this wonderful city.  It is a measure of this commitment that Sophie has taken the difficult decision to stand down, not wanting to reduce the time she knows it requires to carry out the role well.

“I wish her all the best in her career and am sure she will return to politics at a time that better suits her in the future”.