Ascot and Sunninghill by-election confirmed as councillor resigns for health reasons

A by-election for Ascot and Sunninghill will be held next month after the resignation of a former mayor from the Windsor Conservatives.

Councillor John Story has stepped down as ward councillor with immediate effect for health reasons.

A council spokesperson confirmed they received his resignation and a by-election will be held for the Ascot and Sunninghill ward for Windsor and Maidenhead council, on Thursday, October 17.

Leader of the Conservative group Councillor Maureen Hunt said: “John will be greatly missed within the Conservative team in Council. He is a true gentleman, extremely professional and a high-calibre councillor. We wish him all the very best for the future."

Throughout 18 years as a public servant, Councillor Story played a pivotal role in many local projects, including the successful campaign to save Heatherwood Hospital from closure.

He served as mayor for 18 months during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and raised funds for the Prince Philip Trust Fund, culminating in a celebratory dinner at the Guildhall, attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

In light of Councillor Story’s departure, the Windsor Conservative Association announced that Sally Coneron is the Conservative candidate for the forthcoming by-election.

Sally, who lives in Sunninghill with her husband and three children, was selected by local members at the Cordes Hall and is a business owner and chairman of governors at St Michael’s School.

George Jezard has also been confirmed as the Lib Dem candidate for the seat. The party said 'he has already proved he is hard-working and cares deeply about the community where he grew up'.

More candidates are expected to be confirmed in due course. Please contact anakan@baylismedia.co.uk if you are standing in the by-election.