Councillor Alan Bayliss has resigned from both Wiltshire and Salisbury City Councils. Wiltshire Council

Details of possible by-elections revealed after councillor’s resignation

Jamie JonesSeptember 2, 20260 Comment0

SALISBURY City and Wiltshire Councils have announced details of possible by-elections to replace former councillor Alan Bayliss.

Mr Bayliss represented Salisbury Milford on both authorities, but stood down today (September 2) for what are understood to be personal reasons.

Now, the councils have announced elections to find his replacement will take place should voters request them.

For the city council, the poll would happen no later than November 24, should 10 people in the ward request it. If 10 people do not call for a vote, a member could be co-opted by the council.

The call to electors came in a notice of a vacancy at the city council, which called on anyone wishing to request an election to do so by September 22.

To request an election, voters in the ward can write to the Returning Officer at Wiltshire Council.

“Otherwise, the vacancy will be filled by co-option,” the notice said.

Requests to hold an election must be delivered to Lucy Townsend, Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN.

“If an election is called, it will take place no later than 24 November 2026,” the notice added.

Under election rules, a Notice of Vacancy has been displayed on the Salisbury City Council website and within the parish. The Election Request Form can also be found on the city council website or collected from Salisbury Information Centre.

Anyone with questions regarding the election or the process should contact the Corporate Team on 01722 342860, or via corporate@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, for an election to the Wiltshire Council seat, two voters need to ask for a poll to take place.

“On receipt of a request to fill the casual vacancy, the Returning Officer will set a date for an election to be held within 35 working days,” the authority said in a vacancy notice.

Requests for a by-election regarding the Wiltshire Council vacancy should be submitted to Lucy Townsend, Returning Officer (Proper Officer), Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN.

Responding to Mr Bayliss’ resignation, leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, said: “On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Alan for his contribution to the work of the council and support to the residents of Salisbury Milford.

“We respect his decision to step down and wish him well for the future.”