A Conservative candidate standing in this year's local elections in Southampton has died, the council has confirmed.

Polling has been abandoned following the sudden death of the Coxford candidate.

Southampton City Council says no counting or verification will take place in the ward after the returning officer was informed of Mr Galton's passing. 

Residents in Coxford have been urged not to head to the polls.

A new election for the ward will be held within 35 working days. 

Southampton local elections 2023: Polling day latest updates

A council spokesperson said: "Our condolences go to Mr Galton’s family.

"The law provides that where proof of death of a candidate is delivered to the Returning Officer after polls have opened, but before the declaration of result, the poll must be abandoned, and a new election must be held for that ward.

"Therefore, the Returning Officer has closed all the polling stations in Coxford ward."

As a result, voters should not go to the below locations: 

  • Zoe Braithwaite Centre, Fraser Close
  • Lordswood Community Centre (Small Hall), Sandpiper Road
  • St Vincent De Paul RC Church (Hall Centre Section), Coxford Road
  • Lordshill Community Centre (Small Hall), Cromarty Road
  • Kinloss Court (Communal Lounge), Northolt Gardens
  • Scout HQ (Main Hall), Aldermoor Road
  • Coxford Community Centre (Main Hall), Olive Road