York councillor stands down after a year in office, triggering by-election

The Labour councillor Sophie Kelly for Hull Road has resigned, triggering a by-election for the ward to be held on the 4th July, the same day as the General Election.

Kelly was elected in May 2023 with almost 20% of the vote; whoever is elected in the by-election will serve for the remainder of the term until the next local elections in May 2027. 

She 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.”

Kelly said the demands of being a councillor had taken too much of a toll on her personal life. She added that “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.”

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.”