The By Brook by-election scheduled for Thursday, April 2, has been suspended amid the ongoing pandemic.

Wiltshire’s election official has decided to postpone the North Wiltshire by-election, which was due to take place next week.

Returning officer and counting officer, Terence Herbert said: "In light of the Government advice regarding the Covid-19 situation including advice from Cabinet Office and Wiltshire Council’s director of public health, I have taken the decision to suspend all current by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums with immediate effect and will not be acting upon any future requests for by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums until further notice.

"This decision will be reviewed as the situation progresses and I will determine how these matters will proceed in the light of relevant legislation and guidance."

There were two candidates set to contend for the vacant seat left by Baroness Jane Scott, they are Nick Botterill (Conservative) and Lesley Bennett (Liberal Democrats).

Nick Botterill said: “The postponement of the By Brook by-election, in my view, is completely the right decision under the circumstances.

“With social distancing in place and the need for many people to self-isolate, lots of residents would have effectively been prevented from participating in the election. “Also, the arrangements for the poll would have put council employees at increased risk as well as diverting resources and time from Wiltshire Council who have better things to do in the middle of what is a national crisis. I am sure we all hope and pray for a time in the future when we can resume normal activities such as this.”

Lesley Bennett said: “It’s unfortunate that By Brook now doesn’t have a council representative.

“You can’t expect people to go out and vote when they’re supposed to be self-isolating. I hope the people can get support from Bryan Matthews, who lives in By Brook.”