A would-be councillor has said there should be a new election after voters were turned away at polling stations in Chippenham.

Michael Walker, who received the fewest votes in the Chippenham Sheldon ward, is calling on Wiltshire Council to hold a new election after 73 people were turned away at the polls on May 6.

Mr Walker said he was “very disappointed and concerned” with the events at the Audley Road station, as well as the “nonchalant attitude” of council chief executive and returning officer, Terence Herbert.

Audley Road, Chippenham VIA GOOGLE MAPS

Audley Road, Chippenham VIA GOOGLE MAPS

“The election must be reheld immediately. I came last in the election and consequently would not stand again. I doubt that even if reheld, that I would stand much chance of being elected,” he said. “However, the Conservative candidate lost by only three votes. Regardless of political party, this is not fair on any candidate. We all put our time and effort into these elections which are being totally disregarded.

“Furthermore, the credibility of those elected must now be questioned and it is not fair on them.”

The former Chippenham mayor, Teresa Hutton lost out on a seat on the town council by just three votes. She received 432 and the elected councillor Nina Phillips saw 435 votes to her name.

Ms Hutton has chosen not to comment on the issue at present.

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Efforts were made to bring back voters who were turned away on May 6. Terence Herbert, returning officer for Wiltshire, said just 10 of those with the right to vote in the town council election chose not to reattend, while 27 electors with the right to vote in the unitary election did not return.

He said: “Clearly whether someone wishes to vote or not is a personal choice.”

Mr Herbert added: “As the election result has now been declared there is no facility for the election to be ‘re-held’. Where someone wishes to challenge the outcome of an election they must do so by bringing an election petition. More details can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

“As returning officer, I take the running of elections very seriously. Myself and my team worked with due diligence to deliver multiple elections across the county which were the biggest and most complex that Wiltshire has ever held, supported by more than 1,700 staff, across 348 polling stations and three count centres.”