St John’s Ward
Candidate | Party | Votes |
Robert Wooller | Conservative Party | 393 |
John Sumner | Liberal Party | 276 |
Brendan Payne | Labour Party | 117 |
Turnout 41%
WOOLLER WINS SEAT FOR TORIES
A casual vacany had arisen due to the death of longstanding member Jack Cox who died in June, he was 74. Known as the ‘Man of the people’, he was devoted to Kenilworth and had been on the council for 27 years. 19 years on the old KUDC and 8 years on the new Town Council. Indeed he was the first ever Town Mayor.
Present Mayor of Kenilworth, Bill Wozencroft, said he was a very good friend and a good man who had given a lifetime of service to the town and would be greatly missed.
Following his death there were discussions at the council if a by-election was even needed to fill the vacancy. But under the rules, if at least two of the electors of St John’s ward gave notice that an election should take place, in writing, then one would have to take place. If not, the council members would need to fill the vacancy by co-option. Tory group leader, Florence Adcock, suggested the council co-opt a member of same political persuasion as the late Mr Cox, until the town council election next May. But she was advised by town clerk, Harry Sunley, that this was not now possible and the position had to be advertised.