Tributes paid to Salford Conservative candidate who died six days before local election

One of 20 Salford local election polls has been postponed after the death of a candidate.

George Andrew Darlington, 68, who was standing for the Conservative Party in Walkden South Ward, was taken ill and died last week.

Mr Darlington stood several times as a Conservative candidate in Winton.  He was to stand again on Thursday May 2, running for a seat currently held by Iain Lindley, which Mr Darlington was hoping to win.

Many have paid their respects to Mr Darlington with Paul Dennett, the Mayor of Salford, stating on Twitter:

Very sad to hear of the passing of George Andrew Darlington, the Conservative Candidate for Walkden South at the forthcoming local elections. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this time. The election for the ward has now been postponed https://t.co/5Z3Sxqq2ak

— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) 29 April 2019

Returning officer Jim Taylor, chief executive of Salford City Council, said: “Naturally the election in Walkden South needs to be postponed and I have today published the legal countermanding document.

“The election will be held in due course but it cannot be held on the same day as that proposed for the European elections, Thursday 23 May.”

Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, an order is to be made for a new election.

This election will be held no later than 35 days, excluding weekends and bank holidays, from the original date chosen for the election (which is Thursday, May 2).

Those who have already put their names forward as candidates for the Walkden South ward will remain on the ballot paper as fresh nominations are not required by law.