Nottingham City Council is set to hold a by-election in Leen Valley Ward on 20 August 2026.
The vacancy has arisen because the former councillor, Nadia Farhat, ceased to hold office after not attending a qualifying council meeting within the six-month period required by law.
Under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, a councillor automatically ceases to be a member of the authority if they fail to attend a qualifying meeting for a continuous period of six months, unless their absence has been approved by the council in advance.
Beth Brown, the Council’s Monitoring Officer, said:
“Former Councillor Nadia Farhat last attended a qualifying meeting on 12 January 2026. Apologies were submitted for the March and May meetings and, in line with the Council’s usual process, she was written to on 22 May 2026 to remind her that councillors must attend a qualifying meeting within a six-month period to remain in office.
“No response was received until 22 June 2026, and there were no other meetings during that period that she was eligible to attend.
“Minimum attendance is legal requirement applies to all councillors and, where approval for an absence has not been granted in advance, disqualification is automatic. The Council has therefore declared the Leen Valley seat vacant, and arrangements are now being made for a by-election.”
The notice of election and the notice of vacancy have now been published and there will be a briefing for candidates and agents at 6pm on 16 July 2026 at Loxley House.
Further details, including the timetable for the by-election and information for prospective candidates and voters, can be found on the council’s website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/LeenValleyWardBy-Election