August date picked for city council by-election

VOTERS in a Newcastle suburb will go to the polls in August, it has been confirmed.

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A by-election in the South Jesmond ward, triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Milo Barnett, has been set for Thursday, August 14.

Mr Barnett’s decision to vacate his seat for work reasons sets up an intriguing race at a time when Labour's political control in the city appears increasingly fragile.

While Labour has been in charge at Newcastle City Council since 2011, it has been operating a minority administration since last December.