The Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith South Ward seat has becomes vacant after the departure from the council of former councillor Virginia Taylor.
As the former leader of Eden District Council Ms Taylor’s administration approved the purchase and redevelopment of Voreda House and oversaw the scrapping of Eden Council in 2023 when Westmorland and Furness Council replaced the former district and country council for the area.
Former councillor Taylor served as a cabinet member on Westmorland and Furness Council until last year when she resigned her cabinet role due to health issues.
The vacancy will be filled with a by election likely to be held in early March with the elected candidate serving just a year in office before the next full council election in May 2027 that will see all 65 seats on the council up for reelection and see ward changes in Penrith.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, thanked Cllr Taylor for her years of service to the local community.
He said: “Virginia was previously leader of Eden District Council and was elected to the shadow authority in May 2022 and went on to serve as Cabinet member for Sustainable Communities and Localities until her resignation from Cabinet for health reasons, in June last year.
“Virginia played a leading role in Eden and Westmorland and Furness, at a tumultuous time for local government. Virginia was instrumental in leading a period of significant change in Eden.
“At Westmorland and Furness, Virginia has been a consistent and passionate advocate for rural communities, arts and culture and libraries, as well as leading the vital work of developing a new unified local plan for the whole council area.
“Virginia has been a significant influence in the shaping of our new authority and we will miss her involvement.
“I want to take this opportunity to personally thank Virginia for her insight, input and dedication and wish her well for the future, on behalf of us all at the council.”
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