Cambridgeshire County Council chief executive and county returning officer Dr Stephen Moir has publicly corrected claims made in a Conservative leaflet circulated in the Roman Bank and Peckover division, after local Tory chairman Steve Tierney stated that a by-election “will now” take place.
The sharp intervention came after campaign material distributed by the North East Cambridgeshire Conservative Association told residents that Reform UK councillor Andy Osborn’s recent court conviction meant “there will now be a by-election, costing thousands of pounds to the public purse”.
But in a formal statement issued on April 27, Dr Moir said the claim was wrong and that no vacancy currently exists in the division.
He said: “Unfortunately, incorrect information has been circulated on social media to indicate that a by election for the Roman Bank and Peckover Division county council seat has been called.”
He added: “Therefore, the seat is not currently vacant and no by election can be called at present.”
Legal position clarified
The row centres on the status of councillor Andy Osborn, who was convicted earlier this month under the Representation of the People Act 1983 after a court found he had published a false statement about Conservative candidate Samantha Hoy during the 2025 local election campaign.
Although widespread reports suggested the conviction automatically vacated his seat, Dr Moir made clear the legal process is not yet complete.
According to the returning officer, Osborn remains entitled to hold the seat unless and until the appeal period expires without action, or any appeal is lodged and later concluded.
That means the earliest possible date the seat could become vacant is May 6, 2026, if no appeal is submitted. If an appeal is lodged, the vacancy may not arise until July 15, unless proceedings conclude sooner.
Until then, Roman Bank and Peckover residents remain represented in law, despite Osborn being suspended from duties.
Tierney leaflet sparks controversy
The leaflet signed by Steve Tierney, chairman of the North East Cambridgeshire Conservative Association, launched a fierce attack on Osborn’s record in office.
It accused him of poor attendance, failing to engage with local issues, mishandling concerns over Barton Road closure problems, and bringing negative publicity to the area.
The leaflet also blamed Reform UK for selecting “a poor candidate” and urged voters to back the Conservatives in the “forthcoming by-election”.
The letter added: “In the forthcoming by-election please vote for our Conservative candidate. Not only do we need to bring integrity and honour back to the role, but we also need a county councillor who will work alongside the Conservative team to fight for so many issues we know you all face.”
However, critics say the material went beyond political attack and crossed into misinformation by presenting the by-election as certain and immediate when election officials say no contest can yet be called.
Dr Moir’s statement is being viewed in local political circles as an unusually direct rebuke to campaign messaging from a senior party figure.
Background to Osborn conviction
Osborn, 74, was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after a Facebook post falsely alleged Conservative councillor Samantha Hoy had been sacked for fraud.
District Judge Nina Tempia rejected Osborn’s defence that his account had been hacked.
He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,800 in total including costs and surcharge.
The case drew national attention because conviction under electoral law can disqualify candidates and potentially force fresh elections.
However, the latest intervention from Cambridgeshire’s returning officer underlines that legal disqualification is subject to appeal rights and due process.
Political fallout builds
The dispute is likely to intensify tensions between Conservatives and Reform supporters in Fenland politics, where both parties are battling for influence.
For the Conservatives, the Roman Bank and Peckover seat represents an opportunity to regain ground. For Reform, the case is another reputational blow after winning the division last year.
But for now, residents have been told there is one clear fact: no by-election has yet been called.
That leaves Steve Tierney facing awkward questions over why voters were told otherwise.
