The upcoming by-election on February 12 in the Fletton and Woodston ward of Peterborough City Council has thrown up an unusual twist that has locals talking.
When Peterborough City Council published its official Statement of Persons Nominated for the first by election on January 16 to fill a vacancy, eagle-eyed observers noticed something peculiar: Andrew Stephen Willey, a familiar name in local politics, appeared twice on the list.
One entry listed him as the official Conservative Party candidate, – the other entry showed the same name, same address, but described him simply as an Independent.
The explanation? Mr Willey had submitted two separate nomination papers before the deadline – a perfectly legal move under UK election rules. Candidates are allowed to lodge multiple nominations as a safeguard or to explore different options, each backed by the required signatures from local electors.
It suggests Mr Willey initially filed as an Independent before securing – or reaffirming – official backing from the Conservative Party. Once the party endorsement was confirmed, he promptly withdrew the independent nomination.
The Returning Officer duly noted the withdrawal in the published statement, leaving only the Conservative entry valid.
Mr Willey, who narrowly missed out on winning the seat by just 12 votes in a previous contest, is now the Conservative hopeful in a field that includes Ed Murphy (Green Party), Andrew O’Neil (Reform UK), Neil Christopher Walton (Liberal Democrats), and Harvey Woodhouse (Labour).
The double listing sparked brief online chatter, one X post from a local commentator called it “something you don’t see very often – a candidate withdrawing their Independent nomination to stand for a party.”
Under Electoral Commission guidelines, such administrative quirks ensure every submission is accounted for publicly, preventing any accusations of foul play. Only valid nominations make it onto the ballot paper, and in this instance, voters will see just one Andrew Stephen Willey – under the Conservative banner.
Mr Willey, in an email to CambsNews, rebutted claims on social media about an alleged involvement with Reform, pointing out that the only contact with them was very brief and in the space of three days “I had reflected and decided that Reform UK doesn’t represent the values and views I have. They hold extreme views and believe in ‘Trump’ style politics which I will never represent.
“In my lifetime I have only ever been a member of one political party and that is the Conservatives, I spoke to my Conservative colleagues shortly after, who have given me full support in my decisions as a respected resident of Woodston, Peterborough.
“I have never attempted to become a Reform UK candidate which is the false rhetoric they now choose. Sad to say this is the style of politics they represent and something to which I don’t relate.
“As a resident of the Fletton & Woodston ward for over 20 years and having represented the Conservatives in this ward previously it is that political party that I am aligned to and will never represent any other political party. “
Mr Willey added: “They can’t beat me at the ballot box so will attempt any smear campaign they can. Whereas I’m focussing on what I can offer the residents of Fletton & Woodston ward”
Reform, however, is claiming Mr Willey was more actively considering membership of their party.
The party reached out to CambsNews with an email from Mr Willey dated November 24, 2025, which contains the following statement.
“I am considering standing as a candidate in the May 2026 local elections within Peterborough” he wrote.
“Previously I was a member of the Conservative Party and in 2023 held the position of Vice‑Chairman Political for North West Cambridgeshire.
“I won’t represent the Conservative Party again and I am more aligned to Reform’s manifesto pledges.
“It would be nice to understand what ambitions Reform has for the upcoming local elections and if there are vacancies for candidates.”
CambsNews invited Mr Willey to comment on that email.
His response?
He told us: “Just to make you aware a formal complaint has been made and legal action is being taken. If you want to write an article too on baseless information then I will not hesitate to take legal action against you too.
“I am also confident that Section 106 of Representation of the People Act 1983 offers me protection as a candidate. I have not given any consent to my email being shared and it also breaks GDPR rules.
“I remind you we are in purdah and Peterborough City Council Electoral Services are aware. If you against my wishes and write a piece for publication I will not hesitate to take action.
“There is no story to be told.”
