Date confirmed for by-election following death of Milton Keynes councillor
The date has been confirmed for a by-election in the New Bradwell ward, which has been called following the death of Milton Keynes councillor Shanika Mahendran.
The by-election for the seat previously held by Shanika will take place on Thursday September 24, Milton Keynes City Council has confirmed.
Shanika, a Labour councillor in the city since 2022, died on July 1, aged 28, following a short illness.
Shanika joined the city council in 2022 and in May of this year she was elected to the New Bradwell ward, alongside fellow Labour politician Stephen Brown.
She served as the city council’s cabinet member for planning and placemaking, and prior to that as cabinet member for economy, sustainability and innovation.
Earlier this year Shanika was named as one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2026.
A fundraising page on behalf of Milton Keynes Food Bank, which was established for donations in memory of Shanika, has currently raised more than £5,000.
Writing on Facebook, former city councillor Tracey Bailey has announced she has been selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the ward.
The full list of candidates has yet to be announced, with nominations open between Wednesday 19 and Thursday 27 August.