Residents in the Woodhouse council ward will vote next Thursday, 28 November, in a by-election to elect a new councillor. 

Paul Wood, who had represented the ward since 2016, died on September 16 this year. 

Wood had originally been elected for the Labour party, but changed allegiances in 2023 and sat with the Sheffield Community Independents until his death. 

There are seven candidates vying to replace him, with the race expected to be a close contest between Labour and Reform UK. 

Saj Ghafur is Labour’s candidate – a local taxi driver, Ghafur has previously acted as Chairperson of the Littledale, Bowden Wood and Halsall Tenants and Residents Association. 

Ghafur campaigned to stand for Darnall in Sheffield’s council elections in May, but he was beaten to the position by the independent candidate Qais Al-Ahdal.

Andy Hizzard, who runs a local business, is standing in this election for Reform UK, who are seeking their first council election victory in Yorkshire. 

There are five other candidates contesting this election, including Sheffield University student Samuel Hemsley, who is representing the Conservative party.

Hemsley previously interned for the former Conservative MP Brendan Clarke-Smith.

Also standing is Hannah Nicklin from the Green Party, Willis Marshall from the Liberal Democrats, Andrew Crapper representing the Trade Union & Socialist Coalition (TUSC).

More information is available, including on where residents can cast their vote, on Sheffield City Council’s website.

Polling stations are open from 7:00am until 10:00pm on Thursday 28 November. 

Results will be counted and made available during the day on Friday 29 November.