Two by-elections will take place in Merton on the same day as the General Election on July 4.

These have been triggered by the resignations of Cllr Natasha Irons, who represents Figge’s Marsh ward; and Cllr Helena Dollimore, who represents St Helier ward.

Cllr Irons was first elected to represent Ravensbury in 2018. In 2020, she was made Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces.

She was elected again in 2022 – this time to represent Figge’s Marsh ward – and took on the expanded role of Cabinet Member for Local Environment, Green Spaces and Climate Change, a position she held until her resignation.

Cllr Helena Dollimore was first elected to represent St Helier ward in a by-election in 2021. Soon after she entered the council, she was appointed to the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

She was re-elected to represent St Helier in 2022, and since the beginning of this year she has served on the Licensing Committee.

Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said: “I’d like to place on record my deep gratitude to Natasha and Helena for their years of service to the people of Merton.

“The role of a councillor is not an easy one – for most, it is done in addition to regular day jobs, so it takes real commitment and desire to serve your local community. Both have done Merton and themselves proud, and I wish them the best for the future.”

The by-election notices will be published on the elections section of our website.