People living in a Norfolk market town will soon be heading to the polls after their councillor quit following an election row over Reform being called "racist".
Richard Sims, a North Walsham Liberal Democrat councillor, resigned in June after he became involved in a late-night spat with fellow party supporters on WhatsApp.
A war of words erupted between Mr Sims and another person in the chat after he became upset when the Reform party was described as "literally racist".
He was also criticised by Steffan Aquarone - now Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk - for his own comments in response relating to Islam, which were described as containing the "hidden tropes of racism".
It led to the former North Walsham mayor quitting the party and his role as the Market Cross ward councillor.
READ MORE: Key election that could shake-up County Hall called after sudden death of councillor
Following his resignation, a North Norfolk District Council by-election has been called, taking place on Thursday, September 12.
People wishing to stand for election have until August 15 to submit their nominations.
Currently, the Liberal Democrat group has a strong majority at NNDC, while the Conservatives are the main opposition.
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