Hamiltonians are heading back to the polls following the election of councillor Ryan Hamilton in the general election.

The National Party candidate won the Hamilton East electorate on Saturday and has formally resigned from his role as an East Ward councillor for the Hamilton City Council.

Mayor Paula Southgate said Ryan Hamilton will be missed at Council but will be a strong voice for Hamilton Kirikiriroa in Wellington.

Hamilton City Council confirmed it will hold a by-election in Hamilton East, with nominations for the vacant seat opening on Friday 24 November.

 “As a member of Council you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of your fellow Hamiltonians,” Southgate said.

“The by-election is a great opportunity to represent the people of Hamilton and shape the future of our beautiful city.

 “I strongly encourage Hamiltonians to stand for Council.”

Voting will open on January 26 and close on February 17 at 12pm.

To stand as a city councillor, candidates must be a New Zealand citizen by birth or naturalisation ceremony, enrolled as a Parliamentary elector anywhere in New Zealand and be nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll within the respective ward the candidate is standing for.

Any interested candidates should email [email protected] or phone the deputy electoral officer Amy Viggers on 07 838 6439 to request a nomination form.

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