A by-election will be held in a Bradford Council ward next month to fill a vacancy left by the death of a councillor who died earlier this year.

The by-election, which was called by Craven independent councillor Adrian Naylor, is for the seat previously occupied by Councillor Michael Kelly.

Coun Kelly died on February 4, aged 70, after a long illness. He had represented the ward for the past decade, and had previously been Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for children’s services.

The by-election will take place on May 22 – the same day as district-wide council elections.

Coun Naylor said he was anxious to call the by-election soon enough for it to be able to take place on May 22, noting that if it was not held on the same day as the district-wide poll, it could cost taxpayers an extra £20,000.

A spokesman for Bradford Council’s election unit confirmed the by-election would go ahead on this date, adding that the deadline for submitting nominations is 4pm on April 24.