TWO council ward elections have been postponed tomorrow (Thursday, May 2) after the deaths of two candidates.

Elections in the Newent and Taynton ward have been postponed following the ‘sudden and tragic death’ of David Humphreys while he was canvassing for the Green Party.

Mr Humphreys, originally from London, collapsed and died on Friday, April 26.

He was one of three Green Party candidates for the ward in the Forest of Dean District Council elections due to take place.

And across the border in the Herefordshire Council elections, voting has been postponed, in the Ross-on-Wye North Ward, until June 6 following the death earlier this month of UKIP candidate Gareth Williams.

Forest of Dean Green Party (FDGP) spokesperson, Sid Phelps, said: “We are saddened by the sudden and tragic death of party member David Humphreys, who collapsed and died while canvassing on Friday.

“His death is the terrible loss of someone who strove, not only for the protection of the environment but also for a fairer world.

“His passion to make the world a better place was inspiring and he made a significant contribution to FDGP as our website manager.

“Our thoughts are with those closest to him.”

David Humphreys, who lived in the Newent area, was a chartered electrical engineer and had claimed in his manifesto that he wanted “to see an end to the stupidity and selfishness that is driving our society,” and that he wanted “to help build a localised economy that serves and empowers ‘ordinary’ people.

“Technology is not the problem, it should be part of the solution, but that needs wisdom,” he said.

The Conservatives suspended campaigning in the Forest on Monday and Tuesday (April 29 and April 30) as a mark of respect.

Spokesman Brian Robinson said: “I was shocked and saddened to hear that a candidate in the upcoming election has died.

“Our thoughts go to the family and friends of David as they face this difficult time.

“We will cease all campaign activity during Monday and Tuesday this week as a mark of respect.”