A Rossendale Labour councillor has formally resigned from his position after relocating to Sicily, marking the end of his time representing the local community.
Councillor Tom Belli, who previously represented the Hareholme and Waterfoot wards, has officially stepped down from Rossendale Borough Council.
The decision follows his permanent move to Sicily, a significant personal change which means he must leave local government service.
His resignation marks a change in representation for the affected wards, prompting the need for new leadership to address the concerns and interests of the residents he once served.
Final contributions and council procedures
Belli’s last attendance at a full council meeting was in November 2025. A spokesperson for Rossendale Borough Council later confirmed that he had not claimed any councillor allowances since September of that year.
The council has also stated that a by-election will be held in due course to fill the vacancy.
Councillor Mackenzie Ritson of Reform UK, representing Whitworth, said she believed the Labour Party tried to keep the resignation under wraps.
She suggested it was an attempt to delay a by-election. Nonetheless, there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by Mr. Belli or his political group.
Upcoming by-election and local democratic engagement
The specific date for the upcoming by-election in Hareholme and Waterfoot has not yet been announced, leaving residents uncertain about the timetable for the poll.
Once the schedule is set, the process will give the community an important chance to get involved in local democracy by selecting new representation for the ward.
That choice will influence the make-up of the council, and the result of the by-election is expected to shape future council decisions and community projects across the affected areas. It will also have a direct impact on local governance and how residents’ interests are represented.
