Redbridge Council has two vacant councillor roles, one previously held by a man now facing trial and another by a man who died.

Chaudhary Mohammed Iqbal, former Labour councillor for Loxford ward, is accused of “making false statements in candidate nomination papers” during the 2018 local election.

It is not known how or when he left the role but a notice of "casual vacancy" for his ward was posted on October 7 by chief executive Andy Donald.

Casual vacancies occur when a councillor leaves the role between elections and can happen due to death, resignation, disqualification or other reasons.

Stuart Bellwood, former Labour councillor for Seven Kings, died on August 20, having first been elected in 2002.

The notice of casual vacancy for his ward is also dated October 7.

Read more: Tributes paid after death of 'maverick' Redbridge councillor

The notices both state a by-election will take place if written requests are made to Andy Donald by two Redbridge residents eligible to vote in local elections.

Both elections would not take place until May 6, 2021.

Mr Iqbal was charged with electoral fraud on March 27 but pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 22 and chose a trial by jury.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson previously revealed the charges “relate to false declarations by Iqbal regarding his address”.

In May, a council spokesperson confirmed he was still a councillor.

His trial is set to begin on January 4 at Prospero House, a court set up to handle the overflow of cases at Southwark Crown Court, after being postponed twice due to the pandemic.

Redbridge Council and the Labour party have both been contacted for comment.

Requests for a by-election should be addressed to "The Returning Officer, Electoral Services Office, Town Hall, 128-142 High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1DD".

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @ELondonGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Waltham Forest and Redbridge.