Procedure for a Casual Vacancy for Parish Councillor
GOSBERTON PARISH COUNCIL
PROCEDURE FOR A CASUAL VACANCY FOR PARISH COUNCILLOR
Stage 1
When a vacancy arises on the Parish Council due to a Parish Councillor’s death, disqualification or resignation, the process to fill the vacancy is as follows:
The Parish Council Clerk notifies the Returning Officer South Holland District Council of the vacancy who posts a notice to the electorate. This notice runs for 14 days from the date the notice is displayed and gives the electorate the opportunity to call for a by-election. This is displayed on the Parish Council’s notice board.
If ten or more electors call for a by-election then an election is organised by the District Council and further notices are posted informing interested persons of how to apply to enter as a candidate in the election. The cost of a by-election is borne by the Parish Council.
Stage 2
If an election is not called the Parish Council is notified by the District Council to fill the position by co-option as soon as is practicable. Or, if vacancies remain following a recent election the following procedure applies:
The Parish Council post a notice on the notice boards and/or in the newsletter to advertise a casual vacancy for a Parish Councillor. This may have a closing date for applications to be received by the Clerk.
When applications have been received the Parish Council will consider the application letter(s) at the next Full Parish Council Meeting following closing date for applications. If the application is eligible and not disqualified they will be co-opted on to the Parish Council. If there is more than one application, the decision will be decided by vote/ballot of the Parish Councillors.
Adopted on 11th December 2023