Ruddington Parish Council is looking for community-minded villagers to fill more of its seats after the resignation of two further councillors.
The vacancies have arisen in Easthorpe Ward and Manor Ward following the departures of Marilyn Robinson and George Ellison respectively.
No reasons have been given for their decisions to stand down. However it follows a raft of other councillor resignations over the past year – resulting in a contested election for one seat and others where four candidates were elected unopposed.
In order for a poll to be held this time, at least TEN electors from within each parish ward must put in a written request to Returning Officer, Allen Graham at Rushcliffe Arena, by Wednesday 3rd January 2018. Failing this, the vacancies will again be filled through co-option by existing members of the Parish Council.
So, if you’d like to see TRUE democracy in action, you know what you need to do!
UPDATE 5th JANUARY 2018:
Now Wednesday’s deadline has passed, the following letter has been received by Ruddington Parish Council – sent by Rushcliffe’s Electoral Services Officer, Tom Short:-
“With regards to the vacancies on Easthorpe Ward and Manor Ward I can confirm that I have not received any requests for an election to fill either vacancy.
Accordingly, pursuant to the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) Rules 1996, the Parish Council should, as soon as practicable, co-opt a person to fill each vacancy. The appointment is entirely at the discretion of the Parish Council, provided, of course, that the person co-opted is qualified to act as a councillor in accordance with one of the following:-
(1) be a local government elector of the Parish
(2) has, during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day on which he/she was nominated as a councillor, occupied as tenant or owner, any land or other premises in the Parish
(3) his/her principal or only place of work in the 12 months preceding the day on which he/she is nominated as a councillor has been in the area of the Parish
(4) has resided either in the Parish or within three miles thereof during the whole of the 12 months preceding the day on which he/she is nominated as a candidate
There are certain disqualifications of which the main are:-
(a) bankruptcy
(b) having been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than three months during the five years preceding the election
(c) being disqualified under any enactment to corrupt or illegal practises
I would mention that a co-opted member is required to sign the formal declaration of acceptance of office before he/she can act as a councillor. This may be done at the meeting when you make the appointment.”
If you’d like to be considered for co-option as a village Councillor please contact Ruddington Parish Council as soon as possible.
