Ruddington Parish Council is again looking for community-minded villagers to come forward to fill two vacancies – after a couple of its newer councillors stepped down.
Empty seats have been left in Camelot Ward and Manor Ward – following the resignations of Yvonne Lishman and Sarah Godfrey respectively.
Their departures follow a relatively stable period for the Council after a raft of resignations during 2016 and 2017. Yvonne had been a Parish Councillor since June last year but Sarah only for the past six months.
Both have stated they are quitting due to work and family commitments. Yvonne is a busy professional photographer – and has previously been a Labour candidate in Rushcliffe Borough Council elections. Meantime Sarah explains: “I was approached to do a masters degree out of the blue after I became a Parish Councillor and I took it. I work and I have small children, too. I really didn’t want to leave but I’ve had to give and take. There are some amazing people on the Council and I would thoroughly encourage applying if you think you can make a difference.”
In order for a poll to be held to replace them, at least TEN electors from within each parish ward must put in a written request to Returning Officer, Allen Graham at Rushcliffe Arena, by letter or by emailing agraham@rushcliffe.gov.uk. For Camelot Ward the deadline is Thursday 18th October and for Manor Ward it’s Tuesday 23rd October. Failing this, the RPC vacancies will 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 WED 24th OCT:
Ruddington Parish Council has told us that no-one put their name forward to join the Parish Council by the above deadlines. So they we will now be advertising and looking to co-opt members if possible. If you’re interested in becoming a Councillor please contact them on 0115 914 6660 or via office@ruddingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
