Town Councillor no longer a resident, when should he notify?

Question

One of our members has left for another town. There have been rumours over the summer but he denied, when asked directly, that he was leaving.

Does the 6 months rule still apply if he has actually changed his address?

Answer 1

The 6 month rule will only apply if the councillor doesn't attend the town council meetings for 6 months.  It doesn't matter if they have left the town as long as they still attend.  The issue will come up at the next elections but 

1. if he has retired and the work of being a councillor is his main 'employment' then he can still legitimately stand as a councillor even then.
2. If he has a property or business connections to the town, he can still stand
3. If he lives within 3 miles of the parish boundary (not the edge of the town) as the crow flies, he can still stand.

The 6 month rule and eligibility to stand are two separate matters.

Comments

Has he changed his address on his declaratory interests ?