What procedure should be taken when the chairman of the parish resigns?

Question

Recently, our elected chairman submitted his resignation to the Vice Chairman and Clerk. My understanding, in the event of a chairman resigning from office for any reason the Vice Chairman takes the role of chairman for the remaining term. Or should the two posts be re-elected at the next meeting?

Kind Regards

George Ioannou

Answer 1

The Vice Chairman assumes the role of Chair until a new Chair is elected. This should really be done as soon as possible, eg at the next meeting. I suppose there is nothing to prevent the council resolving not to elect a new chair straightaway; in which case the Vice Chairman would continue but as acting Chairman. If the Council elects a new Chair, the Vice Chair continues as Vice Chair. Only if he were to be elected Chair (quite likely) would the Vice Chair's office need to be filled.

Comments

Although LGA 14 (1) states that a parish council shall consist of the chairman and councillors. It is likely that a council without a chairman is not properly constituted and may not be able to lawfully function. It is best to immediately elect a new chairman as the first business after the resignation. Although the office of chairman is usually held until the next annual meeting, it is possible for the council to stipulate a shorter period, provided it clearly resolves to do so.