How to arrange a vote of no confidence in specific Parish Councillors on a PC

Question

Our Parish Council is split between about 60% (incl Chairman) in "group think" mode, who we suspect of vested interest in blocking our parish neighbourhood plan and 40% "good guys" (yes, all white middle age men). They were elected in May 2015, members of the community had no other choices, because only the required number stepped forward as candidates. At one of the many EGMs called by the Chairman, over 100 local residents turned up and vocally made the majority views of the community known. Completely ignored and rejected by the "group think" councillors, despite strong support from the "good guys" and the neighbourhood plan steering group.

So we would like to arrange a vote of no confidence, not in the whole PC, but specific Parish Councillors - in advance of our Parish General Assembly later in April.  Can we do this? If so how? Any advice gratefully received.

Answer 1

You can vote on any issue at the parish meeting. It is possible for two councillors or six electors to demand a parish meeting. Although if you already have one scheduled for April, there may not be a lot to be gained by holding another one. The parish meeting is the only mechanism available for the electorate to vote on issues, and the result is not binding on the council for a matter of this kind. It may have some impact, though.

If a vacancy should arise in the council, then 10 citizens can demand a poll (rather than co-option) although the council will have to pay for the cost of holding the election.