Can a parish councillor who has resigned ask to have resignation withdrawn?

Question

A parish councillor has recently resigned, some councillors have suggested he is asked by the council to be reinstated. The resigned councillor now realises that he has support within the council and would like to withdraw his resignation. Is this possible?

Answer 1

If the councillor has actually resigned in writing to the chairman (the correct procedure for resignation by a councillor who is not the chairman) then he has ceased to be a councillor. If he has only announced his resignation, then he is still a councillor and can change his mind.

If he is no longer a councillor, there is no alternative to going through the process for a casual vacancy, which gives the electorate the option to demand a poll. Assuming that is not exercised, then the council will be free to co-opt the former councillor. I could be wrong, but in the circumstances, I don't think there is an obligation to consider alternative candidates if the council does support the individual who resigned.

If a poll is demanded, it is all down to who submits a valid nomination, and who the electorate choose (if there is more than one valid nomination).

Comments

Thank you for this clear reply.