Questions about town and parish councils
Follow Councillor Q&A on X/Twitter

Follow us on X/Twitter

0 votes
The places were not advertised as such just put on the agenda 3 days before a Parish meeting is this lawful ? 2 persons got seats, I was interviewed but did not know I was being interviewed till i was at the meeting to talk in the public slot. I did not get a seat. Thanks Rach
by (180 points)

1 Answer

0 votes
What should have happened:

The Parish Council advertises the vacancy for co-option on the village noticeboard and ideally website. Details of your application are circulated with at least 3 days notice to councillors. (Though the full agenda should have included a section to confirm a co-option hearing).

You are interviewed, or your application is read by councillors.

Where multiple councillors are to be co-opted, the proceed in law is very clear, they must be elected by a majority (50%+1 of the councillors present, not just a plurality). e.g. 10 councillors present, 5 vote in favour, 3 against, 2 abstain, then you are not elected.

It should be done by a show of hands, unless a councillor specifically requests a secret ballot.

If councillors wanted to co-opt all three, they could have put a motion to that effect to override the voting procedure. But in order not to select you (after considering your application) required a vote. - You can ask the Parish Clerk to confirm the voting outcome.
by (9.0k points)
I've asked the parish on MY voting outcome and been told because it was closed doors they do not have to disclose it.

Welcome to Town & Parish Councillor Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community. All genuine questions and answers are welcome. Follow us on Twitter to see the latest questions as they are asked - click on the image button above or follow @TownCouncilQA. Posts from new members may be delayed as we are unfortunately obliged to check each one for spam. Spammers will be blacklisted.

You may find the following links useful:

We have a privacy policy and a cookie policy.

Clares Cushions logo Peacock cushion

Clare's Cushions creates beautiful hand made cushions and home accessories from gorgeous comtemporary fabrics. We have a fantastic selection of prints including Sophie Allport and Orla Kiely designs and most covers can be ordered either alone or with a cushion inner. Buying new cushions is an affordable and effective way to update your home interior, they're also a great gift idea. Visit our site now

2,921 questions
5,669 answers
8,010 comments
10,044 users
Google Analytics Alternative