Co-Options within 6 months of the May Council Elections: are they legally required?

Question

A Councillor has resigned over Christmas (with only just over 4 months before the May elections). A by-election is not required at this late stage (confirmed by Monitoring Officer and Clerk). However we (Councillors)  are to be asked (in 2 weeks tiime) whether or not we wish to co-opt someone for the remaining time. Do we have a choice?

Answer 1

You don't have to (you never have to co-opt, must demonstrate a reason you didn't - voting against a candidate is valid).

But remember you may have a number of committees that need new members to ensure they are quorate until May. It also gives those who want to be elected in May a chance to see if they do actually want to do the job.