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

Follow us on X/Twitter

0 votes
Following two seats not being filled at election, held co-option process for two wards, one of which was contested.  Two months later another Cllr has reported, and given proof, that she was contacted by the winner of the contested co-option, prior to the meeting at which co-option took place asking her "will you canvas votes for me? I need ..... and ......"   Is this allowable or ethical when I know the other candidates put forward their names and followed the procedures and did not canvass?  Do we have any redress over this - was the co-option valid?
by (120 points)

1 Answer

+1 vote
Unless there is a specific Parish Council Policy that prevents applicants talking to the Council it is probably legal but unethical.  It might be worth looking at the model code of conduct but I suspect that any reference that this would be a breach of it would be open to debate.
by (34.9k points)
Firstly they weren’t a Councillor at the time they did it
Secondly the Councillors contacted should have mentioned this before the meeting I feel it’s far too late in the day now

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

2,896 questions
5,619 answers
7,951 comments
10,028 users
Google Analytics Alternative