should a councillor declare an interest (and not vote) if a vote is taken following a letter received from their husband

Question

If a letter is received by the Parish Council from the husband of a councillor suggesting that a piece of parish equipment be sold, should the councillor express a declaration of interest and refrain from voting?

Answer 1

Not necessarily.  If the councillor does not have a personal interest in the proposed transaction, then there is no need to declare an interest.

Refraining from voting arises when an interest is prejudicial - but if there is no interest, then this question does not arise.

Of course, if there is more to the situation than is immediately obvious, then things could be different.