Ludlow Town Council will today publish a notice of vacancy for Hayton Ward after the resignation of James Durnall. He was not a regular attender of meetings and his resignation comes as no surprise. A new councillor could be elected through a by-election, in which case ten signatures from the ward must be submitted to Shirehall by 21 March. If a by-election is not called by electors, a new councillor will be co-opted by existing councillors.
Hayton Ward lies between Dodmore Lane, Henley Road and Weyman Road. Two councillors represent the ward. The new councillor will join Councillor Erica Garner.
This resignation is the second within weeks. A by-election is already underway to replace Graeme Perks in Gallows Bank Ward.
Process to fill a vacancy
Ludlow Town Council must display a notice for 14 working days that informs residents about the vacancy.
An election will be called if ten residents, who are registered to vote in the ward where the vacancy has arisen, write to the Returning Officer asking that an election be held. This can be in the form of a letter with the ten signatures. The letter must be delivered by hand to Electoral Services, Shropshire Council, The Shirehall, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND. Due to extensive closures at Shirehall, the letter should be delivered to the North Entrance at the back of the building. Further guidance is available from Electoral Services on 0345 678 9015.
If the Returning Officer declares an election has not been called by electors, the vacancy can be filled by co-option. Candidates are likely to be required to fill out an application form and take questions from councillors.
Applicants may be disqualified from standing (or being co-opted) if they are a paid officer or employee of that parish, have had bankruptcy restriction orders made against them or they have a previous criminal conviction with a prison sentence of three months or more.
More details are available from the Electoral Commission.