Parish Councillor Vacancies:
If a vacancy arises on a Parish Council due to an existing councillor’s resignation, disqualification or death, a notice will be posted on the parish council website and the following process to fill the vacancy will be followed:
If an election is called:
The Returning Officer at West Berkshire Council will set a date for polling day, and the election process will begin with the publication of a notice of election, copies of which will be supplied to the clerk. That notice informs the electors where they may obtain nomination papers and the date by when they should be delivered. It gives the dates by which applications to vote by post or proxy must be made. It also gives the date of the poll in the event of a contest. Further details of the election process and the notice of an election if called can be viewed via the West Berkshire Council website https://info.westberks.gov.uk/WestBerkshireElections
The Parish Council will also be notified by West Berkshire Council if an election has not been called and the following procedure for co-option will apply:
The council may co-opt whoever it pleases to fill a casual vacancy. However, that person must be qualified to serve as a councillor.
Eligibility for Office
To qualify for election as a Parish Councillor, and to hold such an office, an applicant must be:
The person co-opted must receive an absolute majority vote of the councillors present and voting. Where there are more than two candidates for the vacancy, it may be necessary to run a series of votes, each time removing the candidate who has the least number of votes until one candidate secures an absolute majority.
Further details can be obtained from the Parish Clerk regarding co-option and whether any vacancies are currently available upon the council: enquiries@burghfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk