Are you passionate about our community? Do you want to help make a long-lasting change? Do you have innovative ideas for the council? Do you have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it? If this is you, then we need you. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect our community to put themselves forward for election. Make a change and become a councillor.
COUNCILLOR VACANCIES FOR BRIDGETOWN WARD (CO-OPTION) AND TOTNES TOWN WARD (ELECTION) – DEADLINE 23RD MAY 2024
Totnes Town Council is seeking up to two dedicated and motivated persons to become a Town Councillor. The vacancies have arisen due to two recent resignations, one for Totnes Town Ward and one for Bridgetown Ward.
These vacancies were advertised earlier this year by the Town Council and South Hams District Council, inviting residents in each ward to make a request for an election. At least 10 residents are required to make a request in writing for an election to be held. South Hams District Council did not receive the required number of requests for the vacancy in Bridgetown Ward. As a result, this position can be filled by co-option. South Hams District Council did receive the required number of requests for an election for the vacancy in Totnes Town Ward. As a result, a by-election will take place on 20th June.
Details on how to apply are below – please note that these are two different processes and the correct forms should be completed and returned to the correct council.
NOTICE OF VACANCY FOR OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR – PARISH OF TOTNES, BRIDGETOWN WARD (Co-option)
Residents and local business owners are now invited to put themselves forward for co-option as a councillor to the Bridgetown Ward position. Town Councillors will then review the applications and make an appointment. The deadline for anyone interested in being considered is midday on Thursday 23 May 2024 so please complete the form (in the documents below and as set out in the policy) and return it to the Town Council, so that Full Council can review the applications at the meeting on 10 June 2024.
Notice of the vacancy is below.
Co-option to Vacancies
Where a vacancy arises outside of the normal election cycle, if there is no request for an election to be held that the vacancy can be filled by co-option. The process that will be followed in such cases is set out in the Council’s policy document:
Notice of Election – Totnes Town Ward, 20th June 2024
Residents and local business owners will also be able to nominate themselves as a candidate for the by-election in Totnes Town Ward. The deadline for nominations to be received at South Hams District Council is Thursday 23rd May at 4pm. Please see details and forms in the documents below:
Elections for Totnes Town Councillors are held every four years, with the next full election in 2027, however vacancies can arise during this term. When a vacancy comes up public notices will be produced. Firstly, the public are asked if they wish for an election to take place, with 10 signatures or more required from residents in the ward (the area of the town which the Councillor represents, so either Totnes Town or Bridgetown) for the election to go ahead. If there is no request for an election then a public notice is issued inviting those interested in becoming a Councillor to contact the Clerk, the applications are then reviewed by the Council and a new councillor is ‘co-opted’.
Town Councils work best when the Council works as a team and the National Association of Local Councils encourages party politics to be put to one side even though you may represent a political group. Individuals are also expected to conduct their Councillor role according to the seven principles of public life know as the ‘Nolan Principles’ which are: selflessness; integrity; objectivity; accountability; openness, honesty; and leadership.
For more information have a read of ‘The Good Councillor Guide’ or contact the Clerk at clerk@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk or 01803 862147.