Histon & Impington residents have the chance to influence local decision-making and spending following the resignation of Councillor Walter Davey from the Parish Council.
Walter served on the Council for almost seven years, first joining in May 2018, and was an active member of the Planning and Development Committee.
On behalf of all councillors, Council chair Yvonne Murray thanked him for his service, saying he helped her “further understand that every councillor was there to make a difference and everybody deserved to be heard”.
She continued: “Walter is an amazing engineer and innovator; he has confirmed that he will always be willing to help out the Council with repairs to the recreation ground equipment. One of his greatest strengths is fixing things that no one else can.”
Notice of Vacancy
The Electoral Commission told HI HUB that when such a vacancy arises, a Parish Council is “legally required to publish a public notice of the vacancy” and this “must be displayed in a conspicuous place within the parish.” But this legislation dates back to 1972, so there is “no legal obligation” to promote such vacancies online, though “using additional channels, such as social media or newsletters, is considered good practice”.
For example, Cottenham Parish Council currently has a Notice of Vacancy dated 16 January on its website following a councillor’s recent resignation. At time of writing, it had not been posted on Cottenham Parish Council’s Facebook page.
The Notice of Vacancy to replace Walter was formally declared on 8 January and displayed on the Parish Council notice board at the Rec. To trigger a by-election, 10 people eligible to vote in the parish have 14 working days after that date to give notice in writing to the Returning Officer at South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Co-option
If too few electors have made contact with the Returning Officer by the time the Notice of Vacancy expires on Tuesday 28 January, Councillors can select an individual of their choice on the electorate’s behalf.
The Parish Council told HI HUB that further information about fulfilling the vacancy by co-option will be outlined on its website and social media. The clerk explained this has been the procedure when other vacancies have arisen.
To be eligible to stand as a candidate at a Parish Council election, or for co-option to the Council, you must be at least 18 years old and be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or a qualifying EU citizen with retained rights.
Guidance is outlined on the Electoral Commission website, which states that candidates must also meet at least one of the following four qualifications:
- Be a registered local government elector for the parish in which they wish to stand.
- Have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area for 12 months.
- Have worked in the parish area for the past 12 months.
- Have lived in the parish area, or within three miles, for 12 months.
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