Casual Vacancy NEWS.

There is currently (as at 26/3/2024) One Casual Vacancy on the Town Council
following the resignation of former Councillor Dianne Bruce (Raymonds Hill ward)
on Monday 25th March 2024

The Town Council has issued CVP1 - Notice of a Casual Vacancy and has also notified
EDDC (Electoral Services) by way of statutory form CVP2 - Notice of a Casual Vacancy to EDDC

CVP3 Notice Period for the Petitioning of an Election was issued 26th March 2024 and the Period for
Petitioning expires on 17th April 2024.

CVP4 Notice of statutory period end with no petition lodged was issued on 18th April 2024

Council is now free to seek to fill the vacancy via the process of co-option. Adverts will be posted shortly.

Previous co-options / election to Axminster Town Council.

Cllr. Jenny Bull was co-opted by majority vote on Monday 11th March 2024

Thank you

Paul Hayward
Clerk

Notice of the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 2nd.

The Town Council has been asked to publicise the documents below for public scrutiny and reference.

Notice of Candidates Election Address

PCC Notice of Election 2nd May 2024

Statement of Persons Nominated 8th April 2024

Notice of Election Agents 8th April 2024





 

What is it?
There are roughly 20,000 local councillors in England. Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their own local community, so they must either live or work in the area.

Each councillor has their own reasons for running but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area. Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Councillors have to balance the needs and interests of residents, the political party they represent (if any) and the council.

The councillor’s role centres around community leadership and engagement, responsibilities include:

• representing the ward for which they are elected
• decision-making - developing and reviewing council policy
• scrutinising decisions taken by the councillors on the executive or cabinet
• regulatory, quasi-judicial and statutory duties

How can I get involved?
Once you’ve decided to get involved and stand as a councillor there are 2 main routes; you can decide to stand for one of the political parties/groups or as an independent.

Representing a political party
If you want to represent a political party then get involved with your party locally as soon as possible. They will advise on what is involved and ultimately select a candidate.

Standing as an independent candidate
If you’re thinking of standing as an independent candidate you can contact your council’s electoral services department. You will need to start becoming aware of issues in your local area; what your local council is doing about these issues; and how your own opinion differs from the political parties.

Getting officially nominated
Whether you’ve been selected by a party or are standing as an independent candidate, you must make sure that you are officially nominated as the election date draws nearer. This means getting 2 people to sign your nomination papers (signatories must be registered electors in the ward where you wish to stand) available from your local council’s democratic services department.

You must also give your consent in writing to your nomination. All the necessary documents must be submitted 19 working days before the day of the election.

For more detailed information please visit the Be a councillor website or download the Be a councillor guide.

There is additional support available to you if you’re disabled and considering standing for elected office. 

 

If you're interested but not sure what the role of Town Councillor involves, here is some more general information on what the role is about, the remit of the Council etc. on East Devon District Council's website:  Becoming a Town Councillor

If the role still interests you, the following article from Lyme Online gives you an idea of whether the role is right for you and your lifestyle:  Ten Steps to Becoming a Good Councillor

For the rules surrounding communication by the Town Council during the election period (otherwise known as 'purdah') click here.