Liberal Democrats call for Town Council elections
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
The Liberal Democrats have called for elections to fill the two vacancies on Hebden Royd Town Council. The vacancies in White Lee ward in Mytholmroyd and West End ward in Hebden Bridge were created by the resignation of former independent Councillor James Alison and former Labour Councillor Wesley Downs.
Elections do not happen automatically when there are vacancies on the Town Council. For an election to be called it is necessary for at least ten residents who live in the ward to sign a document calling for an election to occur.
Cllr James Baker the Liberal Democrat leader on Hebden Royd told the HebWeb: "As Liberal Democrats we believe that people should have a say in who represents them on the Town Council. We don't think it is right that someone could just be co-opted onto the council, which is why we have called for an election."
Anyone interested in finding out how to become a Councillor should view the National Association for Local Councils' guide.
The date for the election has yet to be confirmed, but it looks likely to be held to concede with the Police Commissioner elections on November 15th.
Two councillors quit Town Council: bye-elections likely
Thursday, 6 September 2012
WHITE LEE WARD
WEST END WARD
Vacancies on the Council have arisen following the resignation of Councillor James Allison & Councillor Wesley Downs.
At 21 year old Wesley Downs, when elected in 2011, was one of the youngest councillors in the country.
Currently, Hebden Royd Town Council is Labour controlled. After the 2011 election, Labour had 9 seats, Liberal Democrats 8 seats and Independent 1 seat. Any bye-elections could significantly change the character of the Town Council.
A Bye-Election to fill either or both vacancies will be held if, within 14 working days from the date below, ten electors for the Ward give notice in writing, claiming such an election to the Returning Officer.
The Address of the Returning Officer is:
Westgate House
Westgate
HALIFAX
HXl lPS
If no such notice is given the Town Council will fill the vacancy by Co-option.