Articles

Let's Talk: Elections

21/03/2019

The elections process whether local or national, is an important part of local democracy and as Clerk I help play a role (with colleagues at East Riding of Yorkshire Council) in ensuring the necessary legal and procedural tasks are carried out correctly and in a timely manner.

You may be aware or it may come as a surprise but as Molescroft residents you will soon be receiving polling cards for the local elections taking place on Thursday 2nd May 2019.

This means that the current Councillors serving on the Council will have to stand again and seek support for their nomination to the Parish Council. In this election, there will be a maximum of 12 Parish Councillors elected and or co-opted to serve. So, what does this mean in practice?

Well, if there are more nominees than places, a poll will have to take place. If, however there are a minimum of four candidates with nominees and seconders then additional members may be co-opted onto the Council without a poll.

So, what happens afterwards?

When the result is known after the 2nd May 2019, East Riding of Yorkshire Council will publish the results. After this time and within 28 days (so before the 3rd June 2019) I will meet with Councillors elect formally and brief them on various important Council policies and procedures, for example Code of Conduct, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. They will then be required to sign a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and associated Pecuniary Interest forms. Only then can they act as a Parish Councillor.

In turn, I will then convene the Annual Parish Council meeting which legally needs to take place before the 21st May 2019. Please note this is already in the calendar and will take place on the 16th May 2019.

Until next time.