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Post by Davıd Boothroyd on Mar 4, 2021 23:36:43 GMT
Sadly Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Buckinghamshire County Council member for The Risboroughs and known as B3, has passed away. www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/19089992.councillor-bill-bendyshe-brown-passes-away-tough-cancer-battle/There are 204 places on the temporary unitary Buckinghamshire Council, but there are a total of 11 vacancies. Here are the other 10 - Julie Ward (Con) - Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury East) and also (Con, elected as Lib Dem) - Aylesbury Vale (Oakfield and Bierton) Janet Blake (Independent, elected as Con) - Buckinghamshire (Great Brickhill) and Aylesbury Vale (Stewkley) Israr Rashid (Independent, elected as Lab) - Buckinghamshire (Totteridge and Bowerdean) - I am not sure whether he ever took his seat Neil Blake (Independent, elected as Con) - Aylesbury Vale (Great Brickhill and Newton Longville) Mike Hawkett (Con) - Aylesbury Vale (Long Crendon) Allison Harrison (Lib Dem) - Aylesbury Vale (Oakfield and Bierton) Jules Cook (Con) - Chiltern (Amersham Town) Emily Claverhouse (Con) - Chiltern (Hilltop and Townsend) John Savage (Con) - Wycombe (Flackwell Heath and Little Marlow) Audrey Jones (Con) - Wycombe (Greater Hughenden) I don't consider these to be vacancies, because the members of the shadow authority are simply appointed as councillors and don't actually represent the ward or division they were elected from ( Buckinghamshire (Structural Changes) Order 2019, art. 5. There never was any provision for byelections.
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Post by listener on Mar 5, 2021 17:04:28 GMT
David, I take your point that there never was any provision for by-elections. A further difficulty is that the old district wards do not align with the county electoral divisions, which have now become the wards of the new unitary. In the interests of providing some kind of local representation for all the residents, Buckinghamshire has produced a document, which aligns former district councillors to all the new unitary wards, which overlap with their former district wards. Where councillors have ceased to hold office, there is an element of vacancy in terms of local representation. buckinghamshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s5899/Member%20Wards.pdf
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Post by bungle on Mar 6, 2021 8:44:31 GMT
Derbyshire Dales DC - Masson Ward - following the death of Joyce Pawley (Labour) who had been a councillor since 2015. Terms ends 2023. www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/your-council/news-and-publications/latest-news/3270-death-of-councillor-joyce-pawleyJudging by her valedictory remarks I don't think she'd be impressed with the details of this week's budget. Also to add to the upthread mention of the Church Gresley vacancy in South Derbyshire. The missing councillor is Jane Perry (Conservative) first elected in 2019. Term ends 2023. The other two seats in that ward are Labour held. It has been a torrid time for the Conservatives in South Derbys (see defection thread) so this may well be related to the fall out from that but there is no public explanation so far that I can find.
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Post by spirit on Mar 9, 2021 0:30:22 GMT
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Post by casualobserver on Mar 9, 2021 1:42:24 GMT
Not the first time Cllr Gavin Williams has been in the news in the last six months: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/councillor-run-takeaway-van-near-19021649So, Cllr Williams last attended a meeting on March 4th 2020, has had no dispensation, and now, more than a year later, there’s a paper going to a Council meeting about it? What is it about ‘automatic disqualification after six months’ non-attendance without a dispensation’ that isn’t understood in Rhondda Cynon Taf? And since when has it been possible for a Council to give a blanket dispensation to all of its members?
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timmullen1
Labour
Closing account as BossMan declines to respond to messages seeking support.
Posts: 11,823
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Post by timmullen1 on Mar 9, 2021 1:53:45 GMT
A Councillor last attended a meeting on March 4th 2020, has had no dispensation, and now, more than a year later, there’s a paper going to a Council meeting about it? What is it about ‘automatic disqualification after six months’ non-attendance without a dispensation’ that isn’t understood in Rhondda Cynon Taf? Just hypothetically could a councillor (not necessarily this one) argue that they were following government advice to shield for the last year (my start date was 23 March 2020) and they therefore assumed, however erroneously, that they didn’t need special dispensation as they were following government advice? Could a councillor even argue that to attend a meeting would have meant travelling a distance that would put them in breach of lockdown laws?
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Post by casualobserver on Mar 9, 2021 1:56:40 GMT
A Councillor last attended a meeting on March 4th 2020, has had no dispensation, and now, more than a year later, there’s a paper going to a Council meeting about it? What is it about ‘automatic disqualification after six months’ non-attendance without a dispensation’ that isn’t understood in Rhondda Cynon Taf? Just hypothetically could a councillor (not necessarily this one) argue that they were following government advice to shield for the last year (my start date was 23 March 2030) and they therefore assumed, however erroneously, that they didn’t need special dispensation as they were following government advice? Could a councillor even argue that to attend a meeting would have meant travelling a distance that would put them in breach of lockdown laws? All meetings have been virtual for almost a year, so no travelling is required, no lockdown rules need be broken and no shielding is relevant.
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Post by casualobserver on Mar 9, 2021 2:13:32 GMT
Rhondda Cynon Taf have got themselves into a right mess. Para 4.4 of the Report at this week’s Full Council meeting makes it clear: 4.4 On the 18th March 2020 a joint report was presented to Council by the Service Director for Democratic Services and Communications and the Director of Legal Services, whereby it was agreed that in the event any Councillor listed in Appendix A of that report could not attend a Council meeting, for a period of six consecutive months owing to the Covid-19 virus, then their failure to attend any meetings was approved by the Council in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. As the report stated it was unknown at that time when normal arrangements for Council meetings would be reinstated and therefore Members were asked to make that decision in the event that future meetings may have been some way off. Full Report here: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Council/CouncillorsCommitteesandMeetings/Meetings/Council/2021/03/10/Reports/Item8NonAttendanceByCouncillorForSixMonths.pdfSo on 18 March 2020 they gave Councillors a dispensation, which legally covered those Councillors for six months’ non-attendance. Now, less than six months after that dispensation ran out, they’re seeking to disqualify Cllr Williams for non-attendance? They also seem to believe that councillors in Full Council have some sort of say about disqualifying a Councillor for their past non-attendance? What sort of corporate governance operates in the valleys these days?
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Merseymike
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Post by Merseymike on Mar 9, 2021 7:46:30 GMT
Not the first time Cllr Gavin Williams has been in the news in the last six months: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/councillor-run-takeaway-van-near-19021649So, Cllr Williams last attended a meeting on March 4th 2020, has had no dispensation, and now, more than a year later, there’s a paper going to a Council meeting about it? What is it about ‘automatic disqualification after six months’ non-attendance without a dispensation’ that isn’t understood in Rhondda Cynon Taf? And since when has it been possible for a Council to give a blanket dispensation to all of its members? Whilst I applaud anyone who ignores the ludicrous safetyism of the restrictions, I don't get why he simply didn't submit apologies? Hard to believe that anyone who runs a business doesn't have access to a computer. He appears to be the only representative of the Cynon Valley Party, who pergormed quite credibly at the last elections, so I don't think there would be any political reasons for keeping him in position?
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Chris from Brum
Lib Dem
What I need is a strong drink and a peer group.
Posts: 9,205
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Post by Chris from Brum on Mar 9, 2021 7:48:20 GMT
Rhondda Cynon Taf have got themselves into a right mess. Para 4.4 of the Report at this week’s Full Council meeting makes it clear: 4.4 On the 18th March 2020 a joint report was presented to Council by the Service Director for Democratic Services and Communications and the Director of Legal Services, whereby it was agreed that in the event any Councillor listed in Appendix A of that report could not attend a Council meeting, for a period of six consecutive months owing to the Covid-19 virus, then their failure to attend any meetings was approved by the Council in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. As the report stated it was unknown at that time when normal arrangements for Council meetings would be reinstated and therefore Members were asked to make that decision in the event that future meetings may have been some way off. Full Report here: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Council/CouncillorsCommitteesandMeetings/Meetings/Council/2021/03/10/Reports/Item8NonAttendanceByCouncillorForSixMonths.pdfSo on 18 March 2020 they gave Councillors a dispensation, which legally covered those Councillors for six months’ non-attendance. Now, less than six months after that dispensation ran out, they’re seeking to disqualify Cllr Williams for non-attendance? They also seem to believe that councillors in Full Council have some sort of say about disqualifying a Councillor for their past non-attendance? What sort of corporate governance operates in the valleys these days? "Jobs for the boyos", isn't it?
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Post by andrewteale on Mar 9, 2021 7:57:19 GMT
The death has been announced of Graham Sutton, Conservative councillor for Leverstock Green ward, Dacorum council.
Roy Brame has resigned as Conservative councillor for Thetford East division, Norfolk county council (six-month rule applies) and from the Conservative party. He remains on Breckland council as an independent.
Gordon Jackson has resigned as independent councillor for Pirbright ward, Guildford council. He was elected as a Conservative.
Caroline Reeves has resigned as Liberal Democrat councillor for Friary and St Nicolas ward, Guildford council.
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Post by yellowperil on Mar 9, 2021 8:02:52 GMT
Rhondda Cynon Taf have got themselves into a right mess. Para 4.4 of the Report at this week’s Full Council meeting makes it clear: 4.4 On the 18th March 2020 a joint report was presented to Council by the Service Director for Democratic Services and Communications and the Director of Legal Services, whereby it was agreed that in the event any Councillor listed in Appendix A of that report could not attend a Council meeting, for a period of six consecutive months owing to the Covid-19 virus, then their failure to attend any meetings was approved by the Council in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. As the report stated it was unknown at that time when normal arrangements for Council meetings would be reinstated and therefore Members were asked to make that decision in the event that future meetings may have been some way off. Full Report here: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Council/CouncillorsCommitteesandMeetings/Meetings/Council/2021/03/10/Reports/Item8NonAttendanceByCouncillorForSixMonths.pdfSo on 18 March 2020 they gave Councillors a dispensation, which legally covered those Councillors for six months’ non-attendance. Now, less than six months after that dispensation ran out, they’re seeking to disqualify Cllr Williams for non-attendance? They also seem to believe that councillors in Full Council have some sort of say about disqualifying a Councillor for their past non-attendance? What sort of corporate governance operates in the valleys these days? It seems to me there are two issues here. 1. The disqualification seems slightly premature as the full twelve months (6 months+ 6 months) hadn't quite been exhausted. Maybe that is because of 2. 2. The disqualification should be automatic and should not be in the gift of other councillors whether in full council or otherwise. It is not so much that they are "seeking to disqualify" Cllr Williams, but that they are opening up the possibility of not disqualifying him. I suppose the argument might be that they are giving one last opportunity to provide a jusification for non-attendance, regardless of the fact that it seems he hasn't availed himself ofthat opportunity so far?
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Post by spirit on Mar 9, 2021 8:57:05 GMT
Rhondda Cynon Taf have got themselves into a right mess. Para 4.4 of the Report at this week’s Full Council meeting makes it clear: 4.4 On the 18th March 2020 a joint report was presented to Council by the Service Director for Democratic Services and Communications and the Director of Legal Services, whereby it was agreed that in the event any Councillor listed in Appendix A of that report could not attend a Council meeting, for a period of six consecutive months owing to the Covid-19 virus, then their failure to attend any meetings was approved by the Council in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972. As the report stated it was unknown at that time when normal arrangements for Council meetings would be reinstated and therefore Members were asked to make that decision in the event that future meetings may have been some way off. Full Report here: www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Council/CouncillorsCommitteesandMeetings/Meetings/Council/2021/03/10/Reports/Item8NonAttendanceByCouncillorForSixMonths.pdfSo on 18 March 2020 they gave Councillors a dispensation, which legally covered those Councillors for six months’ non-attendance. Now, less than six months after that dispensation ran out, they’re seeking to disqualify Cllr Williams for non-attendance? They also seem to believe that councillors in Full Council have some sort of say about disqualifying a Councillor for their past non-attendance? What sort of corporate governance operates in the valleys these days? It seems to me there are two issues here. 1. The disqualification seems slightly premature as the full twelve months (6 months+ 6 months) hadn't quite been exhausted. Maybe that is because of 2. 2. The disqualification should be automatic and should not be in the gift of other councillors whether in full council or otherwise. It is not so much that they are "seeking to disqualify" Cllr Williams, but that they are opening up the possibility of not disqualifying him. I suppose the argument might be that they are giving one last opportunity to provide a jusification for non-attendance, regardless of the fact that it seems he hasn't availed himself ofthat opportunity so far?This is what I thought.
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Merseymike
Independent
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Post by Merseymike on Mar 9, 2021 10:27:56 GMT
There is probably a reluctance to dismiss anyone given the current circumstances. As I say given he is the only representative of his party it would not be because of any wish to preserve his place. Labour hold the other seat in the ward.
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Post by carlton43 on Mar 9, 2021 12:51:57 GMT
Not the first time Cllr Gavin Williams has been in the news in the last six months: www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/councillor-run-takeaway-van-near-19021649So, Cllr Williams last attended a meeting on March 4th 2020, has had no dispensation, and now, more than a year later, there’s a paper going to a Council meeting about it? What is it about ‘automatic disqualification after six months’ non-attendance without a dispensation’ that isn’t understood in Rhondda Cynon Taf? And since when has it been possible for a Council to give a blanket dispensation to all of its members? Whilst I applaud anyone who ignores the ludicrous safetyism of the restrictions, I don't get why he simply didn't submit apologies? Hard to believe that anyone who runs a business doesn't have access to a computer. He appears to be the only representative of the Cynon Valley Party, who pergormed quite credibly at the last elections, so I don't think there would be any political reasons for keeping him in position? Wonderful neologism for a politician Mike. 'pergormed'! I like it and I shall use it.
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stash
Forum Regular
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Post by stash on Mar 9, 2021 15:05:36 GMT
There are two new vacancies on Luton Borough Council.
Mark Rivers (Lab, Round Green) has resigned as he is moving out of the area.
Rachel Hopkins (Lab, High Town) is resigning to focus on being the MP for Luton South, and was waiting for when a by-election could take place.
Both by-elections will be held in May.
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Chris from Brum
Lib Dem
What I need is a strong drink and a peer group.
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Post by Chris from Brum on Mar 9, 2021 15:25:35 GMT
Rachel Hopkins (Lab, High Town) is resigning to focus on being the MP for Luton South, and was waiting for when a by-election could take place. Still no sign of either Tahir Ali (Lab, B'ham Hall Green) or Gary Sambrook (Con, B'ham Northfield) doing the honourable thing and resigning their council seats. Mind You, Ali was reckoned to be a very lazy councillor, and appears to be every bit as lazy as an MP, so is probably fitting both jobs in with time to spare.
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pl
Non-Aligned
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Post by pl on Mar 9, 2021 15:52:24 GMT
Rachel Hopkins (Lab, High Town) is resigning to focus on being the MP for Luton South, and was waiting for when a by-election could take place. Still no sign of either Tahir Ali (Lab, B'ham Hall Green) or Gary Sambrook (Con, B'ham Northfield) doing the honourable thing and resigning their council seats. Mind You, Ali was reckoned to be a very lazy councillor, and appears to be every bit as lazy as an MP, so is probably fitting both jobs in with time to spare. I think in the current extraordinary circumstances, not resigning has been the honourable thing to do. Given that if they had resigned last year there would have been one less councillor for their ward and no hope of calling a by-election, staying on was the right thing to do. I think the fact meetings are remote as well means that an MP can more easily combine the two roles. And both are probably a damn sight more active than many local councillors around the country who have another job as well, or are even retiring. However, I would expect many people to be looking to resign in time for a May 2021 election.
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Post by sjorford on Mar 9, 2021 19:49:05 GMT
East Hampshire council is reporting that there will be a by-election in Bramshott and Liphook ward on 6th May I can't see a current vacancy, but I assume it will be to replace Rebecca Standish, who has moved to Wiltshire to run a pub
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Post by Davıd Boothroyd on Mar 10, 2021 14:17:55 GMT
Regret to report the death of Nuala Fennelly, Labour councillor for Balby South ward on Doncaster MBC. Six month rule applies.
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