1
Vacancy Occurs
A parish councillor resigns or the position becomes vacant. The parish council must notify the principal authority (district/unitary council) in writing.
⏱️ Immediately
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2
Public Notice Posted
The principal authority publishes a Notice of Vacancy in conspicuous places within the parish and on their website.
⏱️ Within a few days
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DECISION POINT
Do 10+ parish electors properly registered on the electoral role request an election within 10 working days?
✓ YES
Proceed to by-election (continue below)
✗ NO
Parish council may co-opt to fill vacancy (process ends)
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BY-ELECTION PROCESS BEGINS
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3
Notice of Election Issued
The Returning Officer publishes the Notice of Election, setting out the timetable including nomination deadline and polling day.
⏱️ Shortly after election requested
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4
Nomination Period Opens
Candidates submit nomination papers to the Returning Officer. Must include: nomination form, consent to nomination, proposer and seconder (registered electors in the parish).
⏱️ Usually 2-3 weeks
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5
Nomination Deadline
All nomination papers must be received by the Returning Officer by the published deadline (usually 4pm on the specified date).
⏱️ Specified deadline date
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6
Statement of Persons Nominated
The Returning Officer publishes the list of valid candidates who have been nominated and accepted.
⏱️ Shortly after nomination deadline
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DECISION POINT
Are there more candidates than vacancies?
✓ YES
Contested election - proceed to polling
✗ NO
Uncontested - candidate(s) elected immediately
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7
Campaign Period
Candidates campaign in the parish. Election publicity materials distributed to households.
⏱️ 2-4 weeks typically
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8
Polling Day
Electors vote at designated polling station(s) within the parish. Votes are counted after polls close.
⏱️ Single day (usually Thursday)
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9
Declaration of Result
The Returning Officer declares the result. The candidate(s) with the most votes is/are elected to the parish council.
⏱️ Same evening or next day
Key Points to Remember:
- The principal authority's Returning Officer manages the entire election process
- The parish council must pay for the by-election (typically £1,000-£3,000+)
- Total process typically takes 6-10 weeks from vacancy to new councillor
- If no election requested, co-option is free and much quicker