By-Election - Costs and Update

As previously stated an election has been called to fill the two casual vacancies on the Parish Council. If the election is contested – meaning more candidates stand than there are seats available – the Parish Council will be required to meet the cost of running the election, which Guildford Borough Council has estimated at around £5,025.

If the election is uncontested, we expect the cost to be significantly lower because the Borough Council would still need to issue poll cards. At this stage, the indicative cost for an uncontested election is approximately £774, although this has not yet been formally confirmed.

As a reminder, the Council is able to fill casual vacancies by co-option. If an election had not been called by residents, we could have filled the vacancies by co-option at no cost to the Parish.

If up to two candidates stand for election, the election will be uncontested and those candidates will be automatically elected at the end of the nomination period. They would then formally take office at the next Full Council meeting after the official election date.

If no candidates come forward, or if only one candidate stands, any remaining vacancies will need to be filled by co-option, and we can make those co-option appointments at the next Council meeting.