Anyone wishing to stand for the councillor vacancy on Rye Town Council has until Monday, August 18 to get their application in. A meeting of the fifteen remaining councillors at the town hall on Monday, September 15 will decide who will join them.
The vacancy follows the resignation of Rebekah Gilbert last month. Not enough electors in Rye called for a by-election, so the post will be filled by a process called co-option.
Before submitting an application, potential councillors are being encouraged to discuss their eligibility with town clerk Richard Farhall. He confirmed who will be able to stand to Rye News. “Eligible candidates will need to be a Rye local government elector, or have lived or occupied land in the Rye parish during last 12 months, or have had their main / only place of work in the parish over the last 12 months, or have lived in the parish or within three miles of the boundary – within the last 12 months.”
You can contact the clerk on 01797 223902 or richard.farhall@ryetowncouncil.gov.uk.
Qualifications for serving as a parish/town councillor
Disqualifications for serving as a parish/town councillor
All candidates will be required to provide a written supporting statement of no more than 750 words which should include: their reasons for wishing to join the council, any previous experience of council / community work, skills / knowledge they could bring to the council, interests and any work history (paid or unpaid).
Applications by email need to be received by 11:59pm on Monday, August 18.
Almost a month later a special session of Rye Town Council will consider the applications on Monday, September 15. At the town hall meeting, candidates will be given the opportunity to speak for three minutes in support of their application and then take up to three questions.
Rye News will also be inviting potential candidates to write for the paper ahead of September 15. We’ll be asking everyone standing to share their vision for Rye and explain why they think they would make a good councillor. Email info@ryenews.org.uk for more information.
There has not been an election for Rye Town Council since 2019. The current councillors’ four year term in office ends in May 2027.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .