The 4th July 2013 could see an election for a seat at Shanklin town council, if more than one candidate puts their name forward.
Election requested
The agent for candidate Geoff Clynch, Adrian Whittaker, has called for the election, providing the requisite ten signatures needed for the process to commence.
Geoff Clynch, who ran unsuccessfully as a candidate at both County and town level in the recent 2nd May elections, only missed out from being on Shanklin TC by three votes.
Often when seats are available on town or parish councils, a person will be co-opted on – ie someone will be approached and asked if they want to join, without an election.
Resignation leads to vacant seat
This was vacated by ex-Isle of Wight council leader David Pugh, who resigned from Shanklin TC after losing his county seat on 3rd May.
Claims of frustration over co-option
Adrian told OnTheWight that when he went to the Shanklin town council AGM to try and find out how to apply to Geoff co-opted on to the local council, he wasn’t allowed to ask his question during the meeting. After the meeting closed, he spoke to those there and felt he didn’t get clear answers.
OnTheWight spoke to Steve Knight, Shanklin’s current Town Mayor, who said, “When we select people to be co-opted, we normally do it for people who come to town council meetings, have shown an interest, or have contributed to the town before. We’ve got no problem with Geoff wanting to help out, but we’ve never seen him at a meeting before.”
Nominations now open
The official ‘Notice of Election’ will be posted on 30th May, when the nominations for candidates will become open. They close at 12 noon on Friday 7 June 2013.
Nomination forms are available now.
