A number of vacancies have arisen in the past few months on town and parish councils around the Isle of Wight.
In order for a by-election to take place, ten local government electors for the ward have to give notice in writing that they wish the vacancy to be filled by means of an election.
There are seven vacancies on town or parish councils where not enough electors have requested and election, meaning the vacancy will be filled by co-option. Plus two exceptions, Shalfleet and Ventnor, where polling will take place with the General Election.
Freshwater Parish Council
A vacancy arose in April 2024, but the Proper Officer did not receive sufficient requests for a by-election in the South Ward to be held.
The Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.
Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council
A vacancy arose in May 2024, but the Proper Officer did not receive sufficient requests for a by-election to be held.
The Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council
Two vacancies arose in June, but the Proper Officer did not receive sufficient requests in Mountjoy and Shide ward or the Parkhurst and Hunnyhill ward for by-elections to be held.
The Parish Council will fill the vacancies by co-option.
Niton and Whitwell Parish Council
Two vacancies arose in May 2024, but the Proper Officer did not receive sufficient requests in the Niton ward and the Whitwell ward for by-elections to be held.
The Parish Council will fill the two vacancies by co-option.
St Helens Parish Council
A vacancy arose in May 2024, but the Proper Officer did not receive sufficient requests for a by-election to be held.
The Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.
Shalfleet Parish Council
A vacancy occurred in April in the East Ward of Shalfleet Parish Council.
However, the Proper Officer did receive the required number of requests for the vacancy to be filled by means of a by-election, so it will take place on Thursday 4th July 2024.
A further vacancy has occurred in the East Ward of Shalfleet Parish Council and the last date for ten local government electors for the ward to give Notice in writing that they wish the vacancy to be filled by means of an election is Tuesday 2 July 2024.
If the required number of requests are not received, then the Parish Council will proceed to fill the vacancy by means of co-option.
Ventnor Town Council
In May 2024 a vacancy has occurred in the West Ward of Ventnor Town Council. The Proper Officer did receive the required number of requests for the vacancy to be filled by means of a by-election, so the election will be contested and the poll will be taken on Thursday 4th July 2024.
The role of town, parish or community councillors is voluntary and unpaid.
The Isle of Wight council’s Electoral Services can be contacted on (01983) 823380, or in writing to
County Hall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1UD.
