Further to the resignation of Ian McLean during the 19 July 2021 parish council meeting the parish council was again rendered non-quorate [1] and unable to carry out any of its functions, hold meetings, co-opt new councillors, etc.
Using the power contained in Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972, Canterbury City Council made a further sealed Order to the Secretary of State on 04 August 2021, to appoint a further City Councillor, Cllr Rachel Carnac (Councillor for Reculver ward) onto the parish council thereby making it able to function. Canterbury City Councillors, Cllr Louise Harvey-Quirke, Cllr Georgina Glover and Cllr Rachel Carnac are now acting as temporary members until the parish council fills a minimum of three of its vacancies either through election or co-option.
In parallel to the Order being made, the Notice of Vacancy was posted on 23 July 2021 on the parish council noticeboards. If 10 or more electors write to Canterbury City Council’s Chief Executive by 12 August 2021 then an election will be called for, which would be held no later than 15 October 2021. Canterbury City Council has clarified that only the vacancy left by Ian McLean can result in an election with the rest of the seats having to be filled by co-option.
A date for the next meeting of Westbere Parish Council is yet to be set.
If any resident would like to be considered for co-option to the vacancies, please contact the Clerk for more details.
[1] To be quorate the minimum number of councillors required is three.