On this page is a copy of the East Suffolk Council Notice of the Election of Parish Councillors to Tuddenham St Martin Parish Council. The number of Parish Councillors to be elected is 8.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR?
Tuddenham St Martin has a Parish Council of eight elected and co-opted members who serve for a four-year term. The current term ends this year, and the next set of scheduled elections will be held on 4th May 2023.
If you are passionate about your local area and interested in making a difference, then being a Parish Councillor could be the ideal position for you.
For details of the East Suffolk Council Parish Elections, and for nomination papers, please follow this link to the East Suffolk website https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/elections/election-notices-and-results/east-suffolk-council-parish-elections-thursday-4-may/
Completed nomination papers must be hand delivered, to the District Council office (East Suffolk House Woodbridge) by either the candidate or someone acting on their behalf, including for existing Councillors, if they would like to stand for the new term of office.
When hand delivering the nomination papers, please wait for your nomination to be accepted.
If the District Council receive 8 nominations, or fewer, for the seats in Tuddenham St Martin, then the persons nominated will be the elected Councillors for the Parish Council. The Parish Council will be asked to co-opt to fill any vacant seats.
If the District Council receive more than 8 nominations for the seats in Tuddenham St Martin, then a contested election will be held and details will follow regarding the counting of votes and who may attend.
Here are some Key dates and times:
Thursday, 16th March 2023 – Earliest time to hand deliver the completed nomination papers to the District Council office. This is also the date the Notice of Election will be displayed on the Parish Council noticeboard.
4pm Tuesday, 4th April 2023 – Latest time to hand deliver the completed nomination papers to the District Council office.
4pm Tuesday, 4th April 2023 – Latest time to withdraw candidature.
Wednesday, 5th April 2023 - Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated. Nominations are made public by the District Council.
Tuesday, 25th April 2023 - Publication of Notice of Poll.
7am to 10pm Thursday, 4th May 2023 – Polling Day.
Friday, 5th May 2023 – Election Count and Declaration of Result.
Tuesday, 16th May 2023 – Date of the Annual Parish meeting and Annual Parish Council meeting. All persons elected (existing and newly elected Councillors) complete a Declaration of Acceptance of Office before the beginning of the Annual Parish Council meeting.
What it takes to be a Town or Parish Councillor
Being an effective Councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Becoming a Councillor is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects, and to improve your local area. You do not need any previous experience of being a Councillor, but you will need to be passionate about your local area and dedicated to working as part of a team for the benefit of your residents.
The remaining dates for scheduled meetings in 2023 for Tuddenham St Martin Parish Council are 16th May, 4th July, 5th September and 5th December. There are also additional Parish Council meetings held in public throughout the year in order for the Parish Council to meet the deadline to put comments forward to the District Council for their decision on planning applications, or other urgent matters that will not wait for a scheduled meeting.
Could I be a Councillor?
There are certain criteria that you must meet to be eligible to be a Councillor.
You must:
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Be a British citizen or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union
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Be at least 18 years old
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Be registered to vote in the area, or have lived, worked or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election
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Have lived within 3 miles/4.8km of the parish for at least 12 months before an election
There are also certain restrictions on holding the post of Councillor.
If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a Councillor, please contact the Elections Team at East Suffolk Council for advice (contact details below).
Useful contacts:
East Suffolk Council Elections Team - Email: elections@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Tel: 01502 523238
Suffolk Association of Local Councils
Tel: 01473 833713
Website: www.salc.org.uk
For a copy of The Good Councillor Guide or specific details about Tuddenham St Martin Parish Council, please use the link on the Parish Council website to contact the Clerk www.tuddenhamstmartin.onesuffolk.net or have a word with one of the existing Parish Councillors.