The Dawley Hamlets Parish Council has announced a seat is now available for the Smallhill Road ward in Telford, Shropshire. Following the official notice issued on 18 March 2026, the local community now has the opportunity to decide how the vacancy will be filled.
Local voters can trigger a by-election to vote for a new representative if at least 10 people from the ward sign a written request. This request must be sent to the Returning Officer at Telford & Wrekin Council within 14 working days of the vacancy notice being published.
If 10 residents do not come forward to request a vote within this timeframe, the parish council can choose to appoint a new member themselves. This process, known as co-option, allows the council to select a volunteer to fill the position without the cost of a full public election.
The rules for filling council seats are set out in the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006. These regulations ensure that local people are given the first choice on whether to hold a formal vote or let the council appoint a representative to serve the Smallhill Road area.
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