Folkestone & Hythe District Council has confirmed that a seat on Lydd Town Council in Kent will be filled without a public vote on 5 March 2026. According to the council’s “Notice of Uncontested Election,” because only one valid nomination was received the candidate has been declared elected without a poll (deemed elected under electoral law). This means the town gains a new representative without residents needing to visit a polling station.
The decision follows the publication of the formal notice stating the election is uncontested. That process is used when the number of people standing is equal to or less than the number of vacancies available.
While the move avoids the cost of running a poll, residents will not have a choice between different candidates for this role. Lydd Town Council deals with local matters such as management of common land (the Rype) and consideration of local planning applications.
A second vacancy on the council remains unfilled because no valid nomination was received for that seat. Under electoral procedure, the Returning Officer will decide a new date to try to fill the remaining vacancy and a notice will be published in due course by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
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