Could you be Stotfold’s next Town Councillor?
Stotfold Town Council currently has a vacancy for a Town Councillor and is inviting applications from eligible members of the community.
What is co-option?
When a vacancy arises on the Town Council, a public notice is issued. If enough electors call for an election within the statutory period, a by-election must be held. If no election is called, the Council may fill the vacancy by co-option. This means eligible residents can apply and the Town Council will consider the applications and make a decision at a Council meeting held in public.
Who can apply?
To be eligible to be co-opted as a Town Councillor, you must be:
- at least 18 years old, and
- a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or qualifying EU citizen / EU citizen with retained rights, and
- meet at least one of the following conditions:
- you are registered as a local government elector for Stotfold;
- during the last 12 months you have occupied land or other premises in Stotfold as owner or tenant;
- your principal or only place of work during the last 12 months has been in Stotfold; or
- you have lived in Stotfold, or within three miles of it, during the whole of the last 12 months.
Who cannot apply?
You cannot be co-opted if you are disqualified by law. This includes, for example, if you:
- work for Stotfold Town Council in a paid role;
- are subject to certain bankruptcy restrictions;
- have, within the last five years, been convicted of an offence and received a prison sentence of three months or more (whether suspended or not) without the option of a fine;
- have been disqualified due to an electoral offence; or
- are subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact the Town Clerk for guidance before applying.
How the process works
The co-option process will be as follows:
- the vacancy will be advertised;
- eligible candidates will be invited to submit an application;
- applications received by the closing date will be circulated to Members;
- co-option will be considered as an agenda item at a Town Council meeting held in public;
- Councillors will vote on the appointment in accordance with the Council’s adopted procedure.
Timeline
- Applications open: now
- Closing date for applications: Friday 24 April, 12 noon
- Applications considered by Council: Town Council meeting, Wednesday 6 May 2026
- Decision made: at that meeting by the Town Council
Why become a Town Councillor?
Being a Town Councillor is a chance to make a real difference locally. Councillors help shape decisions, represent residents, and work collectively to support the community. If you care about local issues and want to be part of the decision-making process, we encourage you to apply.
How to apply
- Read the guidance on the co-option process 2026 Councillor co-option guidance.docx
- Apply using the link to submit your application:Councillor Co-Option Form – Fill out form
- Alternatively you can download the forms below and return them to:
The Town Clerk, Stotfold Town Council, Greenacre Centre, Valerian Way, Stotfold SG5 4HG [email protected]