July 10, 2013 12.16 pm This story is over 127 months old

By-election confirmed after Lincoln councillor no-show

Moving forward: Nominations to become a city councillor for the Bracebridge Ward are now being accepted as Councillor Grice is removed from Council.

A by-election to replace a no-show Lincoln councillor will be held for residents in his ward next month.

Darren Grice, former Conservative Leader of the City of Lincoln Council, failed to turn up to a single council meeting over a six month period.

His last appearance at a scheduled council meeting was on January 8, 2013 — just one out of 10 meetings this year.

Records show that Councillor Grice attended only 18 out of 58 council meetings since he was re-elected in May 2011.

To avoid being removed from Council, he needed to attend the Full Council meeting at the Guildhall on June 25. He did not attend.

As a result of his continued unapproved absence, Councillor Grice is no longer a member of the council, with his turn of office officially drawing to a close this week.

Residents in his ward, Bracebridge, will now be given the opportunity to vote at a by-election on August 22.

Grice was the Conservative City Council leader from 2008 to 2011, and a councillor for the Bracebridge Ward for eight years.

He was removed from the Conservative Party in February 2013 and became an independent.

Steve Swain, Principal Democratic Officer, said: “As of July 9 Darren Grice ceased to be a member of the city council.

“As a result of his non-attendance at meetings for six months, we will now hold a by-election for the Bracebridge ward on August 22.”

Any candidates wishing to stand in the election will need to complete nomination forms by noon July 26.

Nomination forms are available from the elections office at City Hall.