South Kesteven District Council

Two by-elections have been called in South Kesteven, to be contested on November 10th.

People will be voting in Bourne East Ward of South Kesteven District Council following the death of Cllr Judy Smith, and in Grantham St Wulfram’s Ward, following the resignation of Cllr Jacky Smith.

The deadline for nomination of candidates will be 4pm on October 14.

Information for those who might consider becoming a councillor can be found online at the SKDC website at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/becomecouncillor

The countdown to both by-elections starts on Thursday, October 6, when the Notices of Election are published.

There are deadlines on registering to vote, applying for a postal vote and applying to vote by proxy.

Candidate nomination papers and information packs are available from the SKDC website at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/byelections or directly from the elections team: 01476 406080, email: [email protected]

SKDC’s Elections team can also explain what being a local councillor entails, will explain the application process and assist with paperwork.

Nomination papers must be signed by a proposer, seconder and eight additional people who need to be local government electors for the relevant ward.

There are important deadlines for those who wish to vote.

To take part, residents need to be registered to vote by the end of Tuesday October 25th. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and register, particularly those who have recently moved or are turning 18. The website will ask for a date of birth and National Insurance number in addition to the usual details of name, address, previous address and nationality.

Postal vote application deadline: 26 October (5pm)

Proxy vote application deadline: 2 November (5pm)

Completed nomination papers must be delivered by hand to the office of the Returning Officer, South Kesteven House, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, NG31 6PZ before 4pm on 14 October.

Further details on all the by-elections and elections, the process and timetable, can be found online on the SKDC website via: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/byelections

Group leaders at South Kesteven District Council have signed up to a campaign aimed at raising public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities.

The Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate campaign also calls for more support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.

The Leader of SKDC, Cllr Kelham Cooke, along with the Independent Group Leader Cllr Paul Wood, and the Leader of Alliance SK Cllr Ashley Baxter each signed the Debate Not Hate public statement before Thursday’s Full Council meeting.

The LGA says anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community.

It is, however, concerned that an increasing level of abuse and intimidation aimed at local politicians is preventing them from representing their communities. and undermining local democracy by deterring individuals from standing for election.

Cllr Cooke said: “While we may hold differing political views, we are united in our belief that people should feel safe when taking on the responsibilities that come with being a councillor and that is why I am supporting the Debate Not Hate campaign.

“Healthy debate is part and parcel of local politics but there is no place for abuse, harassment or intimidation.”

Cllr Wood said: “Councillors are passionate about the communities they serve and volunteer their time and, in many cases, expertise, and they should feel proud of the role they play in local democracy.”

Cllr Baxter said: “While we are fortunate that incidents of abuse and harassment towards councillors are rare in South Kesteven, they do happen. It is important that we do not allow the actions of a small minority to deter anyone from coming forward to represent their community.”

LGA Debate Not Hate public statement (office.com)