The deadline for 10 electors to request an election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Corrinne Cassapi has now passed. I can confirm that no request has been received to hold an election and the Parish Council can now co-opt to fill the vacancy.
A person co-opted to fill a casual vacancy on a Parish Council must still fulfil the same criteria as a person being formally nominated for a candidate at an election. This means that the person must either be on the 2025 Register of Electors for Stretton and/or during the previous 12 months prior to appointment by co-option, either have occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in the parish, had their principal or only place of work in the parish, or have resided either in the parish or within 3 miles of the parish boundary.
The person should also not be disqualified for election under Section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972. Broadly, this relates to holding a paid office under the Town Council, bankruptcy, having been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 3 months without the option of a fine during the 5 years preceding the co-option, or being disqualified under any enactment relating to corrupt or illegal practices.