Biggleswade councillor’s resignation could trigger by-election
Resignation of councillor could lead to by-election for vacant seat on Biggleswade Town Council v.1
A vacancy has arisen on Biggleswade Town Council following the resignation of councillor Andy Skilton, seven months ahead of the local elections next May.
A by-election would be held in the Biggleswade (Part Ivel) parish ward, if ten electors request this to happen by November 17th.
The vacancy can otherwise be filled by the local authority through a co-option process.
If an election is called by residents, it must be held by no later than January 26th 2027, according to the notice of vacancy.
Councillor Skilton was elected as a Labour member on to the town council, after topping the poll with 863 votes for the Biggleswade (Part Ivel) ward at the May 2023 local elections.
He also represented the Party to contest the Biggleswade East ward for a seat on Central Bedfordshire Council, finishing fourth in the ballot, with only the top two elected.
The election result left him 16 votes off a tie for second place, and since then councillor Skilton has changed political allegiance to become an Independent town councillor.
As required by law, the town council has published an official notice of casual vacancy. This explains the next steps and how local electors can request an election to fill the vacant town council seat.