Prospective candidates for the May local elections are being invited to briefing sessions next month.
Anyone considering standing for either the district or parish elections in Richmondshire is urged to attend the meetings being led by the district council’s election team.
Agents are also welcome to attend.
The May 2 poll sees new arrangements come into play for the district council – the number of seats will drop by ten – from 34 to 24 with the new councillors elected to represent 16 wards.
The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England reduced the number of councillors following a request by the District Council.
Widespread consultation with local people, parishes and councillors took place before the changes were made. Under the new arrangements councillors will sit in one three councillor ward; six two councillor wards and nine single councillor wards.
“The new arrangements are going to result in a very different district council structure after May 2,” said council chief executive and returning officer, Tony Clark.
“Anyone thinking of standing as a candidate in the Richmondshire area at these elections should come along to the relevant session to find out more about them.”
Briefings for the district council elections take place on Wednesday 6 March 2019 at 6pm or Tuesday 12 March 2019 at 2pm in the Swale Meeting Room at Mercury House in Richmond.
Sessions for parish clerks and prospective parish candidates are on Thursday 7 March 2019 at 10am and Wednesday 13 March 2019 at 6pm in the Swale Meeting Room at Mercury House in Richmond.
Contact the Elections Team on 01748 901018 if you wish to attend any of the sessions advising which district ward – or parish – you intend standing in, as nomination packs will be distributed at each session.
