Parish Elections & Co-options
Parish Council Elections
Are you passionate about making a difference to your local communities of Ashurst, Langton Green, Old Groombridge and Speldhurst? If the answer is yes, why not think about standing as a Parish Councillor?
Parish Council elections are held every four years and the next one is due in May 2027. There are thirteen Councillor seats available in total, and an election will be held if more candidates come forward than there are seats.
Find out more about who is eligible to become a Parish Councillor here.
Other ways to become a Parish Councillor - Co-option
Co-option is a way of appointing a Parish Councillor when no election has been called. During a normal four-year term, a vacancy comes up when a Councillor resigns, fails to attend Parish Council Meetings for six consecutive months, or passes away. The Parish Council must then ask the electorate if they wish for an election to be held. A minimum of ten electors need to respond for an election to go ahead. After fourteen working days with no response from the electorate, we can advertise the post. Anyone who is eligible and interested in being co-opted can apply. They can expect to attend an informal interview with up to three of our Parish Councillors and the successful candidate will be co-opted as a Parish Councillor for the rest of the term.
Remember, you don't have to be a Councillor to get involved with your Parish Council - visit our Join in page to find out more.
June 2025 - We need YOU!
You may think the comings and goings of the parish council don’t affect you, but they actually play a role in many aspects of your daily life. And to truly represent the needs of our community, we’re seeking volunteers from across the parish. To make the most impact, we need a full council of 13 members and currently we have 3 vacancies to fill.
Our councillors help make decisions on many issues, from the amenities we provide to highways, planning, and more. They attend meetings, vote on key matters, and get hands-on with working groups, local footpaths, or Community Speedwatch.
Not only is this work essential for the parish, but councillors also find it deeply rewarding. Some find it boosts their CV, others enjoy applying their professional skills to a new challenge after retirement, and all value meeting new people and contributing in a welcoming setting. Finally, while it's not voluntary work in the strictest sense, it offers the same sense of fulfilment.
Remember, the parish council is entirely made up of residents from Speldhurst parish, which means we are only as strong as YOU make us!
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in this role. Contact our Clerk, Katie Neve, to find out more.