Tory councillor loses city council seat after failing to attend a meeting for six months

A councillor has lost his seat because he failed to attend a single Lancaster City Council meeting for six months.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The absence of Coun David Whitworth, a Conservative representative for Ellel ward since the 2019 elections, has led to plans for a by-election to be called to fill the vacancy.

A Lancaster City Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 which states that a member of a local authority loses office if they do not attend a meeting at least once in any six-month period applies in this case.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Coun David Whitworth.Coun David Whitworth.
Coun David Whitworth.

“If/when it is called the Returning Officer will publish a notice regarding nominations and date for any possible by-election.”

Any notice about nominations and a by-election will be posted on the city council website on the above link.

Conservative councillor Richard Austen-Baker is now the only elected councillor for Ellel ward.

Related topics: