b. Ordinary elections

Ordinary elections for parish councils are held every four years, on the first Thursday in May. In Suffolk, there will be one in 2027, 2031, and so on.

Although all elections, including by-elections when required, are administered and organised by the relevant district council, the administrative costs are borne by the town or parish council.  The district council will notify the local council of the anticipated costs approximately 6 months ahead of an ordinary election to assist with budget planning.

While the involvement of parish and town councils is peripheral, it is useful for council clerks to understand the process to enable advice to be given to enquirers, including for example people interested in becoming a councillor.  An important aspect is reminding existing members wishing to re-stand that they must submit nomination papers in the same way as any other candidate.  

N.B. NALC have issued an advice note on their website - Vacancies and co-option. 

See also The Electoral Commission guidance and information using this link

[To access the NALC website you will need to set up an individual account (SALC members only).  Video guidance on how to do this is available here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zapNDmP8jjY]