SKIPTON Town Council is looking to co-opt a new member onto the council for the second time in a year.

In October last year, Andy Solloway, already a member of North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council, was co-opted on the south ward, following the sudden death of Cllr Martin Emmerson and because there had been no request by local electors for a by-election.

Now, another person will be co-opted onto the council to represent the west ward, including Broughton Road, Carleton Park and Burnside, following the resignation of Cllr Gerardo Iannaccone in May for personal reasons.

A member will be co-opted because once again, there has been no request for a by-election.

Those interested in joining the council need to contact the chief officer, Dave Parker, before 5pm on July 31. They must be at least 18 years old, and must either appear on the electoral roll for the west ward area, or have lived or worked there for at least the last year.

If more than one person comes forward, the successful member will be decided by a vote of the other 15 councillors at a meeting of the council in August.

Mr Parker said: “The first stage of the co-option process is where the council invites expressions of interest from any member of the public interested in becoming a councillor to fill the vacancy. If anyone is interested in putting themselves forward, all they need to do right now is to get in touch before the end of July.”

He added: “As a councillor, they would work alongside three other councillors representing the local community in West Ward – and help in overseeing the work of the council and the services it provides to the town.”

The successful candidate will have the same rights, duties and responsibilities as any other councillor – and would serve on the town council until the next scheduled elections in May 2023.

There is no need to be affiliated to any political party and, because the vacancy will be filled by co-option, there will be no need to fight in an election.

Mr Parker said: “I would actively encourage anyone who is interested to put themselves forward. The council undertakes an important role within the community of Skipton – and, as a councillor, you can play an equally important role in shaping what the council does. We will, of course, guide candidates through the co-option process but all we need initially is to know that you’re interested.”

Anyone wishing to put themselves forward should do so, in writing to: Dave Parker, Chief Officer, Skipton Town Council, Town Hall, Skipton BD23 1FD – or by email to chiefofficer@skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk

The closing date for expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday, July 31.