Burlescombe Parish Council has issued its third election notice this year, highlighting an ongoing period of upheaval and change. Following the resignation of multiple councillors earlier in the year and an uncontested election in October, the council now faces another vote in November to fill a single casual vacancy.
May 2024: Resignations and Harassment Campaign
The challenges for Burlescombe Parish Council began in May 2024 when the entire council resigned during a formal meeting. Councillors cited an orchestrated campaign of bullying and doxxing by certain members of the public as the reason for their collective resignation. This mass resignation left the council without any members, leading to a full election held in June.
June 2024: Election Results and Subsequent Resignations
In June, a new election was held to fill all seven vacant seats on the council. The results were as follows:
- Judith Thelma Downing – 191 votes (Elected)
- Louise Mary Farley – 186 votes (Elected, later resigned)
- Tsara Smith – 162 votes (Elected)
- Dennis Raymond Palmer – 154 votes (Elected)
- Emma Louise Forward – 149 votes (Elected)
- Steven Scott – 149 votes (Elected, later resigned)
- Nicholas Eaves – 143 votes (Elected, later resigned)
Despite filling all positions, the council soon faced further instability. Three councillors—Louise Farley, Steven Scott, and Nicholas Eaves—resigned shortly after the election, undermining the effort to re-establish a stable local government.
October 2024: Uncontested Election Outcome
The vacancies left by the resignations led to another election notice in October. However, this election did not proceed to a poll, as only three candidates came forward for the three available seats, resulting in an uncontested election. The elected councillors were:
- Fran Box (Elected)
- Stuart David McDonald (Elected)
- Helen Walker (Elected)
While the uncontested election filled the immediate vacancies, it also highlighted the ongoing difficulty in attracting sufficient candidates, suggesting a deeper issue of disengagement within the community.
November 2024: A New Election for One Casual Vacancy
Just as the council seemed on the path to recovery, another resignation—by Dennis Palmer— has triggered a fresh election notice for November 2024. This time, a single casual vacancy remains to be filled. The upcoming election offers the community a chance to address this vacancy and further stabilise the council’s composition.
Key Information for the November Election
- Nomination Period: Prospective candidates can obtain nomination forms from Mid Devon District Council offices at Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6PP, or by emailing elections@middevon.gov.uk. Completed nomination papers must be submitted between 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, and 4 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024. For submissions when the reception is closed (Wednesdays and after 1 p.m. on other weekdays), please call 01884 255 255 to arrange a meeting with a staff member.
- Polling Day: If the election is contested, polling will occur on Thursday, December 19, 2024, with stations open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Voter Registration Deadline: Residents must register to vote by Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to participate in this election.
- Postal and Proxy Voting:
- Applications for postal votes must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
- Applications for proxy votes must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
- Emergency proxy applications, due to unforeseen physical incapacity or work commitments arising after December 11, can be made until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
Rebuilding Trust and Stability
The frequent turnover and successive elections this year reflect ongoing challenges within the council, but they also provide opportunities for new leadership. It is crucial for residents to engage with this process, either by standing for election or by casting their votes, to help bring stability back to Burlescombe Parish Council.
The November election represents a chance for the community to elect someone committed to fostering a collaborative and effective council. With strong support and engagement from the electorate, the council hopes to move past the disruptions of 2024 and work towards a more stable future.
For more information about the upcoming election and how to get involved, visit the Burlescombe Parish Council website or contact the council office directly.