A COUNCILLOR vacancy has arisen on Lyme Regis Town Council as a member fails to attend council meetings.
Leon Howe is no longer a councillor and his seat is now being advertised.
Notice of a vacancy has been given today (22 December) and an election will be held if 10 Lyme Regis electors request one within 14 days of the notice.
This means requests for an election must be received by Dorset Council's returning officer by 15 January 2021.
Town clerk John Wright said: "As Leon Howe did not attend the Full Council meeting on 16 December 2020, he has failed to attend council meetings for six consecutive months and as such, he automatically ceases to be a member of the council.
"This is outlined in the Local Government Act 1972 and is referred to in the council’s standing orders.
"Leon has been informed he is no longer a councillor and notification has been given to Dorset Council’s electoral services team.
"However, due to regulations under the Coronavirus Act 2020, local by-elections cannot be held until 6 May 2021, so the vacancy will remain until at least that date."
Dorset Council has confirmed if an election is called, a poll will take place on 6 May 2021.
The casual notice also states: "The Government has indicated that the situation will be kept under review, and if safe to do so, further legislation will be laid that will permit casual vacancy elections and referendums sooner than the 6 May 2021.
"If this is the case, we will publish a revised notice."
Follow the link to read the notice of vacancy.