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Town Clerk's Office, Church Lane, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7AD

Home Town CouncilVacancies

Vacancies

There are no staff vacancies at present.

Current Councillor Vacancy

Blandford Forum Town Council currently has a vacancy following the resignation of Cllr Alan Cross. The Town Council wishes to thank Alan for his time, energy and commitment given to the Council and community during her period in office. We recognise the personal and voluntary contribution that councillors make and are grateful for their service.

His resignation has created a casual vacancy, in the Hilltop Ward. In accordance with electoral regulations, a Notice of Vacancy has been published on 17th September 2026, triggering a 14-day period in which electors may request that vacancies be filled by election. You can view the full Notice of Vacancy for the ward here.

What happens next?

The vacancies are filled by either the election of a new candidates or co-option. An election means the people of Blandford Forum get the chance to vote on who they want to represent them, a co-option is when the Council itself chooses who will fill the empty seat.

Election

At least 10 people from the Hilltop ward must write to D0rset Council to request an election – it is not an automatic process.

If ten or more registered electors from the Hilltop Ward submit a request in writing to the Returning Officer at Dorset Council by 7th October 2026, an election will be held for that ward.

You can email in a request to: elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or you can send written requests to: The Returning Officer, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ.

This request must:

  • Be in writing (email or hard copy)
  • Include the name and address of the elector making the request
  • Clearly state that the request is for an election to be held to fill a vacancy in Blandford Forum Hilltop Ward.

You may write something like: “I am a registered elector of Blandford Forum Hilltop Ward, and I request that an election be held to fill the vacancy on Blandford Forum Town Council.” The elections team will be able to look up the name on the register and confirm that you are registered to vote and therefore can make the request.

What ward am I in?

Ward Map 2024

If fewer than ten requests are received, the Town Council will fill the vacancy by co-option. This is a formal process in which eligible residents can apply to be considered and may be appointed by councillors at a public meeting.

What is a co-option?

Sometimes, when a councillor steps down and no election is called, the Town Council is allowed to choose someone to fill the seat instead. This is called co-option.

The Council will invite people to apply and then vote on who should join. The person who is chosen becomes a full councillor, just like someone who was elected – but they weren’t chosen by the public in a vote.

Why is an election better?

Elections give everyone in the community a chance to vote for who they want to represent them. It’s the most democratic way to fill a vacancy.

If fewer than 10 people in a ward ask for an election, the Council will co-opt someone instead. This is still a legal and valid process – but it doesn’t involve public voting.

That’s why, where possible, it’s better to hold an election – it gives everyone a voice.

Previous Councillor Vacancy

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF TOWN COUNCILLOR

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a vacancy exists in the office of Councillor for the Langton St Leonards ward of Blandford Forum Town Council.

The vacancy will be filled by way of co-option.

Eligible persons are invited to submit a letter of application and CV to the Town Clerk,  explaining why they are suitable for the role,

to be received by no later than Noon on Friday 31st October 2025.

Applicants will then be invited to give a brief address during a public Town Council meeting at 6pm on Monday 24th November 2025.

Further details, including a person specification, are available from the Town Clerk’s Office or below.

Please contact the Town Clerk or a Councillor, should you wish to  discuss the role.

The full list of Town Councillors can be viewed here: https://blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk/town-council/councillors

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