AGENDA ITEM 15
BOROUGH OF POOLE
COUNCIL
14 DECEMBER 2010
POLITICAL BALANCE OF THE COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE BY-ELECTION: REPORT OF THE HEAD OF LEGAL AND DEMOCRATIC SERVICES
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLAN: NO
STATUS: STRATEGIC
1.PURPOSE
1.1To accord with the statutory process following the recent By-Election, which resulted in a change in the Council’s political balance.
2.DECISION REQUIRED
2.1That the proposals to accord with the change in political balance of the Council now comprising 22 Conservative Members, 17 Liberal Democrat Members, 2 Independent Members and 1 Poole People Member be approved.
3.BACKGROUND/INFORMATION
3.1Under the Local Government Committees and Political Groups Regulations, the Head of Legal and Democratic Services has a duty to review the political balance of the Council following any changes.
3.2At the By-Election on 2 December 2010, Councillor Howell was elected to represent the Poole People Party. This seat was formerly held by the late Councillor Dr Leverett, a Conservative Member of the Council.
3.3In accordance with the Regulations, the Council is required to undertake a review of its political balance to reflect this change. The balance is now:
22 Conservative Members,
17 Liberal Democrat Members
2 Independent Members
1 Poole People Member
3.4As a consequence, the Conservative Group will relinquish two seats to the Poole People representative.
3.5It is for the Conservative Group Leader to advise the Council on which Committees the Group will relinquish seats.
4.FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
4.1There are no financial implications as the Council now has 42 Members and Members’ Allowances are budgeted for on the basis of 42 Members.
5.LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
5.1It is a statutory requirement that the Political Balance is changed to reflect the new composition of the Council.
6.EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS
6.1There are no equality implications as this results from an election.
Tim Martin, LLB Solicitor
Head of Legal and Democratic Services
Contact Officer:
Pauline Gill
Democratic Services Manager
Tel: 01202 633043
Email:
Background Papers
Local Government Committees and Political Groups Regulations 1990
Local Government and Housing Act 1989
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