Parish Elections & Co-options

Parish Council Elections

Are you passionate about making a difference to your local communities of Ashurst, Langton Green, Old Groombridge and Speldhurst? If the answer is yes, why not think about standing as a Parish Councillor?

Parish Council elections are held every four years and the next one is due in May 2027. There are thirteen Councillor seats available in total, and an election will be held if more candidates come forward than there are seats.

Find out more about who is eligible to become a Parish Councillor here. 

Other ways to become a Parish Councillor - Co-option 

Co-option is a way of appointing a Parish Councillor when no election has been called. During a normal four-year term, a vacancy comes up when a Councillor resigns, fails to attend Parish Council Meetings for six consecutive months, or passes away. The Parish Council must then ask the electorate if they wish for an election to be held. A minimum of ten electors need to respond for an election to go ahead. After fourteen working days with no response from the electorate, we can advertise the post. Anyone who is eligible and interested in being co-opted can apply. They can expect to attend an informal interview with up to three of our Parish Councillors and the successful candidate will be co-opted as a Parish Councillor for the rest of the term.

Remember, you don't have to be a Councillor to get involved with your Parish Council - visit our Join in page to find out more.

June 2025 - We need YOU!

We’re seeking to co-opt volunteers from across Speldhurst parish to become parish councillors. To fairly and fully represent the villages of Ashurst, Langton Green, Old Groombridge, and Speldhurst we need a full council of 13 members, and we currently have 3 vacancies to fill.

You may think the comings and goings of the parish council don’t affect you, but actually they play a role in multiple aspects of your daily life. Our councillors help make decisions on many issues, from the amenities we provide to highways, planning, and more. They attend meetings, vote on key matters, and get hands-on with working groups, local footpaths, or Community Speedwatch.

Not only is this work essential for the parish, but councillors also find it deeply rewarding. Some find it boosts their CV, others enjoy applying their skills and experience to a new challenge after retirement, and all value meeting new people and contributing in a welcoming setting. Finally, while it's not voluntary work in the strictest sense, it offers the same sense of fulfilment.

Remember, the parish council is entirely made up of residents from Speldhurst parish, which means we are only as strong as YOU make us!

If, after reading this post, you feel even a glimmer of interest, get in touch! There are several ways you can do this:

📞Call our Clerk, Katie Neve on 01892862927/07760 769513 for an informal chat about what the role involves, or email clerk@speldhurstparishcouncil.gov.uk

👋🏼Pop into the council office (office location and hours listed on our Contact page), our clerking team would love to see you.

📃Come to our next Full Council Meeting on Monday, 7th July at 7.30 pm in Ashurst Village Hall.