Saltash Voters Have Until 28 July to Force an Election

A seat on Saltash Town Council sits empty in the Essa ward. For a short window, local electors get a say in whether it is filled by a public vote or by the council itself.

A resignation in the Essa ward

The vacancy follows the resignation of John Brady from his role as a councillor for the Essa ward. Cornwall Council’s electoral services issued the formal notice on 8 July, under Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972.

How to trigger an election

The seat does not have to be filled quietly. If ten electors from the Essa ward put a request in writing, the vacancy will go to a vote.

The request has to reach the Proper Officer by 28 July 2026, either by hand or by post, at Electoral Services, County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY. The count of working days excludes Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday and bank holidays.

If those ten requests arrive in time, an election is held.

What happens if nobody asks

Should no request be made by the deadline, the council fills the vacancy by co-option. That means sitting members choose someone to take the seat rather than putting it to residents.

If an election is called, it has to take place no later than 30 September 2026.

Whether the Essa ward gets a ballot now rests with ten of its own electors.