Following the recent town council elections on 1 May 2025, Bude-Stratton Town Council has three vacancies for councillors. These vacancies will be filled by co-option, a process that allows the council to appoint new members directly.
What is a Town Councillor?
Town councillors represent the interests of the local community, help influence decisions that affect the area, and work to improve local services and facilities. It’s a voluntary role, but one that can make a real difference.
You don’t need any specific qualifications or prior experience—just a commitment to your community, a willingness to listen and work with others, and the time to attend meetings and take part in council activities.
What is Co-option?
When not all council seats are filled through election, the remaining seats can be filled by co-option. This means the council invites expressions of interest from residents who would like to be considered for the role of councillor. Those who come forward will be asked to provide some background information about themselves and may be invited to speak briefly at a public council meeting before a vote is taken by existing councillors.
Am I Eligible?
To be considered, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a British citizen (or a qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen)
- Meet one of the following criteria:
- Be registered to vote in the area
- Have lived, worked or owned property in the parish for at least the past 12 months
- Live within three miles of the parish boundary
If you’re interested in local issues, want to have your say, and are willing to work as part of a team to help shape the future of Bude-Stratton, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for co-option, please complete our Application for Co-option form. This includes space for your contact details, a short personal statement (up to 300 words), and a declaration confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria.
📥 Download the Application for Co-option form here
Once completed, please return your completed application to the Clerk, Bude-Stratton Town Council, The Parkhouse Centre, Ergue-Gaberic Way, Bude, EX23 8LD, or by email: clerk@bude-stratton.gov.uk
- The deadline for submitting completed application forms is 5pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
- The co-option process will take place at the Full Council Meeting on Thursday 3 July 2025.
If you have any questions or need support completing the form, feel free to call us on 01288 353576.
What to Expect
Once we’ve received your statement:
- You’ll be notified of the date, time and venue of the Full Council meeting where co-option will be considered and will receive a copy of the agenda pack.
- Your statement will be shared with councillors ahead of the meeting.
- You’ll be invited to attend the meeting and say a few words about yourself. Councillors may also ask questions.
- A maximum of 5 minutes per candidate will be allowed, including any questions.
- Co-option will be a public agenda item, and existing councillors will vote on the appointments during the meeting.
