Parish Councillors
Ullesthorpe Parish Councillors:
Ullesthorpe Parish Council has six parish councillors who are either elected or co-opted to the Parish Council.
1. Cllr. Simon Smith (Chairman)
6. Casual Vacancy - the sixth seat is not filled, the Parish Council can co-opt an appropriate candidate to fill the vacancy.
Rules for parish councillors:
A parish councillor has a responsibility to:
• Attend meetings when summoned to do so; the notice to attend a council meeting is, in law, a summons, because they have a duty to attend.
• Consider, in advance of the meeting, the agenda and any related documents which were sent with the summons.
• Take part in meetings and consider all the relevant facts and issues on matters which require a decision including the views of others expressed at the meeting.
• Take part in voting and respect decisions made by the majority of those present and voting.
• Ensure, with other councillors, that the council is properly managed.
• Represent the whole electorate, and not just those who voted for you.
The Nolan Principles:
The seven Nolan Principles are the basis of the ethical standards expected of public office holders:
1. Selflessness - holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
2. Integrity - holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
3. Objectivity - holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
4. Accountability - holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
5. Openness - holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
6. Honesty - holders of public office should be truthful.
7. Leadership - holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.
Ullesthorpe Parish Council Code of Conduct:
The Good Councillor's Guide:
A useful resource that provides guidance to councillors on rules and procedures.