In the UK, local Parish Council elections are held every four years to elect representatives to parish councils.

Parish councils are responsible for a range of local services and initiatives, including the maintenance of local parks and footpaths, the management of local facilities, and the organisation of community events.

One possible outcome of a Parish Council election is an uncontested election, which occurs when there are no more candidates standing than there are seats available on the council. In an uncontested election, all of the candidates are automatically elected without a ballot taking place. This means that the election is effectively over before polling day, and the candidates are elected unopposed.

Broadclyst Parish Council has had confirmation that 14 of the 15 seats have been filled uncontested. This means that all 14 candidates who stood for election in Broadclyst Parish are automatically elected to the council without a ballot taking place. The remaining seat will be left unfilled, and the council will continue to operate with 14 members until such time as it co-opts its 15th member. The list of 2023-2027 Broadclyst Parish councillors can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this article. 

While an uncontested election may seem like a non-event, it's important to remember that these elected officials still have a crucial role to play in their communities. They are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and working to improve the local area, work together to make important decisions that will affect the community.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to be a Parish Councillor:

1. Making a difference in the local community: Parish Councillors have the opportunity to make a real difference in their local community by addressing issues that are important to residents, such as improving local facilities, managing local services, and organising community events.

2. Representing the interests of constituents: As a Parish Councillor, you will have the opportunity to represent the views and concerns of your community and work towards achieving common goals and objectives.

3. Developing new skills and gaining experience: Serving as a Parish Councillor can provide an opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as public speaking, leadership, project management, and community engagement.

4. Building relationships with others in the community: Serving as a Parish Councillor provides an opportunity to build relationships with other community leaders, residents, and organisations, which can be beneficial in both personal and professional contexts.

5. Being part of the democratic process: Being a Parish Councillor means being part of the democratic process, which is a vital aspect of a healthy and functioning community. By participating in the democratic process, you can help to ensure that the voice of your community is heard and that decisions are made that benefit everyone.

If you are interested in filling the 15th seat, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Broadclyst_Parish_-_Notice_of_Uncontested_Election_2023.pdf