Agenda item

Report attached.

The declaration of the Returning Officer of those elected at the local elections held on 4^th May 2023 was submitted as follows:-

The Mayor repeated his welcome to all new Members and wished them well in their new role.  He also placed on record his thanks to those former councillors who had not been returned at the elections and wished them well for the future.

Councillor Munsif Dad added his welcomed to new councillors and thanks to those who had not been returned.  He gave a special mention to former councillor Mohammad Ayub whom he had known for over 20 years.

Councillor Whitehead asked if the Returning Officer had any information about the number of electors turned away from polling stations due to a lack of voter identification documents.  Jane Ellis, Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services), who was the Returning Officer, indicated that the returns from the polling stations would have captured the relevant details and that, after collating this information, the numbers could be provide to Councillor Whitehead outside of the meeting.

Councillors Aziz and Fisher raised some concerns about intimidation experienced by candidates and the safety implications in relation to their families.  The behaviour of one particular individual during the elections had been very troubling and had necessitated intervention by the Police.  Councillors were reminded that a number of MPs had sadly been murdered in the course of their duties in recent years.  The Leader was asked to build respect and work across parties to improve standards of behaviours.  Councillor Haworth confirmed that she was aware of the situation during the elections and the individual concerned.  To some extend social media had played a part in inciting unacceptable behaviour.  The ‘mainstream’ parties had contested the elections cleanly, but ‘outsiders’ sometimes brought problems.  The Leader was happy to meet with the Opposition to discuss what could be done make elections safer.  No-one should be afraid to knock on a door while canvassing.  Everybody should work together to encourage respect.

Councillor Paul Cox reminded all that every councillor had sought election to try to make things better for the community they lived in.  This took effort, including working with schools and community groups and was not simply confined to public meetings in the Council Chamber.  It was incumbent on society to be respectful towards and proud of, both candidates who put themselves forward and those who were ultimately elected and gave up their time freely.

Resolved                                 -      To note the list of councillors elected on 4^th May 2023.