A long-standing Rutland County Councillor will not be continuing in the role after failing to meet the deadline to formally accept the position he won in May's local government elections.

As a result of Christopher Parsons missing the statutory deadline a Notice of Vacancy is to be published for the council's Ryhall and Casterton Ward.

Helen Briggs, Chief Executive and Returning Officer at Rutland County Council, said: "Mr Parsons has been a councillor for more than 20 years and has ensured the very best outcomes for Rutland's residents.  

"He has been committed to serving his ward and served as chair of this council.

"The laws governing elections are very clear and do not allow any discretion in situations like this. 

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment on behalf of Mr Parsons.

"All we can say is that, regrettably, the statutory deadline for submitting his acceptance of office has now passed and we are legally required to post a Notice of Vacancy for the seat."

If a by-election is called, a further Notice of Election will be published to provide full details of the nomination process for prospective candidates.

The full Notice of Vacancy for Ryhall and Casterton Ward will be published online tomorrow (9 July) and can be viewed by clicking the red button below.

For more information, contact Rutland County Council's elections team by emailing [email protected].