Councillor loses seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after failing to formally accept position

A newly elected Kidsgrove town councillor has automatically lost her seat before attending a single meeting, following a procedural misstep which officers said could not be rectified.

Olivia Westcott, who was returned unopposed to represent the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward for Reform UK, was disqualified after failing to sign her mandatory Declaration of Acceptance of Office before or during the first full council meeting on 21st May. She remains a Reform UK member of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, where she was elected for the neighbouring Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe ward on 7 May. Under the Local Government Act 1972, failing to complete this legal formality within the statutory timeframe leaves local authorities with no legal alternative but to declare an automatic vacancy.

The situation has sparked debate over the rigidity of local government bureaucracy vs the personal unexpected emergencies faced by elected officials. Ms Westcott explained that a sudden family emergency, which arose around two hours before the meeting was due to begin, physically prevented her from attending to sign the paperwork.

In her public statement, Ms Westcott said initial contact with the Town Council Clerk suggested she could sign the forms the following day, however, when she attended, the Clerk was absent and would not return until the following week, meaning the declaration could not be completed in time. Because the strict legal deadline had passed the night before, the seat was declared vacant, with the council later acknowledging that its own procedural communication regarding the strict deadlines "may not have been as clear as they could have been."

The incident highlights a painful lesson in local government. While there is clear reason to sympathise with an unexpected family crisis and the subsequent failure in communication with council staff, some may note that the situation also underscores the fundamental responsibility placed on any individual standing for public office. Entering democratic service requires a thorough familiarisation with statutory rules, expectations, and deadlines before putting oneself forward to represent the electorate. Reliance on a reminder from a fellow councillor (as mentioned in her statement), rather than well informed adherence to strict legislation, has ultimately cost Reform UK a newly won seat.

Ms Westcott expressed her deep disappointment and apologised to her constituents. She stated that she put herself forward because she cares deeply about the community and remains determined to continue working hard and staying accessible to local residents.

The original town council election for the ward was uncontested, with only seven candidates coming forward for its seven seats, meaning all were automatically returned. A by-election for the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe seat has since been called and will take place on 6 August 2026, after the required number of local electors requested a poll. Nomination papers are available from the returning officer at Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastle. Had no poll been requested, the vacancy could instead have been filled by council co-option.