hi there, we have received two nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor, from members of different political parties.
Could we please check whether anyone has encountered this situation previously and, if so, how it was handled? In particular, was it agreed in advance that only one nominee would proceed, or was the matter left to the meeting itself and determined by a vote of Members?
This is not something we have come across before, and we would welcome views on what is generally regarded as best practice.
Hello - interesting situation. I’m not a Democratic Services Officer, nor do I have any background in Dem Services. If two nominations have been put forward, I would suggest it is determined by a vote of Members, as long as there is a proposer and seconder for each nomination. Then those two members would leave the room for any discussion and the vote….
Happy to hear if others would approach this differently
This situation can and does arise all over the country if political parties cannot reach consensus outside the Chamber. It can be an unedifying process as one candidate is rejected, but it is democracy in action as the newly elected Mayor presides over a vote to decide who becomes their Deputy. Each nomination must be seconded and speeches may be made in support of candidates. There is no constitutional requirement for candidates to leave the meeting and indeed they have a vote, which they can cast for themself. The Mayor has a casting vote in the event of a tie.