KnutsfordTown Council is the town council for the CheshireMarket Town of Knutsford. It was established in 1974 as a successor council to the Knutsford Urban District Council. The Council last elections were held in May 2019 which, being uncontested, saw the Conservative Party claim 12 of the 15 seats. The Council is split into four wards, Nether, Norbury Booths, Over and Bexton.
Precursor
The Knutsford Urban District Council was an Urban District Council for the town of Knutsford, Cheshire from 1895 to 1974. It was established in 1895 following the establishment and dissolution of parish councils created under the Local Government Act 1894 for Nether Knutsford and Over Knutsford. The Urban District Council was dissolved in 1974 upon the creation of the Knutsford Town Council.
Powers and functions
The Town Council derives the bulk of its powers from the Local Government Act 1972 and subsequent legislation. The Council adopted the General Power of Competence in 2013 giving it a greater range of powers in line with the Localism Act 2011. The Town Council is a Market Authority, operating an Indoor Market Hall and licensing other markets within its boundary, including a monthly Maker's Market of artisan and local producers. The Town Council operates public toilets and Allotments and is seeking to take ownership of the Council Offices and certain open spaces from Cheshire East Council
Town Mayor
At its inception the newly formed Town Council resolved that the Chairman be styled Town Mayor. The Mayor is elected annually at the Annual Council Meeting in May. The incumbent is Cllr Andrew Malloy who took office in May 2019 and is supported by Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner. The Mayor's role is largely ambassadorial, attending community events, opening shops and businesses and acting as a representative of the town in neighbouring areas. The Mayor also hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year raising money for chosen charities.
Elections
2023 Election
Elections are due to be held on 4 May 2023 for the four wards of the Town Council on the same day as elections to Cheshire East Council.
2019 Election
Elections were held for all four wards in May 2019. All elections were uncontested and one vacancy was left on Over Ward which was filled by co-option with Conservative Elizabeth Beswick.
By-Elections 2015-2019
A by-election was held for Norbury Booths ward on 5 April 2018 following the resignation of incumbent Independent Councillor Charlotte Greenstein A by-election was held for Over ward on 4 May 2017 following the resignation of incumbent Independent Councillor Yvonne Bancroft
2015 Election
Elections were held on 7 May 2015 for the four wards of the Town Council on the same day as elections to Cheshire East Council and Tatton Parliamentary seat. Bexton Ward was not contested with the three candidates being elected unopposed. Nether Ward ended in a dead heat between two candidates, settled by the drawing of lots.
By-Elections 2011-2015
A by-election was held for Nether Ward on 13 November 2014 following the death of incumbent Conservative Councillor, Clive Nicholson. A by-election was held for Over Ward on 7 February following the resignation of incumbent Conservative Councillor Bernadette Emmett.
2011 Election
Elections were held on 5 May 2011. Both Norbury Booths and Nether Wards were uncontested, returning three Conservative councillors each.
