A by-election is 'very likely' on Didcot Town Council after the only elected Tory councillor failed to sign the paperwork in time.

Karen Durman, who was elected to Park Ward with 463 votes at the local elections on May 4, was the only Conservative who won a seat as the party’s representation on the council was almost completely wiped out.

However, she did not sign the declaration of acceptance of office before the first annual council meeting on Monday May 15, which meant her position on the council was withdrawn.

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Ms Durman said her family circumstances have since changed, and declined further comment about the election.  

Cath Convery, chairman of Wantage and Didcot Conservative Association, said: “We are aware that Karen Durman is unable to sign the declaration of office of town councillor due to family commitments.

"We would hope that members of Didcot Town Council would agree to co-opt a new member to fill her place rather than insist on an election that will cost the town council thousands of pounds and instead use those funds to invest in our communities."

A by-election will be called if 10 or more residents of Park Ward write to South Oxfordshire District Council asking for it by June 9.

Otherwise, the vacancy will be filled by co-option of the town council. This would see town clerk Janet Wheeler​ receive expressions of interest from prospective candidates, who would then be interviewed by the town council before a decision was made.

However, Ms Wheeler​ said it was ‘very likely’ a by-election would take place as the seat was highly contested.

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She estimated that a by-election would cost around £6,000, which could include printing poll cards, paying for the district council’s time in legal matters, and hiring facilities for the election to take place.

Cllr Mocky Khan, a Labour councillor, said he was worried about the cost.

“It’s a cost we didn’t think we would need so soon after an election. 

“It’s something that we don’t want to see especially when we just had an election and its disappointing when the person who put themselves forward and got elected doesn’t sign the paperwork to fulfil the roll.

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“If they had no intention of becoming a councillor then why did they put their name forward?

“I don’t know Karen at all and don’t know her circumstances, but she has had no communication with the council staff. 

“The fact there are no Conservative councillors shows that the electorate has spoken. Obviously, you want different views for policy and debate but we are beholden to what the electorate votes.”