'Archaic' regulation sparks by-election

COUNCILLOR RECALLED FOLLOWING ABSENCE

- ROB PARSONS

"I CAN'T remember a better maiden speech," a fellow Hull councillor tweeted last June as newly-elected Sarah HarperRiches "spoke eloquently and passionately about food poverty in the city and her own food poverty experiences as a child." 

But, 14 months on, the Labour politician has been recalled from her council seat, meaning a byelection will be held to replace her, after falling foul of what her party says are "archaic" rules about attending meetings.

Legally, councillors cease to be a member of their authority if they fail to attend any meeting for six consecutive months. And Hull City Council has now published a notice of vacancy for the Bricknell seat.