A Reform UK councillor says a 'family emergency' meant she missed the deadline for signing paperwork to join a town council.

Olivia Westcott – formerly Wozny – was elected to Kidsgrove Town Council last month in an uncontested election for the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward.

But as she failed to formally accept the office by Thursday, 21 May – the date of the annual town council meeting – the seat has become vacant in line with election rules.

Cllr Westcott remains an elected member on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council – she was one of three Reform candidates elected in Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe on 7 May.

She says she always intended to join the town council as well and planned to attend the meeting on 21 May. But two hours before the meeting a family emergency arose that meant she was not able to attend.

Cllr Westcott contacted the town council to apologise for her absence and arrange an alternative time to complete her paperwork, and was told by the clerk that she would be able to do it the following day.

But on the Friday the clerk was not present – meaning the paperwork could not be completed – and would not return until the following Tuesday.

Cllr Westcott said: "At no stage was I informed of the urgency of the situation or that failing to sign the paperwork by the original meeting date would result in my removal from the town council.

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"When further enquiries were made and the circumstances explained, I was informed that, legally, there was nothing that could be done and that my appointment could not be reinstated.

"I am deeply disappointed by this outcome and sorry to the people of Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe. I put myself forward because I care deeply about our community and wanted to serve local residents at every level of local government.

"My commitment to standing up for local people, championing our area and working hard on behalf of residents remains unchanged. I will continue to be available, accessible and determined to deliver for the people of Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe."

Cllr Westcott says that prior to the meeting, she received no direct contact from the town council and no notification that paperwork had to be completed before the meeting. She says she only received a reminder from a fellow councillor to ensure her forms were signed.

The original town council election for Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe was uncontested because only seven candidates – including Cllr Westcott – were nominated for the ward's seven seats, meaning all the candidates were automatically elected.

A by-election will now be held if at least 10 electors in the ward call for one by 15 June, and the by-election will be contested if more than one candidate is nominated.