The borough of Tonbridge and Malling contains several parish and town councils. Each has between two and 13 councillors.
Elections for parish and town councillors happen every four years. However, sometimes a councillor leaves their position between these scheduled elections. When this happens, the parish or town council must advertise the vacancy. We also publish the information.
See list of current vacancies.
How to request an election
Residents can request an election to fill the vacancy if they:
- are registered to vote in local government elections
- live in the relevant town or parish council
If you would like to request a by-election you should do so in writing to the Returning Officer. You have 14 working days from the date that the parish or town council published the vacancy.
A by-election will be held if the Returning Officer receives signatures from ten electors before the deadline.
If there are less than ten valid requests, there will not be an election. The parish or town council will be able to appoint a new councillor through 'co-option'.
Any councillor elected through a by-election, or co-opted to the council, may remain in post until the next scheduled elections.
Send any requests for an election to:
Damian Roberts
The Returning Officer
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Gibson Building
Gibson Drive
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent ME19 4LZ
For further information, contact voting@tmbc.gov.uk
Current vacancies
Plaxtol
Following the resignation of Councillor Petter, a vacancy notice was published on 12 September 2025.
The deadline for the Proper Officer to receive a valid request for an election is 2 October 2025.
Hildenborough
Following the resignation of Councillor Petter, a vacancy notice was published on 15 September 2025.
The deadline for the Proper Officer to receive a valid request for an election is 3 October 2025.
Kings Hill Parish Council
Following the resignation of Councillor Rush, and non take up of councillor role in 2023, Henley and Waller three vacancy notices were published on 22 September 2025.
The deadline for the Proper Officer to receive a valid request for an election is 10 October 2025