Liberal Youth: transitional arrangements, co-options, cuddly toys and bedside lamps...

So much to do, so little time. Co-options to fill the Vice Chair vacancies until York, the organisation of elections to fill casual vacancies for Vice Chairs and General Executive Members, and all this with the prospect of 'real' elections before much longer.

So, let's see where we are;

Shortly, a notice will go to all members via e-mail, inviting them to apply for the vacant Vice-Chair positions, and the remaining members of the LY Executive will vote on short-term co-options.

After that, members will be invited to apply for co-option as General Executive Members, given the possibility that current GEMs might (note, not will) fill the Vice Chair vacancies. Any other consequential vacancies will be advertised similarly. Again, current members of the LY Executive will form the electorate.

Once this is done, a call for nominations will be issued for elections to fill all current vacancies until the completion of the current Executive term. A postal ballot will be available on request for members unable to attend the Spring Conference. Details of how to apply will be given at that time.

That ballot will be concluded at York on 28 February, with results available as soon as technology permits.

I hope that this clarifies the position, although it is subject to possible change and/or clarification. Please note that any Press enquiries about the conduct of elections, and that includes ursine correspondents of a sky-coloured hue, should be referred to me in my capacity as Returning Officer. It is so important to supply accurate information...