9

1

The whole number of councillors shall be elected at the ordinary elections of councillors in 1996.

2

The councillors holding office for any ward in the city immediately before 6th May 1996 shall retire on that date and the newly elected councillors for any such ward shall come into office on that date.

3

Of the councillors elected at the ordinary election of councillors in 1996 for any ward of the city—

a

one shall retire in 1998 being, subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) below, the councillor elected by the smallest number of votes;

b

one shall retire in 1999 being, subject as aforesaid, the councillor elected by the smallest number of votes;

c

the remaining councillor shall retire in 2000.

4

In the case of an equality of votes between any persons elected which makes it uncertain which of them is to retire in any such year, the person to retire in that year shall be determined by lot.

5

If an election of councillors for any ward is not contested, the person to retire in each such year shall be determined by lot.

6

Where under this article any question is to be determined by lot, the lot shall be drawn at the next practicable meeting of the council after the question has arisen, and the drawing shall be conducted under the direction of the person presiding at the meeting.

7

Except as otherwise provided in the foregoing paragraphs of this article, the term of office of councillors shall be four years and all councillors shall retire on the fourth day after the ordinary day of election of councillors of the city in the year of retirement, and the newly elected councillors shall come into office on the day on which their predecessors retire.