"Dear Member,

Recently, the Trust has had an unprecedented increase in membership of 60 or so members over the space of about 3 weeks. We have not experienced such an increase in such a short time since the formation of the Trust.

Subsequently, the Trust has recently received a letter listing 28 of those members requesting we meet with them to discuss having democratically contested elections for the Trust board. There were no signatures on the letter, just printed names against membership numbers.

The letter goes on to point out that the Trust has not held a “democratically elected vote for board members since Covid due to a lack of candidates for election”. This is partially true, but we should point out that the boards during this period have gone beyond what was required of them by standing down prior to each AGM in their entirety in order to encourage other members to put their names forward to be elected. However, whilst there have been some changes in personnel, not enough members came forward to necessitate elections, so those who did put their names forward, with the approval of members at the AGMs, were elected to the board.

Our constitution and electoral policy details that only a third of the board need to step down to cater for new board members through the democratic vote. Present board numbers 8 which is one short of the required 9, with 3 spaces left for co-option should the board wish to accommodate this. As it stands this is the procedure we are abiding by for the next elections due before our AGM in May or June next year.

The 28 new members listed in the letter believe and quoted that it is “the perfect moment for both the current board and prospective members to seek a fresh mandate from the membership. A timely, well-run election would strengthen the Trust’s democratic legitimacy.”

It also quoted the meeting requested would discuss the following points

An appropriate timeline for nominations and voting
Understanding eligibility and nomination procedures
The voting method and measures to encourage turnout
Communications to new and existing members
Options for independent oversight or scrutineering to ensure confidence in the process
The Trust would like to point out that all the above Bullet points related to elections are catered for each year in our election process and paperwork sent out to each member eligible to vote; existing members, we would assume, would already be aware of this.

Seemingly, these 28 new members are not satisfied with waiting for the Election, the process for which would take place early next year according to Trust rules, but require an Election immediately.

As a board we have always endeavoured to keep you informed of our activities, so this is to let you know of this development. We have acknowledged receipt of the communications, and we will give the contents due consideration and reply accordingly. As members we will keep you informed of our response and further developments.



The Board

Cardiff City Supporters Trust"

A case of a very newly developed tail trying to wag the dog.