Co-option of Councillor – West Ward

At the Town Council meeting last night Members of the Council co-opted a new Member for the West Ward.

Three candidates stood for the vacancy; Terence Barton, Peter Sample and June Watson.

The three candidates took turns in addressing the Council, providing details about themselves, their areas of interest and expertise  along with what they could potentially bring to the Council to the benefit of the Town.

Of the existing 8 Councillors, apologies  for the meeting had been received from Cllrs Ian Hinson and Craig Weir, leaving the 6 present Councillors to cast their vote by secret ballot.

The ballot slips were completed and returned to the Town Clerk who counted the votes and passed the results to the Chair, Jane Dargue.

The Chair announced that the result was tied with each candidate receiving 2 votes each.  The Chair was therefore asked to exercise her casting vote.

After pausing for a moment to consider this decision, the Chair announced that the casting vote would go to Terence Barton.

Mr Barton was informed that he would not become a Councillor until he had read the adopted Code of Conduct and signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.  The Clerk would contact Mr Barton to make these arrangements.

Mr Sample and Mrs Watson were thanked for their interest and reminded that the Council elections were due to take place in May 2017 should they wish to stand.