It is all change at an Isle of Wight town council as a new mayor steps up — hoping to bring peace to the fractious meetings.
It comes as one of the old guard steps down.
Unanimous vote
At the Yarmouth Town Council (YTC) meeting last night (Tuesday), Cllr Debbie McCleary was unanimously voted in as the town’s mayor, after serving on the council for 12 years.
Taking her position, she said it was very unexpected but she would continue to do her best for the good of Yarmouth and Thorley.
Deputy mayor resigns
At the same time, Rodney Corbett announced his resignation from the town council and the position of deputy mayor.
He said,
“As I turn 80, I believe it is time for me to stand down.
“I have served the town since I was 18, first as a fireman for 37 years and more than 22 years as a town councillor, town trust member and in many other roles.”
Cllr McCleary thanked Mr Corbett for all his hard work and said he was a very valued member of the community.
New deputy mayor
Taking over his position as deputy mayor, also with unanimous support, was Cllr Gill Head.
Cllr Head has been on the town council for six years, serving the Thorley ward, after moving to the Island.
She had previously served in other local authorities on the mainland.
Allegations of bullying and intimidation
Following a few agitated meetings in the last couple of months — with shouting and allegations of bullying and intimidation — councillors hoped the new leadership will move things forward in a positive way.
Cllr McCleary said she hoped the issues could be resolved, but they needed to move on.
Former Yarmouth mayor, Cllr Steve Cowley congratulated Cllr McCleary on her new position and thought she would bring a degree of calm to the role.
Town council vacancy
Nominations are currently being sought for the seat of former mayor, Jamie Allen, who served in the post for seven months, but had been on the town council for more than six years.
Those looking to join YTC must submit their nomination papers by 4pm on 11th May to the returning officer at County Hall, in Newport.
If the seat is contested, an election will be held on 8th June.
Submissions to fill Mr Corbett’s will take place at a later date.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
