Town Clerk issues official statement after public outrage at co-option results

Following on from events which took place on Monday evening's (July 8) Town Council meeting - which resulted in two out of the five candidates being co-opted onto the council - Town Clerk, Mark Tredwin, has issued the following statement.

"Honiton Town Council are very pleased to welcome two new councillors on to the council.

"Following last night's meeting where five people put themselves up for co-option, Michelle Pollington and Ray Hanratty addressed the members of the council and were duly voted on by a majority of the council's members.

"It is hoped that their experience, enthusiasm and willingness to work with the other members will result in some positive projects being delivered in the next four years.

"Three other Candidates failed to be selected, and this means that there are still vacancies on the council that will need to be filled. Each member was asked to vote independently and then the votes were counted. 

"The council would like to make it very clear that the process was conducted both lawfully and according to the rules laid down in various acts of parliament. 

"The four co-option vacancies will be re-advertised in due course and there is every likelihood that there will be an election caused by a resignation in May. This election is likely to take place in September and the council would like to encourage people to put their names forward for election on to the Town Council."

Honiton Nub News contacted Town Mayor, Cllr Zarczynski, directly for comment, however he declined to make a public statement.