New Much Wenlock councillor criticises ‘failings’ as he resigns

Robert Toft, who was appointed to the role just a few months ago, sent in his letter of resignation to the town mayor Councillor Graham Edgcumbe Venning.

A notice has now been posted on the council's website that there is a casual vacancy and an election may be called.

In his resignation letter, which was emailed to the mayor, Mr Toft alleges a member of staff was made redundant "without due process" and "without adequate consideration of the council’s current and future staffing needs".

He said: "In my short time on the council, I have unfortunately seen several instances of similar poor-quality decision making which have included failure to follow due procedures for the election of members to council committees, abolition of non-council community involvement in monitoring the neighbourhood plan, failure to follow the council’s own procedures in pursuing a complaint made against a member of the council’s staff and the improper restriction of documents to certain members of the council on the grounds of confidentiality but on the evidence of which all members of the council were required to make a decision.

"Moreover, there have recently been quite unjustified ad hominem criticisms of the motives of former hard-working councillors and others which demean the meetings of a public authority.

"I apologise for the time and expense caused by a council vacancy but believe I have no option but to resign at this time. I wish you well for the remainder of your Mayoral term."

Councillor Edgcumbe Venning confirmed that he had received Mr Toft's letter of resignation.

He said: "I naturally have concern as to its content but, at this stage, cannot make a formal response.

"The time and place for comments is at town council meetings to which the public are welcome to attend.

"All procedures and practices are clearly recorded in the council meeting minutes which demonstrate thorough transparency.

"No further comments are considered appropriate at this time."

A request can now be made for the returning officer to hold an election to fill the vacancy.

Requests must be made by August 8.

If a request to hold an election is not received during the permitted time, the council must co-opt a person to fill the vacancy.

The returning officer’s address is Electoral Services, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND.

For more information visit www.muchwenlock-tc.gov.uk