A CANDIDATE who stepped aside to avoid a costly by-election has said the money is "better spent elsewhere" and believes all parish councillors should act independently from political parties.
Mike O'Sullivan pulled out of the race to join Warndon Parish Council at the last minute, paving the way for fellow independent Jan Scrine to be elected uncontested on October 18.
The parish council had already paid an estimated £6,000 in December last year to see current chairman Andrew Cross appointed via by-election, just months before full elections in May.
But with 10 people having written to the returning officer following Richard Manser's resignation from the council, another public election was announced to take place next month, rather than by co-option in which current members vote for who they want.
"I made my decision on my own," said Mr O'Sullivan, 44, and of Warndon Villages. "The by-election in November, it didn’t go down very well at all and cost the council thousands. I didn’t want to be responsible for that. It’s money better spent elsewhere."
Mr O'Sullivan also stood in the full May elections and said there's an "element of disappointment" that he wouldn't be joining the council yet again, though he is part of the parish's neighbourhood plan steering group.
He believes being part of a political party may have helped him get appointed, if it had gone to an election, specifically because parties will generally find out about any election often a couple of weeks before the general public. Particularly if it is a party who gather the 10 signatures needed.
But Mr O'Sullivan, who describes himself as "middle of the road" when it comes to politics, said being anything other than independent would feel "hypocritical".
"I think it should be all independents," he said.
Prominent Tory councillors Marc Bayliss and Andy Roberts denied they were the 'M Bayliss' and 'AC Roberts' named on the list of 10 requesters, available at the Guildhall, but spoke in favour of elections over co-opting.
Ms Scrine previously stood in May when she was nominated by an 'Andy C Roberts'.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel