A by-election is set to be called on Thursday, July 31 following
the resignation of Councillor Kate Waddell from her seat
representing Witnesham on Suffolk Coastal District Council.
First elected in May 2007, she has stood down with immediate
effect because she was unable to give the role the time it needed
because of increasing work pressures.
“I have enjoyed my time as Councillor for the Witnesham ward and
the responsibilities I was given. However, due to increased
workload, my daily commute, regular international travel and
increased work responsibilities, I am unable to continue in this
role,” said Kate Waddell.
“I felt it unfair to those that elected me to continue in this
position as it is impossible for me to dedicate the necessary time.
I would like to thank the voters and my party for this opportunity
and I am sorry that I am unable to fulfil these commitments,” she
added.
The May 2007 election result for Witnesham was:-
Anthony Scott Labour 119 (17.5% share
of vote)
Kate Anna Waddell Conservative 562
(82.5% share of vote)
The electorate was 1,620 and the turn-out was 42.5%.
“I would like to thank Kate for her efforts as a district
councillor, which is becoming an increasingly important and
time-consuming role. It is a shame that her work demands has forced
her to make this difficult choice but it is again an indication of
her personal qualities that she has chosen to resign rather than
take the risk of not being able to represent the people of her
community in the way they deserve,” said Cllr Ray Herring, Leader
of Suffolk Coastal.
Anyone interested in standing for this vacancy should deliver a
completed nomination form by 12 noon on Friday, July 4. More
information can be obtained by calling Suffolk Coastal’s elections
team on 01394 444329 or visit
www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections/standing/
This resignation leaves the current make of Suffolk Coastal as
follows: - Conservatives 43 seats, Liberal Democrats nine seats,
Labour one seat, Independents one seat and one vacant seat.
Last Thursday (June 19), a by-election was held at Kesgrave to
fill a vacant seat on its Town Council. The Kesgrave East seat was
won by Richard Walking (Conservative) with 485 votes, against the
339 polled by Claire Briggs on a 12.2 per cent turnout. A vacant
seat in Kesgrave West was filled by Debbie McCallum who was elected
uncontested to take her place on the Town
Council.