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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 May 11 to the returning officer at County Hall, in Newport.
If the seat is contested, an election will be held on June 8.
Submissions to fill Mr Corbett’s will take place at a later date.
PCC Urges People To Hand In Blades To Curb Knife Crime Epidemic
Isle Of Wight Council Signs Tobacco Control Declaration In Commitment To Smoke-Free Future
Hoarding Removed From Ryde Interchange To Reveal Smart Glazed Exterior
Levelling Up Minister Pays Visit To Isle Of Wight To Address £20m Ryde Investment Plans
HRH The Princess Royal Meets East Wight Primary School Children Learning To Sail In Seaview
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
