Councillor resigns in 'bias' allegation

The row at Sowerby Parish Council centres on co-opting three new councillors.

The authority had three places available but five names were put forward to fill them.

Steve Hoyland, who had served as a parish councillor for 12 years, had planned to stand at the last election, but he failed to hand in his papers on time.

Instead, he applied to be co-opted - but only gained one vote, made by Councillor Don Cartridge.

This was not enough and he was not selected.

This led to Coun Cartridge accusing his colleagues of biased voting before resigning from his own position.

He said at a parish council meeting on Thursday: "I think it's a slap in the face for Steve Hoyland and all of the work he has done for this council.

"I think there has been a meeting and it was decided to vote against him. I know people get together and it's most unfair.

"I can't continue on this council and I am resigning."

The co-option vote saw Bill Austin, Holly Bainbridge and Pat Chapman elected to the council.

But six other members of the parish council all denied any advance meeting had taken place.

Councillor Mark Robson, leader of the council, said at the same meeting: "I am sorry to see you go, but I can assure you no discussion went on about this.

"We have all had the vote and it's sad you are resigning considering you have done so much good for the community.

"But I am not going to be blackmailed and you told me you would resign if we didn't re-elect Steve Hoyland."

Councillor Andrew Turner said: "It's ridiculous and I have not been in any discussions about supporting people.

"If he has said he will resign if we don't vote Steve Hoyland back on then surely that's an unfair vote too. He would have been trying to force the vote and that's even worse."

Coun Cartridge's sudden resignation means another vacancy needs to be filled on the council.

This could be through co-option, but if ten names are put forward for the role a by-election will have to be held.