It is all change at an Yarmouth Town Council as a new Mayor steps up — hoping to bring peace to the fractious meetings – and one of the old guard steps down.
At the Yarmouth Town Council (YTC) meeting on Tuesday, Councillor 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 that 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 Councillor Gill Head. Cllr Head has been on the Town Council for 6years, 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, Councillor 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 6 years.
Those looking to join YTC must submit their nomination papers by 16:00 on 11th May to the returning officer at County Hall, in Newport. If the seat is contested, an election will be held on 8th June. Submissions to fill Mr Corbett’s seat will take place at a later date.
Debbie congratulations and good luck, but suggest keeping the Cowley’s on a short lead, then perhaps the Yarmouth Town Council will prosper and bring back some of the credibility .. it has lost over the years …be like the days of Stuart Dyer, he had all the pre requisite qualities to be an outstanding Cllr and Mayor ..
Panic over – normal service resumed. Buckle-up for more back-seat driving from Bumptious Senior and Bumptious Junior.
Well done Debbie ! Absolutely delighted for you, kick Yarmouth in to the current times. Don’t let the bullies grids you down …. And they will try !
Stand by your guns & go girl !
Well done Debbie! Your dad is a Yarmouth legend, he would be proud bless him! Congrats!