Residents in Lake North look set to head to the polls once again on Thursday 2nd October, just 5 months after electing David Maclean, who resigned yesterday (Tuesday) amid mounting pressure over his lack of presence.
The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that a by-election will be held for the Lake North Electoral Division, following receipt of the required number of requests from local electors.
Those wishing to stand for election must hand-deliver thier nomination papers to County Hall before 5th September. If more than one candidate is nominated, locals will go to the polls on Thursday 2nd October.
Island Echo understand’s the Conservative’s Adrian Whittaker will once again stand for election, having come a close second to Reform’s David Maclean in May’s by-election.
Councillor Maclean resigned just 3 months into his role as county councillor for Lake North, following criticism for missing 3 key committee meetings and concerns from residents about his visibility in the local community, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The Reform UK councillor is said to have been dealing with a personal bereavement.
Maclean clearly never took his election seriously. Now there will have to be a further by-election at significant cost to the taxpayer. Maclean should be required to cover the cost since the cause of that process is his and his alone.