Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council.

Resignation of Chairman.

Bob Baxter has resigned from the chairmanship of the Parish Council, and all Parish Council committees, as of 13th November.  He felt he could not continue to lead the Council following the recent resignations of both the Clerk and the Responsible Financial Officer. These officers, although well qualified for their posts, stated, in leaving,  that they regretted being unable to form an effective working  partnership with their chairman.  Such a relationship between chairman and his/her paid officers is essential to the operation of any parish council. Cllr Baxter considered it best to step down before the appointment of replacement staff.

The recent official finding that he had been in contravention of the Parish Council’s Code of Conduct in not declaring an interest in an item at a Parish Council meeting in 2007, also indicated that it was time to withdraw.

Bob has offered to remain as a ‘backbench’ councillor until a new chairman is appointed, or the Annual General Meeting, whichever is the sooner.
Bob expressed the pleasure he had derived from serving the community in his twelve years with the Parish Council, and appreciated the support he had received from colleagues, especially during his time in the chair.