A date has been set for a parish poll called by a group of residents of Ripon to assess public confidence in the city’s mayor.
Mayor Barbara Brodigan has branded the poll - due to be held on November 27th - a politically motivated waste of taxpayers’ money.
But the proposer of the poll, Ripon resident Brian McHugh, said it would give electors the chance to give their views on the state of Ripon City Council, which has seen staff resignations and a fall-out among councillors in recent weeks.
The poll, which is being organised by North Yorkshire Council, will ask Ripon residents if they have confidence in Cllr Brodigan.
It will take place between 4pm and 9pm next Thursday, with four polling stations operating on the day.
The poll was arranged after more than ten residents voted for it to take place at a parish meeting.
The meeting was held after weeks of upheaval at the council, which has seen three members of staff resign.
The former mayor, Councillor Jackie Crozier, also stood down from the position, as did former leader, Councillor Andrew Williams, and deputy leader, Councillor Peter Horton.
Mr McHugh said he was “grateful that the people of Ripon would be allowed to voice their opinion”.
He added:
“Although attempts were made to challenge this democratic process, through a variety of means, it is reassuring that legal processes have been upheld.
“Ripon City Council remains in a state of paralysis and this parish poll will give 12,000 electors a chance to indicate what they think of this current issue.”
Mr McHugh said it would be a “historic result” if the people of Ripon said they had no confidence in the current mayor.
But Cllr Brodigan said the poll was taking place despite the majority of residents who attended the parish meeting voting to support her.
She added:
“The poll is politically motivated by a few people who have an axe to grind because their friend resigned as mayor.
“It is not legally binding and is an absolute waste of money, of the parish precept.
“I will not take responsibility for the decision that 13 people have made to hold the poll.”
Parish polls can be held at the request of at least ten electors.
North Yorkshire Council estimated that the cost to Ripon City Council of the poll would be between £5,000 and £6,000.
A by-election will take place tomorrow (THURSDAY) for the Ure Bank ward in Ripon following the resignation of Councillor Jo Bate.
The result of the by-election could determine whether the groups led by Cllr Brodigan or Cllr Williams have the majority of councillors and control of the city council going forward.
For more information on the parish poll, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/parish-polls
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