General Discussion

I was intrigued to read in the DG that the new mayor of Dawlish has urged councillors to "keep politics out of the chamber". 

She's absolutely spot on, and I would like to thank her for her candour. I do wonder why though, if this is how she feels, she stood as a Conservative Party candidate in last years town council elections?

It is difficult or near impossible to get elected if you are not part of a group or political party, also it would be highly unlikely that 16 independants could agree on anything

So, she was so desperate to be elected that she decided that she could only do so under the banner of a political party?  I'd rather our town councillors were elected because of their manifesto rather than because of the political party that they're members of.  It's hypocrisy on her part, and it stinks.  In my opinion obviously. 

@Morty Vicker - manifesto's are invariably constructed around details that will encourage people to vote for them more so than actual truths, in my opinion obviously.

I do  not know whether Angela Fenne is a paid-up member of the Conservative party or not, but what I can tell you is that she has done a terrific job as a deputy mayor - and as a member and 'ex-officio' of a number of working groups and committees. Despite her work commitments (and those of her husband Greg) I am confident she will make an excellent mayor also, which was reflected in her being elected unanimously.

I am sure she would be able to give a satisfactory answer to Morty's question - if not, I would suggest waiting for the minutes of the May Town Council Meeting, which I anticipate will carry more information about what was said.

To respond to Taverner's posting, there are six Independent councillors on DTC which would seem to suggest it is not quite as difficult to get elected to the Town Council on an open mandate as might be suggested. Each of them, I am sure, will have their own political views and leanings, but from my perspective of the decisions that have been taken over the last twelve months, each has acted perfectly responsibly (as have other members) with the needs of the Town and its residents uppermost.

It is difficult to look up infomation where I am at the moment, but arn't those 6 indipendants part of a group called something like eyes or voice of Dawlish, a group that I read much about on this site a few years ago who some on here thought were labour under another name. If I am correct then as a group they can get elected. (If my Dawlish political history is wrong, then I apologise)

A bit before my time, Taverner - but a number of Indies either did not re-stand or were not elected in 2015.

@Taverner. I think you are referring to the Voices for Dawlish councillors who were in office 

2011 -2015.

I seem to remember a letter in the Dawlish Gazette shortly after they were elected from an ex Lib Dem councillor having a pop at them (or some of them) claiming that they were really Labour people. I have no idea if that is or was true. But I do know that I wrote a letter in response saying words to the effect of "and your point is?".

I am still of that opinion.

For all I, or any of us know, some of the Independents on the council at the moment may be closet Tories, Lib Dems, Labour, Green or UKIP.