Local authority responds after resignation
Douglas Council says it’s sorry to lose a valued member – but it has to comply with the law of the land.
The local authority has released a statement after Victoria ward Councillor Jonathan Joughin stepped down because he was no longer on the electoral register.
Mr Joughin’s name was removed from the list during changes to the electoral register earlier this year, and by law a councillor must be on the voters’ rolls.
Today the council says advice from its advocates makes it clear you have to be on the register of electors to qualify for election or serve on the Council.
But it says it would be quite wrong for the council to allow someone ineligible to take part in meetings and vote on important issues knowing any decision taken could be open to challenge.
And it adds Douglas Borough Council very much regrets the loss of a well respected councillor but is conscious it must comply with the law of the land as set by Tynwald.
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