There’s been a swift reaction to the news that former Conservative Councillor Carol Taylor has left the council’s ruling Tory group and joined the Independents on Boston Borough Council.
An early call for a by-election has been made by English Democrat Councillor Elliott Fountain.
In a round robin e-mail to every councillor - plus Lorraine Bush, the council’s Democratic Services Manager - he writes:
“With the recent news that Carol Taylor has left the Conservatives and will be Independent, I think that it is very important that a by-election for the Witham ward takes place at the earliest convenience in the name of democracy, and to give the people a fair chance to decide if they want a Conservative councillor for that ward or in fact want an Independent or otherwise.
“It will be totally unfair to wait three years and ten months to let the public voice their opinions at the ballot box as the Boston Bypass Independents did.
“I do hope that Carol and all elected members can agree on this for many reasons but namely it is the "PUBLIC" that we serve and deserve the chance to vote.
“If costs are given for an excuse not to have a by-election then I will quit and thus create a by-election for Fenside ward anyway - but this is true democracy and people deserve this.
“May I also suggest that if anyone else wants to jump ship or quit to have a by-election, now would be the best time …
“To win a seat under the landslide of the Conservatives and then to go to another group is plain wrong, and it is fair to say that the people of Witham ward used their democratic right to vote in a Conservative candidate.
“So at the very least Carol should stand aside and be replaced by a Conservative councillor.
“Without prejudice
“Kind Regards
“Elliott Fountain”
So far there has been no statement from Councillor Taylor – although we understand that one may be issued later.
Nor have we had any reaction from council leader Peter Bedford.
But as soon as we hear anything, you will be the first to know….

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