PETER Critchard, the first Mayor of Wellington, has resigned as a councillor for ‘personal reasons’ after being a member for 17 years.

The 71-year-old who represents Wellington East, said yesterday: “I would like to thank all councillors for their support over the years. Wellington has been a good town to me and my family.”

Mr Critchard was Mayor in 2008 and 2009 and was first elected in a by-election in 2001.

Town clerk Greg Dyke said: “The procedure now is that in the event of a casual vacancy occurring, the town clerk is required, in accordance with Rule 8 of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) Rules 1986, to give notice of vacancy.

“A copy of that notice is attached. The notice must advise that any ten registered electors for the electoral area for which the vacancy has arisen, may, within 14 days of the notice of the vacancy, give notice in writing to the proper officer of Taunton Deane Borough Council, requesting that an election be held to fill the vacancy.

“An election shall then be held on a day appointed by the returning officer and must be a day falling within the period of 60 days – computed in accordance with election rules – beginning with the day on which the public notice of vacancy was given. 

“If less than ten requests to hold an election are received the town council shall fill the vacancy by co-option. You will see that I have earmarked the date of the next council meeting, 2 July, as the date when a co-option will be made should the need arise.”