A Turbulent Time in Stretton Parish Council

A Turbulent Time in Stretton Parish Council

Stretton Parish Council has recently experienced a period of significant upheaval and controversy. The resignation of Chairman John Stokes has brought to light a series of issues surrounding financial transparency, conflict of interest, and the overall direction of the council.

The role of the parish clerk, Debbie Rolfe, has also come under scrutiny. Stokes accuses her of many things. He expresses concern about her qualifications and her repeated resignations and reappointments.

In the wake of these departures, the parish council is facing multiple vacancies and the challenge of rebuilding trust with the community. The appointment of Shani Storey as the new chair and the search for a new clerk are crucial steps in restoring stability and transparency to the council.

As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how the remaining councillors will address the issues raised by Stokes and work to regain the confidence of the residents of Stretton.

This week Kevin Hawkes has joined the Parish Council, he was elected uncontested. 

following the resignation of Paul Finlay this week, Rutland County Council have issued the following notice.

NOTICE OF VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR

STRETTON PARISH COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

Pursuant to section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, that as a

result of the resignation of Paul Finlay, a vacancy exists in the office of

Councillor for Stretton Parish Council.

If by 4 December 2024 (14 days* after the date of this notice), a request

for an election to fill the said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning

Officer at Catmose, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HP by TEN electors for

the said Parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise

the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

MARK ANDREWS

RETURNING OFFICER

Date: 14 November 2024

* In computing any period of time for this purpose, a Saturday, Sunday, day of the Christmas break,

of the Easter break or of a bank holiday or day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning

must be disregarded.

“The Christmas break” means the period beginning with the last week day before Christmas Eve

and ending with the first week day after Christmas Day which is not a bank holiday, “the Easter

break” means the period beginning with the Thursday before and ending with the Tuesday after

Easter Day, and “a bank holiday break” means any bank holiday not included in the Christmas

break or Easter break and the period beginning with the last weekday before that bank holiday

and ending with the next week day which is not a bank holiday.