by Sam Hawcroft
A petition calling for Withernsea’s mayor to serve a second term has attracted more than 180 signatures – and its organiser is now urging supporters to attend next week’s town council meeting to make their feelings known.
Dave Penson launched the Save Our Mayor campaign after asking councillors to allow Cllr Kristina Richardson to remain in office beyond May 2027
Paper and electronic versions of the petition have been circulated, while posters have appeared at locations around Withernsea.
Dave said: “I am overwhelmed by the support of local people. I knew Kristina was well respected, hence the petition, but she should be proud of what she has done and the lovely messages of support. She is a true star.”
He said the campaign had the backing of ward councillors Jon Dimberline and Lyn Healing, and claimed most town councillors had remained silent when the issue was raised at September’s meeting.
Cllrs Felicity Walmsley and Ian Blackburn spoke against extending the present mayor’s term, arguing that the council’s annual rotation gave other members a fair opportunity to take on the role.
However, no decision was made and the issue is due to return for formal discussion at the next meeting on Monday, October 12.
Mr Penson believes his petition may not be accepted formally because it does not comply with the town council’s petitions policy, but said it still demonstrated the strength of public feeling.
He is calling on supporters to arrive at the Meridian Centre by 6.50pm at the latest, ahead of the meeting at 7pm. Those attending will be offered a star badge to show their support for Cllr Richardson.
Dave said he wanted councillors to answer a straightforward question: if they remain in office next May, would they vote to re-elect her?
Town clerk Carole Brattan confirmed that any petition presented to the council would have to comply with its adopted policy.
However, she said councillors could still take account of the level of public interest and discuss whether they wished to retain the current annual rotation or consider changing it.
Mrs Brattan said: “We are tied by legislation. The legislation states that the chairman and vice-chairman are elected by the elected members of the council, not by the public.
“The council will have the opportunity at the meeting to decide whether it wants to continue with the arrangements as they are or consider changing them in May.
“The petition might not be valid under the policy, but councillors can still see the strength of feeling and discuss it. Ultimately, though, it is the council that decides.”
Under Section 15 of the Local Government Act 1972, the mayor must be elected annually by councillors from among the council’s elected members, with the vote taking place as the first item of business at the annual council meeting.
However, the legislation does not prevent the same councillor from being re-elected for a consecutive term. Councillors could therefore indicate before May that they intend to reconsider the present rotation, but the formal decision on who serves as mayor could not be made until the annual meeting.
Mrs Brattan added that the scheduled town council elections in May 2027 created further uncertainty because it was not yet known which present councillors would be returned or whether new candidates would stand.
She said: “We don’t know who is going to be in position next year.
“The public have the opportunity to elect the councillors and there may be more people who decide they want to stand.”
She also warned that attendance at Monday’s meeting may have to be limited because the council chamber has a maximum capacity of 30 people.
Other rooms at the Meridian Centre are currently booked, meaning the meeting cannot readily be moved to a larger space. If attendance exceeds the chamber’s capacity, numbers may have to be restricted for health and safety reasons.
