New mayor set to be appointed after councillor steps down due to ‘ongoing health issue’
Ramsey councillor, Steve Corney with former mayor, Doug McIlwain. - Credit: Archant
A new mayor is to be elected in Ramsey this week following the sudden resignation of former post-holder, Doug McIlwain.
Mr McIlwain announced his decision to step down from the position on Sunday, citing an ‘ongoing health issue’, after serving nearly two terms as mayor.
He was voted into the post in 2017 and was re-elected in May this year for a further 12 months.
He was elected alongside deputy mayor, Councillor Steve Corney. Mr McIlwain has also resigned his post as councillor.
In a statement, Mr McIlwain said: “It is with the deepest regret that as of midnight on Sunday, September 7, 2018, I shall step down as both mayor of Ramsey and as a member of Ramsey Town Council.
“I have taken such action due to an ongoing health issue I need to get sorted. I have enjoyed my time on the council and wish my successor all the luck in the world.
“On a personal note, I wish to pay tribute to both the town clerk and his assistant for their professionalism over the past 16 months. It’s been one of the best times of my life working alongside them.”
Most Read
- 1 New mayor of Huntingdon unveiled at annual town council meeting
- 2 Fresh wave of Camp Beagle protests as vans arrive at Wyton complex
- 3 REVEALED: The 'gang of five' who want Dr Nik Johnson gone
- 4 Meet the volunteers making a difference for Ukrainians in Huntingdonshire
- 5 Passengers 'thrown from seats' when train sped through Peterborough
- 6 Rush hour rail disruption between Peterborough and London
- 7 Platinum Jubilee: 100-person laser tag tournament in woods near Huntingdon
- 8 Exclusive look at photograph taken at RAF Warboys from IWM's new The Royal Family in Wartime book
- 9 Suspected sleeping driver with child on board stopped on A1(M)
- 10 Huntingdon dental practice provides free care to Ukrainian refugees
Mr McIlwain spent his time as mayor trying to put Ramsey on the map, by awarding the first freedom of the town, as well as pushing for more development to the area.
He also encouraged retail development in the town and he was on hand to open a new Poundstretcher store in Stocking Fen Road.
He was involved in securing temporary funding to save the number 30 bus service from Ramsey to Huntingdon after Whippet Coaches announced plans to axe it.
Mr McIlwain also served a stint as the mayor of Huntingdon for a term in 2001 and is also chairman of Huntingdon Town Football Club.
A new mayor is to be appointed at the next Ramsey Town Council meeting on Thursday.
