THE deputy mayor has stood down from the town council as she announces she is leaving Lyme Regis.
Cllr Kelsey Ellis, who joined the council in May 2019, resigned on 29 September and a councillor vacancy has now been advertised.
The mayor, Cllr Brian Larcombe has thanked Cllr Ellis for her time and commitment and praised her positive input to the council.
Cllr Larcombe said: "It's a pity Kelsey has announced that she is leaving Lyme and vacating her position on the town council.
"In her two years on the council she was elected chair of the Tourism, Community and Publicity committee and followed Cllr Stan Williams as deputy mayor in May of this year.
"She was able to make the kind of constructive input she showed within last week's council committee meeting.
"I wish to thank her for the time and commitment she gave, and the contribution she has made.
"In her resignation letter Kelsey has echoed the statement I made a few months ago about the level of behaviour at meetings and the standards that should be expected.
"The voluntary code of conduct is a constant that must be respected and she supported that ethos.
"We wish Kelsey all the best for her career and whatever the future brings in her new location."
Election of a deputy mayor for the remainder of the 2021-22 council year will take place at the Full Council meeting on 27 October.
Notice of a councillor vacancy has been given today (Monday 4 October 2021) and an election will be held if 10 Lyme Regis electors request one within 14 days of the notice.
This means requests for an election must be received by Dorset Council's returning officer by 22 October 2021.
Dorset Council has confirmed if an election is called, it will take place no later than 29 December 2021.
Requests for an election must be made either in writing to the returning officer, electoral services, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ or by email to elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk