Mayor making stalled by paperwork hiccup
ELY’S new Mayor John Yates had to wait an extra 14 hours to formally take over the reins of the City Council this week - all because of a paperwork technicality.
Three days had to elapse between polling day on Thursday and the Mayor Making Ceremony on Monday night, so although John was elected and robed, he could not sign his official declaration of office until Tuesday morning.
Council clerk Tracey Coulson explained: We had counted three days, but apparently Sundays don’t count. The Local Government Act lays down the rules for this.” It meant former Mayor Brian Ashton had to continue to chair the council meeting.
Cllr Yates says he is very much looking forward to his term of office.
“I am proud and honoured to be Mayor of this city,” he said. “I want to promote youth within Ely, and highlight those young people who are making a contribution to society; I want to run a campaign to promote that.”
The Mayor has served on the council for the last six years, and has lived in the city for 11 years.
“The council will continue its work on devolution; for the city council to take responsibility for services that are more appropriately dealt with by us.
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“For example, we have taken over the CCTV system and we are in discussion about the river front and street trading and pavement licensing.”
