The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor, Barbara Brodigan, will not face an investigation into an allegation that she sent in a letter of resignation on behalf of another councillor without his permission.
Councillor Sid Hawke, recently changed sides again, no longer backing the Mayor and returned to the Independent group.
He says he was thinking of quitting but changed his mind and decided to stay on.
Cllr Hawke says he had visited Cllr Brodigan’s home and discussed the wording of a letter of resignation but expected to be asked to approve the draft and sign it.
On Thursday (23 October) he says he received notification from the Locum Town Clerk that he had accepted a letter of resignation from him, and would be advising North Yorkshire Council that a casual vacancy would exist.
That led to him contacting the police and giving a statement over the weekend.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed today: “The report has been reviewed by the Economic Crime Unit and there is no evidence to support a criminal offence. No further action will be taken.”
Councillor Barbara Brodigan, a Lib Dem, told a meeting in Ripon on Monday that the allegation was deeply damaging and defamatory . She said her reputation matters deeply to her and the accusations were extremely harmful.
A group of 10 residents have pushed for a Parish Poll to try and achieve a vote of no confidence in her. That is currently on hold while a question is decided on.
At Monday’s meeting at Holy Trinity Church a motion of no confidence was voted against by people in the public gallery. That did not affect the move to hold a Parish Poll though as there were the necessary 10 people in favour.
Around 12,000 residents would get a chance to vote. Any negative result for Cllr Brodigan would not be legally binding though.
