Take a running jump says councillor

A COUNCILLOR who won her seat by just three votes has rejected a suggestion she should stand down to allow her rival another chance.
Coun Wendy Emsley retorted: “You can take a running jump. I was duly elected.”
Her narrow victory in the Stockton Heath Parish Council elections in May was one of a number issues which caused a major row last year.
Unsuccessful candidate Patrick Mullee, who was just three votes behind Coun Emsley, was denied the opportunity of a recount because of a blunder on election night.
Subsequent complaints led to an investigation by John Turner, chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, who confirmed that correct procedures had not been followed.
But when Coun Stephen Taylor – another successful candidate in the election – suggested some candidates should stand down to allow Mr Mullee to try again, he got a swift rebuff from Coun Emsley.
She said: “I was duly elected, notified and everything signed – so that’s it.
“If they do a recount you might find that Patrick is 20 votes behind me. This is silly and petty and Mr Mullee and I are on the best of terms.”
Coun Taylor said that because the offer of a recount was not made Mr Mullee was at a “significant disadvantage.”
“There was a mistake – do we rectify it or just carry on,” he said.
Coun Peter Walker said he observed the count and was “surprised” when the close result in Whitefield Ward was not challenged. Appeals had to be lodged within 21 days.
Mr Mullee did appeal – but his letter was delayed by a Bank Holiday and was not opened until after the deadline.
Coun Celia Jordan said it had been a mistake to hold the borough and parish counts at the same time. The borough count took longer than expected and the parish count did not start until about 3.30am.