Ex council boss's resignation vow to save taxpayers cost of by-election
FORMER council boss Derek Vaughan will time his resignation from the local authority to coincide with the next General Election.
He said this would save taxpayers thousands of pounds by avoiding a separate by-election for his Neath North seat.
Councillor Vaughan has also pledged not to claim a penny in allowances from Neath Port Talbot Council after he is sworn in as a member of the European Parliament next month.
Earlier this month he became the sole Labour candidate to become an MEP, following his party's disastrous election showing.
He said: "I am going to finish just before the next General Election, whenever that is called. This will save taxpayers money, because it means they will not have to pay for a by-election. That would have cost around £3,000, but now the need for it will be avoided."
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by JJ, Swansea
Sunday, June 14 2009, 9:15AM
“How on earth can Derek Vaughan be in two places at once. He needs to think this through and either stand down as a MEP or stand down as a councillor. People who you represent deserve more.”
by Wayne, Sandfields, Port Talbot
Saturday, June 13 2009, 7:12PM
“OAP
Unlike you I don't hide behind some letters I use my real name. Nothwithstanding that, if you want me to stand at the next election, perhaps you would be quite happy to pay my election expenses? You are clearly unaware that I have stood in the past and yes I would have saved the voters a lot of money as for a start I would not have claimed any expenses.
I like many people have a lot to complain about when it comes to the vast majority of councillors in NPT because they have no idea of what they are talking about or doing. They may know their party line on a particular issue but when it comes to the legal aspects of things they have no idea so have to ask the officers for information which they are paid to know but don't. Having legal qualifications as well as in economics amongst others I know what I am talking about but if there is something I don't know, I know where to find it.
Most councillors are rank amateurs doing a job which they are incapable of doing. If the officer gives them misleading information which they have tried to give me and didn't like it when I corrected them most councillors will not know any better. There lies our problem. We have the wrong people elected. This is being proven everyday when I and others like me see this having an adverse effect on the people of NPT.
Why shouldn't I speak up? I do live in a democracy don't I?
One problem we have in this country is most people are not prepared to speak up whereas if they did things would be a lot better. But saying that no matter how much anybody speaks up nothing will change until people stop just voting Labour and look for the candidate who is best qualified no matter whether he belongs to any particulay party or is an independent.”
by OAP, Carms
Saturday, June 13 2009, 2:50PM
“Cllr Derek Vaughan is doing his Best yet again to save money for the Tax payers of Neath Port Talbot Council , and some people are trying to Knock him for that. i note Wayne is always moarning about councillors. if he can do better then stand for the Next Election and see what you can do and save for the Tax payers or any other moaner.”
by Hugh, Swansea
Saturday, June 13 2009, 1:10PM
“Is this to save money or to avoid a by-election defeat for Labour?”
by James, Swansea
Saturday, June 13 2009, 1:10PM
“It will save the Taxpayers money (and his credibility), if he goes now as a Councillor, as he clearly is going to be spending more time in the 'European Parliament' and (no doubt the various committees within) and will have a diminishing amount of time on Local Council business and will find it difficult to fully represent the needs of the Electorate in his Local Council Election area. Again, are we seeing Labour's lack of interest or transparency and ultimately, honesty on this matter!?
Jim Sheridan”