By-elections due as four councillors quit

Apr 28 2009 By Russell Butt

BOROUGH by-elections will be held on June 4, after four Runnymede councillors stepped down from their posts this spring.

The vacancies have become available in four seperate wards after the resignations of Andrew Mills, representing Virginia Water, Jack Perschke, Englefield Green West, and husband and wife pairing, Ian and Mary Angell of Egham Hythe and Woodham, respectively.

Mr Mills was elected to council in 2007. Shortly after getting his post, he got a job as an account executive for BP Oil worldwide, which involved regular trips abroad making him unable to commit to his ward responsibilities. During his tenure he held a position on the Standards and Audit Committee.

Ex-soldier and aid worker, Mr Perschke left his post to pursue a parliamentary position in Derby South, Derbyshire. He was elected in May 2007 and represented numerous committees where he was noted for his rigorous debate.

Professor of Information Systems at the London School of Economics, Ian Angell, is a published author and was previously a lecturer of computer science at Royal Holloway, University of London. He was elected to his role in 2007, but due to increased work commitments at the School of Economics he felt it was better for him to step down.

Mrs Angell was an ex-chairman of Runnymede Council's Planning Committee, and a committee member until her resignation. Increased commitments to her role as a Surrey County Councillor resulted in her decision to step-down jointly with her husband.

Council leader, John Furey, commended the professionalism of the four ex-councillors and said he felt their replacements had equally sound credentials.

He said: "The four councillors each brought to Runnymede Borough Council, extensive knowledge and experience.

"The demands on local councillors increase daily but we will be fortunate in having candidates who have offered to stand for election and again the quality background and experience they will bring to the council is exceptional."