Resignation from Swaffham Town Council as mayor strongly refutes claims

A former deputy mayor has resigned from his position as a town councillor today.

Keith Sandle has announced he will no longer be a Swaffham town councillor.

He claimed mayor Jill Skinner was responsible for his decision due to allegations of bullying, which she has strongly refuted.

Mr Sandle had previously stepped down from his position as deputy mayor in October, but wrote to Mrs Skinner this morning to inform her that he was resigning.

He shared the message he sent to the mayor with the Lynn News. In it he said he could "no longer tolerate the contempt that you show me". He said he felt belittled and bullied.

Mrs Skinner responded to Mr Sandle's resignation and also shared her letter with the Lynn News.

She wrote: "Dear Keith, I am sorry to receive your resignation from Swaffham Town Council. I can't accept responsibility for you feeling you need to resign from the town council. It is your personal choice to do so.

"These have been difficult times for us all and some have reacted or coped better than others.

"I have never belittled you or any other councillor and always act in a respectful way to everyone. I am very sad to lose you as a councillor and that it has not lived up to your expectations.

"Public life in local government can be the biggest challenge for all who remain councillors. Please take care of yourself and all the very best for the future. Kind regards, Jill."

Mr Sandle said it is with "deep regret and a heavy heart" that he decided to resign as a councillor.