Er, but it wasn’t because they were new councillors, it was because that was what they, as elected councillors, had decided to do, after a debate and a vote.

A (former) town clerk may not agree with it, but it was a legitimate decision which they had every right to take.

Otherwise, councillors would always do what the town clerk (or at EDDC its CEO) instructed them to do. And we wouldn’t want that, would we!

Or, would we be happy for councillors to behave like headless chickens …?

Sorry, but it is democracy at work whether you agree with it or not – as Tory councillors would, and have, said numerous times at the Knowle.

http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/trina_hands_back_sidmouth_freeman_title_1_4196909