I was shocked at the so called “sacking” of Paul Millar. Here we have a young man interested in getting involved in local politics who should be supported not pilloried for his lack of experience.

In taking on the leadership of a team of Independents perhaps Ben Ingham an experienced Councillor and ex party member has not quite grasped that he is now the manager of individuals not a party gang that he can whip into order .

Leadership in this scenario requires nurturing your team. Working out their strengths and weaknesses and if you see people struggling, stepping in with support and encouragement.

Above all , as presented in the reports that I have read so far, he should not be taking the side of paid officials who are there to advise and deliver what the Councillors decide.

I get the impression that the current Senior Management team in EDDC that he lauds is so used to calling all the shots for years , that a new young broom presenting what they perceive as a challenge to the existing power structure needs to be flattened and crushed from the outset.

Anybody who has changed jobs and become a new boss will know that in the early stages of a new job, it’s always a battle of wills. You will be resented by the old guard who will look for ways to trip you up. That’s where a mentor would come in useful. Charm, persuasion and proving that you have a vision and work hard yourself will usually win through.

So far the new Independent group have badly misread why they were voted in.

People in Exmouth voted for change not continuity. What that means is real transparency, not lip service, being open to feedback and above all listening. The value of listening cannot be emphasised enough. Listen and act. If you find you cannot deliver what people are asking for, tell them why you can’t but offer what else you can do for them.