On Monday evening, December 11 at 6:30pm there was a meeting of Rye town council at the town hall. In attendance were 16 councillors and the meeting was chaired by our mayor, Andi Rivett.
Normally the public gallery would have a handful (at most) of interested visitors, but this was no ordinary meeting, as under item No 96 on the agenda was the Appointment of Mayor Elect, 2024-2025. An important decision was to be discussed as the existing mayoral appointment comes to an end in May 2024 after a two year term. Two years has been the accepted term of office for many years other than one three year exception in recent times, but as our current mayor had offered to extend his term to three years an election was required, which formed the basis for the discussion. On a historical note, EF Benson. the famous author and Rye resident served a three year term as mayor from 1934-1937.
Standing room only
The public gallery was full with many standing to witness this special and unusual scenario where councillors would be entering largely uncharted waters. There were two candidates to be considered / proposed for the post of mayor: our existing mayor, Andi Rivett and our existing deputy mayor Andy Stuart. Each candidate was invited to recite their manifesto and then each councillor was given the opportunity to question each nominee. Following this, council members were asked to vote for their chosen candidate.
Overall, the debate focused less on capability and more on continuity versus convention. Councillors were asked to vote on whether the public could speak but the majority of councillors refused this. It was somewhat disappointing that neither the proposers or candidates addressed their plans for tackling the current and future challenges facing Rye – despite the agreed council priority list being mentioned (albeit very briefly) later in the meeting. Andi Rivett stressed the importance of maintaining current relationships and programmes, such as the complex swimming pool recovery plan, while Andy Stuart pointed out the long-standing practice of appointing the deputy mayor after each two-year cycle to bring in new thinking. Both candidates stressed their commitment to Rye and promised a dedicated approach to their mayoralty, if elected.
The public in the gallery waited eagerly while this process was finalised, the votes being announced by Rye town clerk Richard Farhall who kept the meeting on track throughout the proceedings and read out the results. There was one abstention, Andi Rivett received seven votes, Andy Stuart received eight votes and by due process Andy Stuart has been nominated mayor-elect, taking office as mayor in May 2024.
At the end of the election several councillors expressed appreciation at the depth of public involvement, with a wish that it would continue. In particular it was noted that an insufficient number of people registered as council candidates at the last election, and as a result no vote took place, and councillors were appointed automatically.
Rye News supports this view and believes that this lack of engagement in local politics does not properly serve local democracy and the Rye community. We will continue to campaign to encourage public participation in local government and try to ensure that we have the widest possible pool of candidates, from across all areas of our community, at the next council elections.
The remainder of the meeting continued but as the councillors then voted to request the press to leave, we left chambers. Confidentiality rules required the press and public to be excluded for an agenda point on the Rother local plan. Indeed one councillor asked that we could stay.
It was a fascinating insight, a little disjointed at times but if you are interested in local politics, or even becoming a Rye town councillor, then do go to the next meeting and see what it’s all about. Judging by the huge upturn in visitor numbers for last Monday’s meeting it’s obvious that the public feel passionately about some issues and Rye News will continue to report on them.
Image Credits: Nick Forman .
Of course many people who attended were passionate that Andi Rivitt be given a 3rd term as mayor,for the outstanding work that he has done for our town,whilst in office,interestingly no mention,who was nominated to be the deputy mayor,next year, or will that be another secret ballot.
As usual, the appointment of a Deputy Mayor Elect will be considered in March – in time for the formal (lawful) elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor in May.
There was no secret ballot for the appointment of a Mayor Elect – it was a signed ballot.
I always say to my wife, RTC is the best show in town, from the moment Paul Goring enters stage right with a stentorian bellow! It’s fabulous to see people invested in local politics, and I think regardless of the outcome, we know we’ve got a great mayor for the next five months and another experienced one to follow – ably supported by the town councillors. At a time of national upheaval, that’s good news.
Good luck to Andy Stuart. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, I agree with the convention that the town Mayor should serve two years in the post. Although it’s mainly an honorific title, the mayorship should be open to as wide a range of people as possible, so that different views can be represented and that democracy is encouraged. Mr Rivett has done a fine job, but it doesn’t mean he should get another year just because he wants it. Remember that Mr Rivett’s wife also held the mayorship and keeping it in the family is not a particularly good look for local democracy. Having two members of the same family on RTC is undesirable, whatever the personal merits of the people involved, which I don’t dispute. There should be more diversity in the names of those who appear as Rye town Mayors and councillors as certain families have undoubtedly dominated the mayoral post and councillor positions in the past. This have given them undeserved influence. Personally, I’d like to see a Mayor who’s not a business owner, substantial landowner, or ancient family member. I’d encourage more people to apply for Rye Town Council positions as councillors in future.
To be fair there have been many locals who have represented Rye on the council and as Mayor, those I know include a firefighter, bus driver, school teachers, someone I grew up with, a mates Mum and so on.
Business owners and retired gentry and ladies are always going to be prominent, they have the means and the time to dedicate to it.
So what are the powers of the town council? it appears that every time there’s an issue all the various councils slope their shoulders and pass the buck.
I too couldn’t see why the Mayor should get another year for the reason of enjoying it, can it not be written into the constitution that a Mayor serves for two years only.
I have nothing but admiration for all that Andi has done and hopefully will do in the future but let’s hope all the council members get behind the new Mayor including those that didn’t vote for him.
I personally don’t have any idea who he is so look with interest to an introduction via this site.
A parish/town council cannot restrict the number of times its councillors can be elected chairman/mayor. Strictly speaking, when councllors decide who should be chairman for the coming year, they should select the councillor they believe would make the best chairman.
It is good to see Democracy at work in Rye and I am delighted that Andy Stuart has been elected as our new Mayor. He and his wife have always worked hard for our Rye community. Although I appreciate the work of both of our previous mayors, Mr. and Mrs. Rivett, I agree with both Tony Edwards and Edward’s comments that term limits should be considered. I would support a two-term limit. Wanting to continue in a job should not be a mandate for doing so.
I was disappointed that one of the councillors abstained from voting particularly when the result was so close. However I do wish Andy Stuart every success in his new role. In regard to Andy and Rebecca I don’t feel that words can describe how much they have done and do for our lovely town, always being so committed and going beyond the line of duty. I am pleased to hear that they will both continue as councillors.
I am very surprised that a councillor abstained from such an important vote, given the vote was for whoever will do their best for Rye and the community.
I wish Andy Stuart all the very best in the role.
I’d just like to know how this is democracy in action. Never saw a vote. Are you telling me a majority of 16 councillors voted him in. Nothing against him but I don’t know his politics ideas etc. lived here for 8 years so I’d like to know.