Thomas Bridge 12 May 2014

Council leader resigns over ‘toxic behaviour’

Thanet District Council leader Clive Hart has resigned following a spate of ‘toxic behaviour’ from local councillors.

In an emotional Facebook statement titled ‘Enough is enough!’, Hart said the actions of a ‘tiny minority of councillors’ had overshadowed ‘all the good work’ of the town hall.

A review undertaken by the Local Government Association recently demanded ‘sustained and rapid improvement’ at the town hall after uncovering cases of ‘extremely corrosive’ behaviour.

Hart urged the council to now act ‘swiftly to lobby government to put in place protection for local leadership at both officer and councillor levels’.

‘I would not wish the same situation I have had to face, on anyone,’ he added.

Thanet DC confirmed deputy leader, Cllr Alan Poole, would act as interim leader for the council until the town hall AGM this Thursday.

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care - North EssexPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Coroners Coordinator

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26632.0000 per annum
Coroners CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £26,632 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Discharge to Assess

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester in late July 2026.This advert is open to Experienced Qualified Social Worker's About Our England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Organisational Development Adviser

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
43545 - 55992
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

School Crossing Patroller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Pro Rata Salary - £5353,77
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner