William Eichler 10 July 2023

East Devon chief exec urged to resign

The chief executive of East Devon District Council has been called on to resign after the publication of a report into the council's handling of serious allegations against a councillor.

The independent report by Verita said that it had found ‘no reliable evidence’ that Mark Williams was aware of an investigation into the former councillor John Humphreys.

However, the council’s Labour Group argues that a line from a 2016 meeting that states that Mr Williams had been ‘alerted to the situation’ proves that he is ‘guilty of serious failings’.

‘As a result, the EDDC Labour Group no longer has confidence in your ability to perform the role of CEO and we urge you to resign with immediate effect,’ reads an email sent to the CEO by the Labour Group.

Former Exmouth mayor and EDDC councillor Mr Humphreys was convicted in 2021 of three counts of serious sexual assault and seven of indecent assault against two boys in the 1990s and 2000s. He was jailed for 21 years.

Mark Williams has been contacted for comment.

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