The former chairwoman of Arbroath Community Council has ruled out making a resignation U-turn.
Patricia Millar one of the longest-serving members of any community council in Angus announced her decision to resign ahead of Wednesday night’s meeting.
Quoting Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, Mrs Millar told The Courier: ”From one Iron Lady to quote another Iron Lady ‘The lady’s not for turning’.”
Mrs Millar said there was a reason behind her decision to resign after 24 years’ service and she would not be returning because ”the situation in my mind has not changed”. She said the reasons will remain private.
Mrs Millar’s move was followed by another letter of resignation this time from Laura Thomson, the secretary. It had been suggested that Mrs Millar’s decision to quit was because of a power struggle, but that has been denied by community council member Kevin Barthorpe.
Mr Barthorpe had raised concerns previously about ”the powers held by the chair” but insisted his concerns were about the democratic process rather than Mrs Millar.
He said he was not looking to take up the role and urged Mrs Millar to reconsider.
On Monday, Mrs Millar said: ”I will not reconsider my position. The situation in my mind has not changed.”
Mrs Millar said she has been overwhelmed by the support from the Arbroath public and councillors since announcing her decision to step down.
She said: ”I’d like to thank the Angus councillors who have been very supportive to me at this time. The words from those who contacted me were most appreciated.
”I also have to say that since I announced my decision to resign I have received numerous phone calls of support from ordinary people of the town.”
She added: ”I was utterly astounded. It has been fantastic to know people have appreciated what I have tried to do.”
Mrs Millar joined the community council in 1987 and had been chairwoman since 2006.