Fresh doubts over Whitchurch town clerk position
A town council in Shropshire was in limbo today after the man publicly named as its new £35,000-a-year town clerk confirmed he has 'no plans' to leave his current job.
Civic leaders in Whitchurch announced Lee Jakeman, who is currently Newport town clerk, as their new clerk at a heated meeting in front of more than 20 residents this month.
But today Mr Jakeman has said he is staying put in Newport.
Councillor Peggy Mullock, mayor of Whitchurch, and temporary office manager Richard Thomas both declined to comment today.
The latest twist raises fresh questions for civic leaders in Whitchurch about how long residents there will have to wait until former town clerk Peter Martin's shoes are filled. Mr Martin was suspended in November last year before resigning in July after five years in the job.
Councillor John Stokes, chairman of Whitchurch Town Council's staffing committee, announced Mr Jakeman's appointment at the meeting on November 8, when he also revealed consultants were hired to assist with the recruitment process.
Councillor Stokes today dismissed claims that Mr Jakeman had been unveiled prematurely. But he confirmed there is 'no start date' for the new clerk, adding that an announcement will be made at a town council meeting on December 6.
He said: "It's in the hands of our consultants at the moment."
Mr Jakeman said: "I'm still the town clerk in Newport. I'm gainfully employed at Newport Town Council, where there are some big projects under way. I'm happy to see these through, and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead of us."
It comes after fresh demands from residents to know the reasons behind the departure of Mr Martin.
By Tom Johannsen
