New chair elected for Downham Town Council after dramatic walkout

Following last week’s dramatic Downham council walkout, a dwindled council held an extraordinary general meeting on Wednesday night to elect a new chair.

Councillor Robin Pegg was elected to chair the meeting before it was closed to the public.

Mr Pegg is a former Downham mayor who returned to the council earlier this year.

Last week’s meeting saw the resignation of the Mayor Jenny Groom, Deputy Mayor Jackie Westrop and six other councillors.

They cited “bullying and harrasment” as a leading cause for their resignation, as well as a “toxic” atmosphere within the council.

The Downham council has long had conflict within its ranks and made national headlines last year after an explosive online meeting.