Councillor Ian Razzell (Independent) has resigned from Rutland County Council, effective immediately. 

Cllr Razzell resigned from the Conservative Party on the 9th of May 2022. 

Cllr Razzell's resignation came after a slew of changes within Rutland County Council, including the resignation of Cllr Hemsley, Cllr Harvey, and Cllr Razzell himself from the Conservative group on the 6th of May 2022. 

However, since this breakaway from the once majority holding Conservative Party, Cllr Razzell has left the Council's Cabinet and resigned his role as a Ward Member for Oakham South.

Cllr Razzell said: "Effective today at 13:04 hrs It is with regret that I offer this, my immediate resignation from Council and all elected positions. 

"It has been the privilege of my time in Rutland to support residents and the veteran family but I cannot compromise further on values and standards and the power plays that go on amongst members must be accountable, only to those who determine them. In this case, that is elected members. 

"I thank all Officers for their support and residents for their frank engagement. 

"Values and Standards are binary." 

Cllr Razzell's resignation also leaves Rutland County Council without an Armed Forces Champion.

Cllr Razzell added: "It's important to me that the Armed Forces family (which I remain part of) hear from me on why I have resigned from the Council.

"Principally, the values and standards of a 37 year career in the Army are binary and at odds with the actions and plans of a number of elected members.

"When the Armed Forces family are referred to as "only 20% of the population", I have to respond and defend.

"I remain indebted to our superb Officers and am grateful to those members who were and continue to be, supportive to the military family. It is for others that we serve.

"In Arduis Fidelis."

A Notice of Vacancy will be published on the Rutland County Council website.