Cull of councillors in new member's sights

The newest member of Douglas council says her priority is to cut the number of members at the town hall.

Ann Corlett scored a decisive win in yesterday's by election in St George's ward, polling 274 votes, more than 100 ahead of her nearest rival. 

Four candidates contested the election where turnout was just 27 per cent.

David Buttery came second with 156 votes, while George Campbell and Kevin Oliphant Smith, both seeking election for the third time, polled 93 and 34 respectively. 

Mrs Corlett wants to trim one third off the current 18 strong council membership - because she says there isn't enough for them to do and functions can be carried out more efficiently.

She told John Moss on today's Mandate programme reducing the head count in the council chamber it's something she wants to tackle soon: