A COUNCIL candidate who missed out on her seat because of an electoral mistake has been denied her place again.

Karen Groucott received more than 300 votes in May’s local election, so it was therefore a surprise to some when her husband Peter Groucott was announced as one of the winners - despite polling the third lowest number of votes with 189 - and she did not get a seat.

But when the returning officer read out Mr Groucott’s name as a councillor for Silloth town council by mistake, electoral law dictated the result announced in error must stand.

Attempts were made to rectify the mistake, and Mr Groucott stepped down. However, someone who didn’t stand for the local elections in May at all has now been co-opted onto the council in Mrs Groucott’s place.

Members voted in favour of Paul Donald by five votes to four, in a move that has provoked uproar among councillors who wanted to see the vote of the town’s people respected, with three walking out in disgust after the vote of the secret ballot was revealed.

Mrs Groucott, a higher level teaching assistant, said:”If I’m honest I didn’t know how to feel. It’s not right that they’ve gone against the vote of the people.”

Her husband, an IT consultant, added: “I think the five that voted for Paul should step aside - they didn’t go with what the town wanted.

“What we want to know is why did these five councillors go against the wishes of the voters?”

Silloth town council says proper procedure was followed, with the vacancy advertised for 14 days as required by law, and because there was no request for an election, the town council could then proceed with co-opting.

They added that on June 10, Mr Donald received the majority of votes and was co-opted onto the council.

Councillor John Cook, who voted in favour of Karen, said: “Silloth is a brilliant community and we mustn’t let this cloud us for the future.

“I am not debating if I want to stand for the community I always want to listen and respect the voters and community’s wishes so I will not take my decision lightly.”