New member joins Newtown Town Council as East Ward councillor

Newtown Town Council has co-opted Heidi Rhiann to represent the town’s East Ward.

Ms Rhiann was selected following a vote by a show of hands at the council’s July meeting. She and fellow candidate Zweli Radebe each addressed councillors and answered questions before the vote took place.

After signing her acceptance of office, Ms Rhiann immediately joined councillors for the remainder of the meeting. The Mayor thanked both candidates for putting themselves forward.

A second vacancy has since arisen in East Ward following the resignation of councillor K Mitchell on June 25.

No election was requested for that seat, so the council will also fill it through co-option. A vacancy notice has been published, with applications due by September 14.

Councillors are expected to consider the candidates at the council’s September meeting.