EMMA Jane Taylor will continue as Mayor of Ilminster after being re-elected at the annual town council meeting last night (May 13).

No other councillors stood to be Mayor against Cllr Taylor and so she will continue in her role until May 2015.

Cllr Linda Vijeh told councillors she would be standing down from the town council and in her role as Deputy Mayor.

She will continue as the county council representative for the town and said: “I feel as the county councillor for Ilminster elected by the whole population that in order to represent everybody in an effective way this is a better way to do it.

“I am hoping to open up a space on the council for the younger people of Ilminster so they choose to replace my seat.”

Cllr Stuart Shepherd said: “Me and Linda have had a love-hate relationship on the town council but I think she represents the town very well with good reporters and I hope she will continue to do so.

“I thanks her for the work she has done in the past.”

Cllr Taylor added: “Thank you for your support and your acknowledgment to continue supporting us.”

Cllr Andrew Lawson was voted to replace Cllr Vijeh as Deputy Mayor and was voted into the role by a majority vote, with Cllr Vijeh voting against and Cllrs John Pallister and Stuart Shepherd abstaining.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Cllr Andrew Lawson.