Oakham Deputy Mayor Cllr Douthwaite Resigns in Dramatic Fashion

 Oakham Deputy Mayor Cllr Douthwaite Resigns in Dramatic Fashion

Oakham Town Council was the scene of an extraordinary and highly unusual event this evening as Deputy Mayor, Councillor Douthwaite, dramatically resigned from her post. The resignation, effective immediately, unfolded publicly and involved the Town Clerk reading out a highly unprofessional and sharply worded letter while Ms Douthwaite herself observed from the public gallery.

An Unprecedented Resignation Reading

The routine business of the Town Council meeting was disrupted by the announcement of Cllr Douthwaite's resignation. In a move described by some attendees as highly irregular, the Town Clerk took the floor and proceeded to read the full contents of Ms Douthwaite’s resignation letter aloud to the Council and those in attendance.

The contents of the letter reportedly deviated significantly from the standard professional courtesy expected in such documents. the letter was intensely "unprofessional and bitter in tone," and centered on a series of sharp allegations and personal insults directed towards an unnamed, currently serving Town Councillor.

"A Horrid Little Man"

The acrimonious nature of the letter culminated in a striking and inflammatory final assessment of the target councillor. Ms Douthwaite's resignation concluded with the scathing words, read out for all to hear: "He is not your friend and he is a horrid little man."

The unusual decision by the Town Clerk to read such a volatile document in its entirety, especially with the author present, has already sparked considerable debate about Council protocol and transparency.

"Good Riddance"

The tension in the chamber following the letter's reading was palpable. Immediately upon the Clerk concluding the final sentence, a swift and blunt response came from the floor. Councillor Brookes reacted to the dramatic exit by unequivocally stating: "Good riddance."

This single, sharp comment encapsulates the evident deep division and fractured relationships within the Council that appear to have precipitated the Deputy Mayor’s resignation.

The episode marks a turbulent end to Cllr Douthwaite’s tenure as Deputy Mayor and a dramatic low point for the cohesion of Oakham Town Council.

The Council will now need to address the vacancy for the Deputy Mayor position.

The events of December 10th have cast a considerable shadow over Oakham's local governance, highlighting internal conflicts that have now spilled into the public arena in the most sensational way possible.

UK Local Council Conduct and Resignation Protocol Guidance

The dramatic events described in Oakham Town Council raise several questions regarding standard local government protocol, specifically concerning councillor conduct, the public reading of correspondence, and allegations against serving members.

Here is a summary of the general guidelines and principles that apply to Town/Parish Councils in the UK, based on the statutory framework and best practice models like those from the Local Government Association (LGA):

1. Councillor Code of Conduct

The central issue of the Deputy Mayor's letter containing insults and allegations relates directly to the Localism Act 2011 and the Code of Conduct adopted by every Council (including Oakham Town Council, which has its own published policy). 

Editors Note: Now that she has resigned the code does not apply to her it did at the time she was  writing her letter. Local Government Law is a odd thing.

Principle	Relevance to the Resignation
Respect	Councillors are expected to treat other councillors, staff, and the public with respect. The use of inflammatory language and personal insults ("horrid little man") would constitute a likely breach of the Respect element of the Code.
Integrity / Honesty	The Code requires councillors to uphold high standards. Making unsubstantiated or bitter public allegations, particularly in an official document, contravenes the spirit of these principles.
Leadership	Councillors are expected to promote and support the Code's principles by leadership and example. A dramatic and aggressive resignation sets a poor example for public office.

Rutland Police Update Proactive Policing Strikes Against Drug Supply

Rutland Police Update Proactive Policing Strikes Against Drug Supply

The Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Team has demonstrated a robust and varied response to community needs, tackling everything from rural hazards to serious organised crime. A key update from Inspector Darren Richardson highlights the team's relentless focus on their priority areas, particularly the disruption of illegal drug supply networks within the community.

Inspector Darren Richardson provided a focused update regarding proactive work carried out by officers over a recent weekend, which successfully disrupted a potential county lines operation.

Following targeted intelligence, officers stopped a vehicle on Branston Road, Uppingham. A search of the driver quickly led to the seizure of suspected Class A drugs and cash.The action was immediately followed up with a search at an associated home address, resulting in the recovery of further drugs and the subsequent arrest of a second man.

Ronaldo Cani was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Xhezar Cani was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

Insp Richardson affirmed that tackling drug dealing and county lines remains a priority for the Rutland Neighbourhood Policing Team. Residents can expect to see visible patrols and targeted activity continuing to secure the community.

Community intelligence is vital. If you have information about drug dealing, report it on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

The command update is complemented by an extensive log of routine and emergency work, illustrating the full spectrum of duties handled by officers, including PC 1049 Jake Spruce, PC McKinnon, PCSO Lauren, and PCSO Beth:

Officers responded to multiple Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs), including a 3-vehicle incident, emphasising the need to drive to the conditions as winter weather deteriorates.

PC McKinnon highlighted the critical need for safe recovery practices after a dangerous incident on the A1, stressing that safety MUST take precedence over cost. Furthermore, officers dealt with a dangerous pothole on the A1 near Stamford, swiftly notifying the Highways Agency for repair.

Emergency help was provided for broken-down vehicles in dangerous live lanes, with a reminder for drivers to immediately activate hazards, get to safety, and call for help.

Proactive mobile patrols led by PCSO Lauren and PC Preston resulted in the seizure of drug paraphernalia and a vehicle in an area known for drug activity, using the power granted by Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act to stop the vehicle.

Following a burglary at a business premises, the team issued a renewed plea for residents and businesses to ensure property and outbuildings are secured as the darker evenings continue.

The team's commitment extends to rural concerns, including handling the unusual call of cows in the road conducting safeguarding visits for vulnerable people, and performing ASB patrols.

PCSO Beth, covering the south Rutland beat, continues to conduct extensive foot patrols to familiarise herself with the villages and encourages residents to raise any concerns directly.

PCSO Lauren actively supported the frontline by assisting with RTCs, performing welfare checks, and managing the Oakham Front Enquiry Desk.

The Rutland Police team is actively seeking community input as they prepare for the vital review of local priorities in January 2026.

This is the best opportunity for residents to influence the future focus of their local policing efforts. Please share your views now via the Neighbourhood Link:  https://leicspolice.link/dSRO0 

The Neighbourhood team is on duty, and the 24/7 response team is available for any emergency needs.

Oakham Sparkles for the Festive Season, Oakham Late Night Shopping 2025

Oakham Sparkles for the Festive Season

Oakham, Rutland is officially shimmering its way into the Christmas spirit as local shops unveil their dazzling festive displays, perfectly timed for the eagerly anticipated Late Night Shopping event on Monday, December 15th, 2025.

The town centre, already charming year-round, is now a vision of yuletide cheer. From twinkling window dressings in boutique shops, the independent businesses of Oakham are going the extra mile to create a magical atmosphere for visitors. Shoppers are being treated to a delightful showcase of creativity, making the quest for that perfect gift an enchanting experience.

The culmination of this festive build-up is the annual Late Night Shopping event, which is set to run from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This popular occasion sees local stores extending their hours, offering a unique opportunity to browse, buy, and soak up the community spirit.

Beyond the high street, the event will feature a host of festive attractions in and around the town centre, including Oakham Castle and the Market Place, which will host a range of stalls, a funfair, and live music. It’s the perfect time to support local businesses, enjoy a hot drink, and find everything you need to make Christmas 2025 truly special.

Oakham Late Night Shopping

When: Monday, 15th December 2025, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Oakham Town Centre, including Oakham Castle and Market Place

Oakham Town Council to Debate 4.06% Precept Hike, Critical Safety Funding, and Councillor Conduct and Neglect of Play Areas at December Meeting

Oakham Town Council to Debate 4.06% Precept Hike, Critical Safety Funding, and Councillor Conduct at December Meeting

Oakham Town Council is preparing for a significant Full Council meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, where elected members will make crucial decisions concerning the town’s financial future, community safety infrastructure, and internal governance.

The Council is scheduled to review and set the annual budget, proposing a Precept demand of £305,214 to Rutland County Council (RCC) for the next financial year (FY 2027). This request represents a percentage increase of approximately 4.06% over the previous year.

Key figures from the draft budget documentation show a projected Total Recurrent Expenditure of £372,750 against an estimated Income of £78,060, resulting in the required Precept figure. Major budgeted expenditure categories include:

General Administration: £168,400

Contracts and Grants: £110,500

In current business, the Council is also set to approve a major payment to RCC for the annual charge for unmetered electricity for street lighting, totalling £25,934.32. This bill represents a 6% increase from last year’s figure of £24,465. A related report notes that most of Oakham's streetlights have been converted to the cheaper, but less effective, Mercury-based lights, with only a small number upgraded to more efficient LED technology.

Two agenda items highlight the Council’s focus on improving public safety and local infrastructure:

CCTV System Funding Request

Rutland County Council (RCC) has formally requested that Oakham Town Council (OTC) consider financial support for the Town Centre CCTV system. The proposal seeks an annual contribution of £5,800, indexed to inflation, to cover ongoing operational costs, maintenance, monitoring, software licenses, and technical support.

The request notes that OTC has not provided an annual financial contribution to the system's day-to-day running since 2017. Recent upgrades, including new recording servers and enhanced network modules, have strengthened the system, which now provides surveillance coverage for Council assets in Cutts Close and Princess Park to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The Council will discuss an invitation to apply for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Community Action Fund for road safety projects. The application window for this grant is open until January 12, 2026, with a maximum funding limit of £10,000.

Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs (MVAS): A unit typically costs around £3,000, with an additional £1,000 for installation, batteries, and brackets. MVAS signs must be moved between a minimum of four locations every six to eight weeks.

Fixed Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS): These can cost up to £6,000, depending on features and power source. The report suggests the Council may also share this funding opportunity with local organisations, such as schools.

The agenda includes an item to address a formal complaint regarding the conduct of a Councillor  Submitted by a constituent and provider of the councils Discover Oakham website, Nitesh Bhundia,  the complaint alleges that the Councillor posted a photograph of the constituent’s child, taken at the Remembrance Ceremony, on social media without parental permission.

Mr. Bhundia stated that his family has strict measures in place to prevent images of their children from being published online, and that the Councillor's response to the request for the image's removal was "curt and unbecoming". The Council will determine the process for addressing the complaint. Furthermore, the Council is considering adopting the latest LGA-approved Code of Conduct.

The Victoria Hall Project Working Group is set to present a progress report. The Report notes that the "beautiful Victorian building has been struggling for some time" and there are two broad options: take proactive steps to secure its future or face potential closure. A public consultation is planned for early 2026 to inform the community and gather input on the available options and their implications.

In a positive note, the Christmas Light Switch-On on November 23rd was reported as a "tremendous success," recording one of the highest turnouts in recent years. The Snow globe attraction was a standout highlight, and the event was supported by local groups including the Rutland Lions, Sing Out Rutland, and Leicester City Football Club's mascot, Filbert the Fox.

Other items on the agenda include a proposal to alter staff working hours due to a shortage expected until at least January 2026, noting the latest highly critical RoSPA inspection results for OTC Play Areas, and prioritising potential projects for UKSPF spend.