Councillor Wayne Hurren was welcomed onto Axminster Town Council during his inaugural meeting on February 12.

At the same meeting, Cllr Becky Lippett has stepped down. Becky has been a proactive member of the council since she joined in 2022. The casual vacancy process has already been initiated, and it is hoped to be filled by April.

Cllr Hurren was co-opted onto the Council on the 8th of January, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of the former Deputy Mayor, Sarah Birnie.

The position of deputy mayor has been filled by Cllr Jeremy Walden, the longest-serving member of the current council and chair of the operations committee.

Cllr Hurren has lived in Axminster for over 30 years, having moved from London in 1993. Wayne has a degree in politics, philosophy and economics and has worked for the prison service for the last twenty years. Wayne is deaf but is ably supported by his assistance dog, named Cruise.

Cllr Hurren said: "I have always been interested in local government, and I have recently been looking for a way to get involved. The departure of Cllr Sarah Birnie from the role has given me an opportunity to serve the people of Axminster. I am delighted to be working with such a diverse group of individuals who clearly have Axminster's best interests at heart."

The council received applications from three candidates to fill the casual vacancy. The results of the vote were close but Cllr Hurren won the position.

Town Mayor Cllr Jill Farrow expressed gratitude to former Councillor Sarah Birnie for her dedicated service to the people of Axminster. She also thanked Jeremy Walden for accepting the nomination for the position of deputy mayor.

In a statement, Mayor Cllr Jill Farrow said: "I am pleased to welcome Wayne Hurren to Axminster Town Council. We are almost at full complement again, which will ensure that our community is properly represented. Having a diversity of views and experience fosters good democracy and strengthens decision-making. I'm grateful to the other candidates for their applications and encourage them to reapply for this new vacancy alongside any new candidates who may also be interested in the role."