It has often been mentioned in the council chamber that Councillor Stephen Brister, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group in Kingston Council, has a poor attendance record.
The council’s records, available online, show that he has attended only 33 per cent of his expected meetings since being elected in May 2014. He last attended a meeting on November 27, 2014.
If he does not attend a meeting in the next couple of months, then a byelection in Grove ward will probably be triggered.
Such a stand-alone byelection in Grove ward will cost the public £25,000.
Should he decide that his work or other commitments preclude him from continuing as a councillor, I would urge him to resign now so that the byelection can be held on the same day as the general election.
That would both save the public purse and reduce work for the council’s staff.
DAVID COOPER
Kingston
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