Leader of Ryedale District Council resigns over council tax hikes
Keane Duncan has stood down as leader
The leader and deputy leader of Ryedale District Council have resigned over planned council tax hikes.
Keane Duncan and Steve Arnold quit their roles after calling the increases 'cruel and unnecessary' amid the pandemic.
They had voted to freeze them but their proposal was overturned by a coalition of Liberal, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors, who instead voted for a 4.99% rise.
Announcing his decision to resign at the start of a full council meeting held on Thursday (February 25), Mr Duncan said:
"I can not stand by while they increase bills for families who may be struggling as a result of pandemic."
As part of Mr Duncan's resignation, he said:
“I can not in good conscience stand by and watch as they push through this unpopular hike in council tax.
"Therefore I am taking a stand by announcing my immediate resignation as leader in protest at their disgraceful and greedy act.”