Philip Rowe has resigned from Berwick upon Tweed Town Council triggering a potential by-election.
Mr Rowe represented Castle Ward where he was elected on 433 votes as an Independent in 2025. He had stepped down on sabbatical for three months earlier this year.
Rachel Driver drew, 426 votes, and Catherine Seymour, The Conservative Party 420 votes.
In his time as Town Councillor, Philip Rowe was one of the main driving forces behind the proposal to buy the former Barclays building to turn into Town Council offices. The proposal would entail a £1.4 million loan repayable over 50 years.
The Bridge understands from the Chief Officer that the project is still live with town councillors having instructed further surveys, outline drawings and other technical work prior to a public consultation.
Mr Rowe also lobbied for a £10,000 grant to buy the Quayside sheds via Destination North East England, a Destination Development Partnership (DDP). The DDP is a regional collaboration between NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), Visit Northumberland, Visit County Durham and all seven local authorities.
The grant was intended to improve ‘the region’s visitor economy offer, creating jobs and opportunities for residents of the region. It is designed in line with the High Street Task Force activity funded by the North East Combined Authority,’ a spokesman said last year.
Questions were raised last year over the failure of Mr Rowe to declare ownership of a property in Hide Hill. Northumberland County Council’s Monitoring Officer investigated Mr Rowe along with Councillors Thomas Stewart and Graham Brown who had also failed to disclose their own business interests.
Such failures are a criminal offence and can attract a fine of £5,000.