Maldon Town Council welcomes two new councillors
- Issy Weeks-Hankins
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Maldon Town Council has welcomed two new councillors this week, to fill vacancies in the North and West Wards.
Richard Howard-Smith has been co-opted to represent the West Ward, replacing the late Councillor Flo Shaughnessy, former Mayor of Maldon, who passed away in February.
Neil Kelly will serve North Ward, filling the vacancy left by Councillor Nigel Miller, who recently resigned.
Speaking after the meeting, Maldon Town Mayor John Driver said: “The Council extends its sincere thanks to all the candidates who put themselves forward for consideration.”
“They all demonstrated a strong commitment and passion for the future of Maldon. The choice was difficult, but I believe we now have two excellent new councillors.”
Both new councillors secured majority support from fellow councillors during a vote at the town’s committee room.
The selection process saw each candidate interviewed before councillors voted in rounds, eliminating the lowest-polling nominee until two final candidates emerged.
Newly appointed Cllr Howard-Smith said: “I’m truly honoured to be elected as councillor for Maldon West.
“This community means so much to me, and I’m excited to get started, listening to residents, tackling local issues, and working together to make Maldon an even better place to live, for all of us.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Kelly expressed a similar sentiment, adding: “I care deeply about our town and I’m looking forward to working closely with residents.
“Your voices will always be at the heart of my work.”
Both councillors have signed their Declaration of Acceptance of Office and will serve until 2027, when the next full Town Council election is due to take place.
Their appointments come at a time when Maldon Town Council says it is committed to strengthening community ties and delivering on local priorities across the wards.
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