Stourport Mayor pledges to carry on after non-attendance row

7:50am Thursday 6th December 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By William Tomaney

Stourport Mayor pledges to carry on after non-attendance row Stourport Mayor pledges to carry on after non-attendance row

STOURPORT’S Mayor has opened his heart to The Shuttle about his depression, which has affected him carrying out his duties in his year of office.

Gary Talbot says he now hopes he can draw a line under a row with fellow Independent Community and Health Concern (ICHC) councillors over his attendance record.

Mr Talbot said he would continue with his mayoral duties after missing several appointments in the last few months, including the town’s Remembrance Day parade.

The absences resulted in ICHC leader Nigel Thomas calling in November for Mr Talbot to resign due to ill health in a letter headed “final warning”.

Mr Talbot’s attendance has improved since the row was sparked and both men now say they hope that will be the end of the issue.

Mr Talbot said: “I am not resigning, I am carrying on and I was very angry about the letter. It was very ambiguous, saying we would like to help you – why don’t you resign?

“On Remembrance Day I was ill with a viral infection which prevented me from going outside and my doctor said had I gone out, I could have infected someone.”

Mr Talbot said he also suffered from depression, which caused him to miss “one or two” appointments.

“This affects everything I do in life,” he added. “Sometimes I will be going out the door, all ready to go and then will just have to turn around and come back in.

“It is not something I can really control and anybody who has ever had depression will know you cannot just say ‘pull yourself together’.

“I have a wonderful Mayoress [Sarah Bowman] who helps me out. I have attended appointments during the past week and look forward to carrying on with my duties.

“I would like to think this is all over now.”

Mr Thomas said: ”We have not fallen out but we are very clear he has to carry out his duties. He has said he will carry out his duties and, hopefully, that will be the end of it now.”

Comments(18)

Frank Owen says...
8:43am Thu 6 Dec 12

As tough as it sounds, if you are not "fit" for the role you should not be doing it.

If Mr Talbot knew he had this illness, and that it would potentially affect his ability to carry his duties, he should not have accepted the post.

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Red Flag Dan says...
3:05pm Thu 6 Dec 12

I think Gary Talbot has been very brave to talk about his depression. It affects up to 25% of the population, yet it is considered to be a taboo subject which should be swept under the carpet. It is not easy to talk about it.

It's very easy to criticise our councillors (I do it all to often). But we should be careful that, in doing so, we risk dehumanising them. When we do that we lose our compassion for them as individuals.

I hope that Gary's colleagues from Health Concern and other political parties are able to refind their compassion and concern for the health of a fellow human being.

Get well soon Gary.

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SEWELL says...
3:25pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Depression is an illness just like any other illness. It's a shame that Gary's plight has fallen on unsympathetic ears. I hope this does not spoil his year. It is important that the role of Mayor is open to all and we should not discriminate on the grounds that somebody has an illness. I join Dan in wishing Gary a speedy recovery.

Adrian Sewell

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Gobby Robby says...
6:09pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Well done Gary for bravely speaking out about this.

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chrisdingdong says...
7:54pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Alot of people would hide all their problems, I really take my hat off to the Mayor for speaking out. It's a shame politics have to enter when someone doesn't attend meetings.....

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Hull Ferry ticket says...
8:07pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Health Concern should hang their head in shame. It's obvious that they threatened one of there own councillors because there worried about losing votes. It's about time they disbanded- they've lost all that was good about them. Theyve become even more cynical than the proper political parties by putting votes ahead of the well being of one of there own!!!

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Frank Owen says...
11:34pm Thu 6 Dec 12

If he was being so open and honest about his illness....why was it not discussed before his appointment as Mayor?

Had he approached people and explained that due to this horrible illness he may not be able to attend all the functions required of him, then an informed decision could have been made.

Instead he choose to keep quiet about things, until he was criticised for not attending things, then comes out with his trump card which has really just cast everyone in a poor light.

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Hull Ferry ticket says...
11:43pm Thu 6 Dec 12

Frank Owen probably thinks that Churchill should never have been Prime Minister because he suffered from depression. He would rather have had the SS goose stepping up Whitehall!!!!

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DOEPUBLIC says...
5:14am Fri 7 Dec 12

Is is good that a resolution has been found,but disappointing that a matter of duty of care should make the press.

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stour67 says...
6:02pm Fri 7 Dec 12

The state of stourport I think I would be depressed as well being mayor,not belittling his illness as it can hit you any time as I found out out.

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comberton hill questions says...
8:54pm Fri 7 Dec 12

Mental illness is a difficult illness to cope with. You would not say he is in a wheelchair so he should not have stood for mayor. Yes it is regrettable meetings have been missed however if he has brought the condition more recognition then he has done a Good job.

Keep strong and good luck

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DOEPUBLIC says...
2:18am Sat 8 Dec 12

http://time-to-chang
e.org.uk/

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DOEPUBLIC says...
2:25am Sat 8 Dec 12

http://edukayted.blo
gspot.co.uk/2011/11/
mental-support.html

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DOEPUBLIC says...
2:31am Sat 8 Dec 12

http://edukayted.blo
gspot.co.uk/search/l
abel/MENTAL HEALTH

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FranOb says...
12:56pm Tue 11 Dec 12

Those who criticised Gary on this should hang their heads in shame! Health Concern are apparently mental health unconcern!
To admit to depression takes courage!

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FranOb says...
7:35pm Tue 11 Dec 12

I am informed that ICHC were NOT aware of Gary's depression. In that case my previous comment was insensitive and I apologise!

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FranOb says...
7:35pm Tue 11 Dec 12

I am informed that ICHC were NOT aware of Gary's depression. In that case my previous comment was insensitive and I apologise!

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DOEPUBLIC says...
12:40am Wed 12 Dec 12

There was a clue in my prompt FranO.
Also being Consultant led help.

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