Standing on a platform 'For an open, transparent Town Council that works for Hadleigh' a minor party with 13 candidates proudly boasted of their success in the May 2019 local elections.

However, Hadleigh Together has now seen half its councillors resign, six stepping down from the town council completely and one, Angela Gregg, now serving the town as an Independent.

The HT website has been taken down, and its Twitter account has not been updated since June 2019.

Hadleigh Together was registered as a minor party with the electoral commission in February 2019 with Richard Hinton as its leader and Stephen Allman as the nominating officer.

Mr Allman is still named in that post, however, he left Hadleigh Together (HT) party last August and relinquished any roles with the group, including admin of the website and handed over control to other members.

Mr Allman, who was the town mayor between May 2019 and June 2020, resigned from the town council last August citing personal reasons, and has had no subsequent involvement with either the council or Hadleigh Together.

Calls for two of its members, Mr Hinton and James Bayliss, to resign were made earlier this year following comments from the duo saying other councillors should be shot.

There is no indication any of the candidates seeking election in any of the five vacant seats will stand for HT, although nominations do not open until March 26 and close on Thursday April 8.

Mr Hinton, who remains listed as the Hadleigh Together leader on the Election Commission and his register of interest, which was updated in February, refused to comment on the minor party's future or the resignation of so many of its former members.

Councillors pictured in June 2019 from left to right: Angela Gregg, is still on the town council but is now as an Independent and no longer a member of HT.

Helen Allen (Independent) resigned from council, Andrew Knock Independent, still a councillor.

Lisa Gordon HT, still a councillor. Richard Hinton HT, still a councillor.

Emma Wilson-Downes was HT, resigned from council to take up the post as head of Felixstowe School.

Gavin Talbot HT, still a councillor.

Paul Twyman HT resigned from council. Steve Allman HT, resigned from the council.

James Bayliss HT still a councillor. Carolyn Cammack HT resigned form council.

Rolf Beggerow HT still a councillor. Carol Schleip HT still a councillor.

Vic Facini HT resigned from council. Emily Wright HT resigned from the council.

Frank Minns failed to be elected in May 2019 when he stood in Hadleigh South without affiliation to any group, but was subsequently elected at a by-election when he joined Hadleigh Together and became mayor in September 2020 following Helen Allen's resignation.

Mr Minns has been accused of not being entirely open and transparent at times, with his style of chairmanship coming into question due to his habit of talking over certain councillors, and not allowing questions or debate on various matters during town council meetings.

One of the is vows Hadleigh Together members agreed to is RESPECT: 'Everyone has an equal voice; we'll respect every opinion and value every contribution.

Sweeping things under the carpet

Current town councillors:

Gregg, Angela

McLeod, Gordon

Hadleigh Together

Beggerow, Rolf

Hinton, Richard

Schleip, Carol