Controversial Hadleigh Together has been deregistered as a political party after an embarrassing administrative oversight by their leader.

The group lost its status as a minor party last Thursday, (September 2) when it was statutorily deregistered, according the Electoral Commission register.

Formed by Richard Hinton in February 2019, with Hadleigh mayor Frank Minns now listed as the nomination officer of the group, registered at 8 High Street, Hadleigh Together formed the majority at the town council.

However, Hadleigh Together were was left red-faced when leader Mr Hinton failed to complete the necessary documentation to retain its status after reminders from the Electoral Commission went undetected in his junk mail box, according to Mr Minns.

By the time the forms were submitted electronically the deadline was missed, but Mr Minns is confident the situation will be rectified and Hadleigh Together will regain its minor political party status.

Mr Minns added: "It (Hadleigh Together) remains a support framework rather than a "whipped" group, so there is no "party line"."

Originally the group came together to challenge the sitting council and stood on a manifesto of 'openness and transparency' and successfully ousted the old guard to form the majority at Hadleigh town council after elections in May 2019.

However, controversy, rows and public spats have continued and Hadleigh Together members have clashed with Independent councillors, with a large number of Code of Conduct complaints being bandied about liberally, with the large majority not being found to be a breach.

Hadleigh Together leader Cllr Hinton has had a Code of Conduct complaint upheld against him, and he referred himself to the solicitors' regulatory body when he and fellow group member Cllr Bayliss suggested 'all Babergh councillors should be shot'.

Ruling group members have been accused of not being 'open and transparent' trying to cover up prejudicial comments, by refusing to hold an investigation into an investigation into Hadleigh Together member Carol Schleip's comments.

Questions also continue to be asked regarding the finances of the Hadleigh cemetery extension and concerns over staffing issues at the council.

Mr Hinton has not responded.

Whatever happened to Hadleigh Together