THE leader of Didcot Town Council has been forced out following a secret ballot.

Conservative councillors voted to replace Charlie Robertson with veteran politician Bill Service because of his "lack of experience".

During the Conservative group's annual general meeting Mr Robertson, Mr Service and Alan Thompson put themselves forward for the role.

Following Mr Service's election, he will take over from Mr Robertson at the annual meeting on Monday, May 9.

Labour town councillor Margaret Davies, former town council leader for six years, said: "It will take some months to turn this ship around so Bill's role will have to be one of construction."

She said it was Mr Robertson's lack of experience that led to him being axed.

"I know what it requires, it takes a lot of your time, and I think more specifically it takes a lot of experience.

"Charlie Robertson had not been to a town council meeting before he was made leader.

"It was a big step up. It was difficult for him to do it and he did not succeed.

"He only lived in Didcot for two years – he did not have a lot of local knowledge. It is surprising they elected him as their leader.

"They did not take into account his lack of experience."

Mr Service, also a former town council leader, said he intended to carry forward Mr Robertson's vision for the town.

He said: "It was the group's wish that we have a change of leader so there were three names put forward. We had a secret ballot and my name came out.

"There is nothing wrong – it is not like the knives are out. It was decided we have a new leader and I am very comfortable with the decision.

"I will be taking forward Charlie's vision with a few tweaks.

"I think the first thing we have got to do is decide committees, as some councillors want a change of role within the council."

Despite several attempts to contact Mr Robertson he failed to respond to requests for a comment.

In the same week the town council's clerk Richard Chapman is to leave, less than a year into the job.

The council held an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss who would replace him.

Until a permanent replacement is found, deputy town clerk Kathy Fiander will take on the role of financial officer.

The council is now advertising for a "forward-thinking and proactive" town clerk, with a starting salary of £44,033 to £55,821 per year.

It is expected that the replacement will not start until June.