Ford resigns from council

Ararat Rural City Council has another vacancy to fill after the resignation of Darren Ford last week.

Chief executive Allan Bawden said Mr Ford’s resignation was effective immediately.

Mr Bawden said the council had advised Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz and the Victorian Electoral Commission would have an election countback to fill the vacancy.

It will be the third countback of votes to fill council positions since 2016 local government elections. Former mayors Glenda Mclean and Paul Hooper are others to resign amid controversy during their terms.

Mr Bawden said Mr Ford had cited a need to devote more time to family and his business as the key reason for his resignation.

“I would like to thank Darren for his contribution as a councillor,” he said.