A Conservative councillor for Harrogate Borough Council and Knaresborough Town Council has resigned from both posts.
Samantha Mearns, who was also chair of the general purposes committee, sent out a leaflet to residents over the weekend.
She said she was resigning after her younger brother died and her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
Her mother’s current prognosis is good but she has recently moved with her husband to Wales to be closer to her family.
She said:
“Sometimes things happen in your life which make you rethink your life plan. Just before the pandemic struck, my younger brother, my only sibling, died from abdominal sepsis.
“With my sister in law and mother I watched him pass away. This had a huge impact upon me.
“Shortly after my mother became seriously unwell and was diagnosed with cancer. Thankfully due to our fantastic NHS her current prognosis is good.
“However this and losing my brother in such a short time has made me look at what I needed to do with my life for my family.
“Our moves have now finalised, and with lockdown restrictions lifting, now is the appropriate time for me to stand aside.”
The Stray Ferret understands that Knaresborough resident Jacqui Renton will stand in her place for the next election.
It is unclear at this time when the by-election will be held. It is also unclear whether Samantha Mearns will stay on as a case worker for Andrew Jones MP.
Police investigation into Gmund Cars Ltd
Samantha Mearns remains at the centre of a police investigation into missing Porsche cars worth more than one million pounds because she had “significant control” in the company which her husband owned.
Gmund Cars Ltd, which traded classic Porsche cars, was dissolved in September 2020.
The Stray Ferret spoke to six victims who took their cars to Gmund Cars Ltd on a sale or return basis. They said they never saw their cars again.
Samantha Mearns told the Stray Ferret last year :
“I was a shareholder in my husband’s business until December 2018. When the business was put into administration in June 2019, allegations were made which resulted in a police investigation. As far as I am aware the investigation has concluded with no further action being taken. I was never interviewed in relation to any of the allegations.”
The Stray Ferret contacted North Yorkshire Police this morning, the investigation has not concluded and is still ongoing.
