A councillor who has been unable to attend meetings for more than two years after becoming ill is now well enough to make a return.
Councillor Andrew Wiles was first elected to Essex County Council in May 2021 representing Brentwood South.
He became seriously unwell in 2023 and received a driving ban for 22 months for drink-driving and driving without insurance.
In February 2024, Essex County Council approved his illness as a reason for absence, bypassing the six-month rule by which councillors can be removed from post if they fail to appear for more than that period.
Councillor Wiles did not seek re-election in May 2024 as a member of Brentwood Borough Council.
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At that time, it was thought that Councillor Wiles would either recover or not seek reelection at the county elections that were planned for May 2025.
However, after the elections were cancelled, officers visited Councillor Wiles in April to assess his ability to continue.
A statement prepared for Full Council on May 20 said: “They are pleased to report that on that day, Councillor Wiles told us that he is well on the way to rehabilitation, and he now considers that he is able to attend council meetings.
“Councillor Wiles has been provided with advice and information about the support that is available, and he confirmed that he did not require any further or different support from that which has been offered.
“Given the postponement of the next elections until May 2026 and the possibility that reorganisation may lead to those postponed elections not taking place – we do not know, it seems important to reinstate the six-month rule for Councillor Wiles in light of the new information about his recovery.”
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