Councillor quits three days into his new term

Katanning's newly formed council will be forced into an extraordinary election, after recently re-elected councillor Robert Godfrey resigned on Friday last week.

After serving on council for the past nine years, including a stint as deputy Shire president and being involved in a range of projects including the Katanning Early Childhood Hub, Mr Godfrey said his reasons for leaving were personal.

"It has nothing to do with not receiving the position of president," he said.

"It is due to personal issues, between myself and (new president) Ms (Liz) Guidera."

Sworn into council as Shire president last Wednesday night alongside deputy Shire president Craig McKinley, Ms Guidera said it was a surprise that somebody would resign only three days after being elected.

"I think many of his voters are probably feeling disappointed because there was a good feeling to (wards) the new council in general," she said.

"We had nine great candidates … and a very positive group, but I think we will probably get somebody who is also positive and who is ready for the position."

Katanning resident Shirley Brokenshire, who voted for Mr Godfrey in the recent election, said it was sad he had decided to resign.

"I thought he was very good as deputy, that he was approachable and listened to the people, and he was a very community-minded man," she said.

"I do feel sad; he came in second so the people did have faith in him."

Ms Guidera said the council would plan for an extraordinary election to replace Mr Godfrey.

"There will be some costs for ratepayers," she said.

"And anyone is welcome to nominate, I would not be surprised if we get some other people putting their hand up.

"Now that the council is a given and leadership is a given, residents might feel they want to be involved and come on board."