Seasoned Shire of Pingelly councillors Jackie McBurney, Peter Wood & Bryan Hotham re-elected beside newcomers

An experienced team will lead the Shire of Pingelly following the re-elections of three councillors, including the president and the deputy president, and the arrival of two new faces.

Jackie McBurney, Peter Wood and Bryan Hotham secured their seats and will be joined by newcomers Dani Summers and Robert Howell after their success at the local government election on October 18.

Cr McBurney, who has served on the council since 2017 and as shire president for the past two-years, had the most votes, acquiring 177 first-preference votes to reclaim her seat.

Cr McBurney was re-elected unopposed as president during a special meeting on October 22 at which the other four councillors were sworn in.

“Thank you very much to my fellow councillors for having faith in me and putting me back in as president,” she said.

“I absolutely love this position, and I am looking forward to working with all of you.

“Welcome to the new councillors, and I am really looking forward to working with all of you.”

Cr Wood retained his role as deputy after being rivalled by Cr Hotham in the meeting.

At the ballot boxes, Cr McBurney was followed by newcomer Cr Summers, who collected 91 first-preference votes.

Cr Wood slotted in at third alongside fellow returning member Cr Hotham, who was first elected eight years ago, while newcomer Cr Howell secured the final spot.

Peter Bucknell and Jeanette Jeffrey were unsuccessful in their election bids. Former member Karmvir Singh decided not to re-nominate.

Only 362 of the 906 eligible voters in the Wheatbelt shire voted, a turnout rate of 39.95 per cent.

Crs McBurney, Wood, Hotham and Summers will serve until October 20, 2029, while Cr Robert acquired the two-year slot.