CARBONEAR, N.L. — The Town of Carbonear has announced that former mayor Frank Butt has won his appeal to reclaim his council seat.
In a statement shared to Facebook, the town said Justice Robert Stack found Butt, who was elected mayor last fall after previously serving as deputy mayor, was not in conflict of interest when he introduced a motion concerning a dilapidated property located near a gas station and convenience store he owned. That motion was made in 2014. The town received an anonymous letter alleging the conflict of interest shortly before the 2017 general election.
Butt filed an appeal in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador shortly after fellow councillors voted unanimously to remove the mayor from his council seat. In light of his appeal, the town did not call for a byelection to fill the mayor’s seat.
According to the statement shared on Facebook, the town is arranging to have Butt reinstated as mayor.
“Council is relieved the process is finally over and respects the judge’s decision,” the statement said. “Council welcomes Mr. Butt as mayor.”
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