Ken Bates
Ipswich: Councillor quits to battle depression
By Paul Geater
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
4:35 PM
Liberal Democrat Ken Bates has resigned from the borough as he battles against depression.
Mr Bates was elected in 2010 for the Alexandra Ward, and had been due to sit until 2014, however he has now decided to stand down a year early.
The by-election is almost certain to be held on the same day as the county council elections, May 2.
Andrew Cann, Liberal Democrat group leader said: “Ken Bates has been a good friend for many years. It is sad to seem him resign as a councillor.
“I know this is for the best of reasons, that he needs to concentrate on his health and he feels he is not able to perform the functions of councillor as he would wish.
“Ken has suffered from depression for many years, and I wish him all the best in resolving that. His resignation has been timed in order to minimise cost, due to the by election being able to be held on the same day as the county council election.
“I thank Ken for the excellent work he has undertaken as a councillor.”
There will also be a by-election in the Whitehouse ward on the same day – former Labour council leader David Ball is standing down because his family is preparing to move out of the area.
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4 comments
And what of those that elected him ? It strikes me as a foolish step to stand in local politics with long term depression, I fear he let people down. I trust he has time to concentrate on his health and well being .
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Gina Frost
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
A brave man to be so open about his condition in a society where sympathy often resides mostly with those who can demonstrate a physical sign of illness; it is people like Ken Bates who will gradually reduce, and one day remove, the stigma surrounding mental health (the illness that dares not mention its name). One in four people in the UK (about 15 million people) will at some point suffer a mental health issue and mental health needs to be given the same priority as other conditions. The present government has promised to do that, but so did previous governments. But it looks like the reassessment of people presently receiving Disability Living Allowance will heavily penalise those with mental health problems. So Mr Bates is one brave man .... our government is one uncaring lot.
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Johnthebap
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Ken. I am so sad to read this, I knew you many years ago and was so proud to read of your achievements. But I understand and am equally proud now of your continued honesty. I so hope you can find a way out of the dark. You have so much to offer. My very best wishes.. Sue C
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Just Me
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Well done Ken for being open and honest about his reasons for resigning. Every brave person who is open about having depressing removes a little more or the sigma and makes it a little easier for the next guy to be brave enough to admit to this truly dibilitating condition. Wish you a speedy recovery Ken Danny
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Danny Brown
Tuesday, February 19, 2013