Hartlepool councillor explains why he resigned as chairman at Miles for Men

Conservative Councillor Mike Young, who is Deputy Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, issued a statement on the charity’s Facebook page explaining his reasons after resigning at Miles for Men’s Annual General Meeting last Friday, March 6.

Coun Young had been a trustee for 18 months and chairman for the last year.

In the statement he said: “I will not be continuing with the charity as it is clear that there is a small but very vocal contingent of people in Hartlepool who need to make some decisions about how they go about their business.

“This negativity on social media platforms has led to some significant distress for trustees and volunteers alike and it is both undeserved and in my view, actionable.

“I always said to the charity board that as soon as the people who love to throw stones – albeit with rubbish aim – started to bring my politics in to charity focus, I would resign and have therefore done so.”

Coun Young went on to praise the work of the charity saying the team makes a real and lasting difference to people struggling with hardship, disability and life-threatening illness.

He said: “The trustees and volunteers go about their day to day thinking that what they do is simple and more often 'just a small role' in the betterment of the lives of those who benefit.

“Let me tell you now that these people are Guardian Angels, bright stars in a dark sky and selfless in their help of people in real need.

“I have learned so much, they have helped me in my decision making in other roles I have and ultimately they are complete superstars supporting, helping and always going the extra mile to make a lasting difference to the people they help.

“I'm gutted to be leaving.

“I have loved my time with Miles for Men and couldn't recommend a charity more than them for donations and support.”

Coun Young encouraged anyone who wants to volunteer or donate to Miles for Men to contact new chairwoman Karen Willgress.

Related: Major Hartlepool employer announces three-year partnership with Miles for Men