The Mayor of Folkestone has lambasted Shepway District Council over the “disgraceful” way it dealt with calling a by-election following the death of former mayor George Bunting.

Cllr Alan North criticised the authority during the meeting of Folkestone Town Council, with his complaint directed at the returning officer, who organises elections, and the council’s chief executive Alistair Stewart.

He said the town council had received a call just hours after Mr Bunting passed away, asking when the election should be called. He added he could not believe the request was made the morning after the former town and district councillor, who had been involved in Shepway politics for over 40 years, had passed away.

Cllr North said: “At 9.30am the day after George had passed away this council received a request to put his seat up [for election].

“I did make it abundantly plain on behalf of you all [fellow councillors and council officers and staff] to the returning officer and chief executive [Alistair Stewart] that it was extremely insensitive and it was a disgrace.”

Mr Bunting passed away peacefully following a long battle with cancer on Monday, August 25. A date has now been set for the by-election of Thursday, October 23.

But Shepway District Council this week said it never intended to cause offence.

Mr Stewart said: “There was never any intention to offend the family, friends or supporters of Cllr George Bunting in their time of grief.

“Section 87 of the Local Government Act 1972 states that the publication of a casual vacancy must be done ‘as soon as practicable’. It is this legislation that prompted the Notice of Vacancy being issued on the 27 August 2014.

“Members of the local community approached the Returning Officer, keen to find out when the Notice of Vacancy would be given.

“After taking into consideration the opinions of interested bodies including Folkestone Town Council and senior councillors within Shepway District Council, the Returning Officer chose to issue the Notice of Vacancy in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972.

“This does not take anything away from the valuable contribution Councillor Bunting made while serving Shepway District Council and Folkestone Town Council.”