A MUM has lost the chance to be a governor at her son’s school after a councillor used her powers to get herself chosen.

Abi Reid, former manager of Greenstead Community Centre, was selected by Essex County Council to be its representative on the board of Colchester Academy.

But Julie Young, county councillor for the Wivenhoe St Andrew’s division, had also applied.

She appealed against the decision and has now been installed.

Had the position been reversed, Ms Reid, who works at Essex University, would have been unable to appeal because only councillors can “call in” decisions.

Ms Reid said it was unfair because Mrs Young’s husband, Tim, is already a member of the board of governors, as a representative of NHS North East Essex, one of the school’s sponsors.

She said: “I am not impressed. They have got about six people on that board and now two of them will be husband and wife.

“I wanted to be on the board as I have a keen interest in the school and I want it to do well. The Youngs did not send their children there, but I sent both of my sons there and my youngest is in his final year.

“I know a lot of the pupils and parents, and with my experience working at the community centre, I could have provided a link with the community and given a different perspective.”

Colchester Academy, formerly Sir Charles Lucas Arts College, is in the Parson’s Heath and Eastgates county council division, but a large proportion of pupils come from Mrs Young’s area.

Under council policy, Ms Reid was chosen as the local authority governor because she was put forward by Theresa Higgins, the Parson’s Heath and Eastgates councillor.

But Mrs Young was able to make the case that, as the school was on the border of the two divisions, she should be given the appointment.

She said: “I would argue most of the academy’s students come from my county council division.

“The local education authority governor should have a connection with the local authority so they can be a link between it and the school.

“Even though the school is a standalone academy, it will still commission services from the county council, so it is important there is that link there.

“My role as a governor will be to liaise between the county council and the school and I have done so on many occasions during my 17 years as a governor at Sir Charles Lucas Arts College.”