As previously reported, the Shire President Eddie Smith was the first to go, followed by five more.

While there was no official comment on the reasons for the individual resignations, Mr Smith has since told ABC Radio Perth that his departure was due to a “total breakdown in the working relationship” with the chief executive’s office.

He refrained from going into specifics due to potential legal ramifications.

Minister Hannah Beazley has revealed that three unsuccessful candidates from the last election had turned down the offer to take up positions on the council, and that it is now her absolute priority to appoint a commissioner.