Outcome of Dons Trust Restricted Actions votes
The Dons Trust board would like to thank every single member who took part in these votes.
Whether you voted for, against or abstained, you have made this the single biggest exercise in Dons Trust democracy.
The number of members who responded is more than double the number who voted in our previous record vote to sell Kingsmeadow and return to Plough Lane.
Over 3800 of you responded. That’s a victory for our democracy and our collective membership and for the future of our club.
The number of votes in Resolution 1 – (To create certain “Super-Restricted Actions” to increase the protections for our key club assets, namely: Sale of any freehold interest in Plough Lane Any ground relocation from Plough Lane Name of the Club including nickname, or its status with the FA)
Was as follows:
For – 3258 (87.96%)
Against – 446 (12.04%)
Registered abstention – 148
Turnout – 3704 (58.56%)
The vote exceeded all three thresholds required to pass this stage. More than half of the entire membership voted, more than 75% voted in favour and more than 40% of the entire membership voted for the resolution.
The number of votes in Resolution 2 – (The Dons Trust board ask the Membership to approve the following change to the Dons Trust Constitution to enable AFCW PLC to sell shares in itself such that the ownership of AFCW PLC by the Dons Trust can fall below 75%+1 share of the voting rights to a minimum of 50.01% of the ownership of or voting capacity in AFCW PLC. It is proposed to change the wording in Schedule 1 of the Dons Trust constitution as detailed below (noting that the amended wording does not take account of the changes proposed in Resolution 1). Any action that results in the Society’s ownership of or voting capacity in AFCW PLC falling below 50.01%)
Was as follows:
For – 2631 (71.17%)
Against – 1066 (28.83%)
Registered abstention – 155
Turnout – 3697 (58.45%)
The vote in favour exceeded two of the three thresholds. More than half of the membership voted and more that 40% of the entire membership voted for the resolution. However, it fell just short of achieving a 75% vote in favour.
This resolution therefore falls according to the rules of the Trust.
These thresholds are in place to ensure that significant decisions can only be taken when an overwhelming majority supports them, this was clearly very close but has not passed.
The Dons Trust board fully respects the outcome of both votes.
We will take forward Resolution 1 according to the wishes of the membership and bring it to the required second vote at the SGM on 25th November.
At the second meeting, the proposal must be approved by two-thirds of those present in person, online or by proxy at the meeting, and the meeting being attended in person, online or by proxy by at least 50% of members eligible to vote. Proxies are allowed for this vote and members will receive an email with details of how to register a proxy.
The result of the vote on Resolution 2 means that the club cannot sell shares which would bring the Dons Trust’s control below 75% plus one vote.
We still face financial challenges and the board will continue to work to find solutions which meet our collective ambitions and strategy.
We hope that a similar numbers of members will also vote in our upcoming board elections.
Come on you Dons.
George Jones
Acting Secretary