The much-criticised Secretary of the Corporation of Hamilton has been replaced, it was announced by the Mayor today.

Kelly Miller has already left City Hall and her position has been taken by certified system auditor Edward Benevides, a former senior vice president at Capital G Bank.

The statement from the Mayor — released by public relations firm Troncossi — gave no indication of when or why Ms Miller left the municipality.

But she was still there last Wednesday when she showed The Royal Gazette entries in the municipal register relating to ousted alderman William Black.

Allegations of internal strife have plagued the Corporation of Hamilton for the past few years, with this newspaper reporting in October 2006 that two senior members of staff quit their jobs due to alleged unpleasant treatment from Ms Miller and alderman David Dunkley.

And Ms Miller — who was appointed Secretary in October 2003, having worked at the Corporation since 1999 — was heavily criticised in a letter of resignation from treasurer Geoffrey Bell last month.

Mayor Sutherland Madeiros said today that Mr. Benevides was taking over the role with immediate effect.

“I’d like to thank Kelly for the hard work and contributions she’s made to the Corporation,” he added. “I wish her well in her future endeavours.”

Full story and reaction in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.