Spence Bay (Dec 22/03) - David Aqqaq, who has avoided the spotlight since he was charged with sexual assault and break and enter earlier this year, has resigned his position as mayor of Taloyoak.

Now the leadership of the hamlet is in deputy mayor Annie Buchan's hands until Jan. 6, when council will either hold a by-election or choose an interim mayor from among the remaining councillors for the final year of the term.

"If the council decides to take one from the group (to serve as mayor), then we'll bring one extra councillor on, the runner up, to fill the position of council member," said Scotty Edgerton, SAO for the hamlet.

This has not been a good year for Aqqaq, who told Nunavut News/North a month ago he had taken leave from his mayoral duties indefinitely because he wanted to attend to his dying brother.

The alleged sexual assault and break and enter occured in Taloyoak in August 2002.