Published: May 7, 2008
Exclusive: Burnham-On-Sea Lib Dems hit by new council resignation

Liberal Democrats in Burnham-On-Sea have been rocked by a second resignation in a month, Burnham-On-Sea.com can reveal.

Highbridge town councillor Chris Williams told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Wednesday evening (May 7th) he is quitting the Liberal Democrats to become an independent councillor.

The surprise announcement comes just a fortnight after fellow Lib Dem Danny Titcombe stood down from the party to join the Conservatives.

Cllr Williams, 65, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I have decided to step down from the Liberal Democrats, but will continue to serve my constituents as an independent councillor."

He explained: "I have no problems with the party nationally but am unhappy with the way the party is going locally. I don't think it's shown a great deal of drive since the last election and was disappointed that the party lost perhaps its best councillor, Danny Titcombe, in April."

Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Joe Leach, said he was "disappointed" by the news, adding: "It is disappointing to lose another good councillor, but the party is in its best position locally since 1995 and at the next election we're confidently expecting to make considerable strides forward. We won our Highbridge town and district seats at the last election convincingly and are on our way up."

The leader of Burnham and Highbridge town council, Cllr Peter Clayton, gave his reaction to the news: "I was not aware this was public knowledge yet but can confirm Chris has asked me as the leader of council to remove him from the Liberal Democrat nominations for committees at next Monday's AGM. He will be an independent as from then. He is a highly-valued member of the council and I am pleased he is continuing as a councillor despite certain problems with his party."

The news leaves three Liberal Democrats on Burnham Town Council - Joe Leach, Mike Mansfield and Pat Burge.