Town councillor Helen Groves will be standing in Highbridge’s county council elections next year – a switch caused by the recent resignation of Lib Dem Joe Leach.
Cllr Groves had announced earlier this year that she would stand in the Burnham North election next May to face incumbent Conservative county councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton.
However, Mr Leach’s resignation as a district councillor earlier this month saw him give up his bid to run for the county council seat in Highbridge.
Cllr Groves has therefore switched over to face current Conservative councillor Cllr John Woodman in the Highbridge seat instead. She will also be running in January’s separate district council by-election in the Highbridge and Marine ward.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “At the time I was selected as a Candidate for the Burnham North seat for the County Council elections next year, I had full confidence that Highbridge was in safe hands. In light of Joe’s resignation we as a group and I as an individual have needed to carefully consider how best we might support our communities.”
“We will now face a by-election and it is vitally important that Highbridge has a voice at district – a voice that cares and understands the needs and aspirations of the Town. I love this Town and its community – you have supported me and mine through good and bad times and I hope to have the opportunity to repay your kindness by working with you to influence the decisions the district authority makes on our behalf.”
“I recognise that you may feel disenchanted with politicians, I don’t blame you, I am disenchanted myself. But I do with my whole heart believe the only way we change this is by ensuring those we elect are those who really care and are motivate by community rather than self of political interest. I won’t ask you to take my word but to judge on the merit of my actions since elected. I am not a good politicain – because I am not a politician at all, but I am a passionate and determined advocate for my community.”
“I cannot promise you the earth but I can promise you I will be honest with you, I will always answer to you, listen to you and will trust you to know what is best for your community. I believe that without listening and accepting that your hopes and concerns are the priority neither I nor anyone else can hope to truly represent you and ensure your voices are heard.”
