By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter: A council byelection is expected to soon take place for the local councillor who represents Jacob Rees-Mogg, after the current councillor for Mendip ward on Bath and North East Somerset Council stepped down.
David Wood became the first Liberal Democrat to ever represent the council seat in 2019, when he unseated then Conservative council leader Tim Warren. He was re-elected with an increased share of the vote in 2023 but has now stepped down.
At a full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council on May 22, Liberal Democrat council leader Kevin Guy said: “Over the past six years, Dave has been a key member of the cabinet. His contributions have been central to our mission of improving people’s lives. And it’s fair to say this council could not have delivered so many priorities for residents without his essential input.
“I am sure every councillor in the room will join me in wishing him the best and speediest recovery going through this poor health period.”
Leader of the council’s opposition Labour group Robin Moss said: “From the Labour group and I am sure from the opposition groups, we would like to echo best wishes to Dave. And hopeful for his improvement in health.
“And hopefully see him back here — or see him standing for election in a few years time and losing to a Labour candidate.”
A notice of the casual vacancy in the Mendip ward has now been posted outside the Guildhall in Bath and on the Bath and North East Somerset Council website. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the two requests needed for a by-election to be held have already been submitted.
The Mendip ward stretches from Temple Cloud to East and West Harptree, covering Cameley, Hinton Blewett, Coley, and North and South Widcombe.
The current composition of the council is Liberal Democrats 39, Labour 7, Independents 4, Green Party 3, Independents for BANES 3, Conservative Party 2, and now 1 vacancy.
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