Liberal Democrat councillors across B&NES have revealed an ongoing disciplinary process which concluded with the resignation of Cllr Nathan Hartley.
Following the extended and continuing disciplinary process, Nathan Hartley resigned from the Liberal Democrat Group and Party yesterday. Councillor Hartley will continue to represent the ward of Peasedown on Bath and North East Somerset as an Independent.
Councillor Sarah Bevan, who also represents Peasedown, said: “I’m disappointed that it has come to this. Peasedown has benefitted from having Lib Dem Councillors working with the Lib Dem administration. I’m sure that Nathan and I will continue to have a good working relationship so we can deliver more for our area.”
Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Liberal Democrat Council Group, added: “The past 18 months has been a difficult time for Nathan. The group has repeatedly offered support for him, but this has not been taken up. Unfortunately there have been a number of issues that we could not ignore, and having been informed that the Liberal Democrat group were to discuss these issues on Thursday (30th January), Nathan took the decision to resign.
“The Liberal Democrat administration will continue to deliver a stronger economy and fairer society for residents across Bath and North East Somerset.”
Shaun McGall, the Chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Liberal Democrats, concluded: “It is disappointing when any member feels the need to resign, but sadly Nathan didn’t feel able to answer to the disciplinary charges against him.”
Concluding their statement, the Liberal Democrats said: “During our internal disciplinary process, a number of matters arose which fall outside our purview and we have reported those to the relevant bodies. Therefore the Liberal Democrats will not be making any further statements while those are being investigated.”
In response to the Lib Dem’s comments, Councillor Hartley said: “I’m disappointed with the official Lib Dem response to my resignation, but not surprised.
“Yes, there were two complaints made by fellow councillors about me last year, both concerning the way I was handling issues in Peasedown St John, with regards to speaking out against party policy. I attended a meeting with one councillor, and apologised to another. But, on both occasions made it clear that I wasn’t going to compromise on putting party policy above the needs of my residents.
“The final straw came at the recent B&NES Council meeting when I decided to rebel against the Lib Dem whip and vote with the opposition to keep all of our Children’s Centres open. After being informed by the leadership that at a meeting on the Jan 30th this issue would be discussed I decided not to stick around – I’d only be made to feel guilty again for putting my village first.”