Another Bath & North East Somerset councillor has quit their political party.
Councillors Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson | Photo © John Wimperis
In a statement posted on Facebook on Monday 19th January, Grant Johnson, who has represented the Paulton ward since 2019, said: “After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to resign from the Labour Party.
“This decision is about the relationship and direction of the party nationally, rather than a reflection on the B&NES Labour group.
“I’m hugely grateful to the many colleagues and local members who supported me over the years, people who shaped the councillor I am today and reminded me what local politics should be about: community first.
“I will continue to serve the place I was born and have lived my entire life as an independent councillor, focused on delivering for Paulton, rather than party politics. My priority is, and will remain, doing the best I can for Paulton.”
The Labour leader on the council Robin Moss (Westfield) said: “We’re sorry that Grant has decided to leave the Labour Party, and the Labour Group on B&NES.
“Unfortunately, undoing 14 years of the Conservative and Coalition governments’ mess means taking difficult and at times unpopular decisions in government.
“We would like to thank Grant for the work that he has done for the Labour Party and Labour Group and wish him well for the future.”
Councillor Johnson’s decision to leave Labour comes just days after High Littleton councillor Ann Morgan quit the council’s ruling Liberal Democrats.
She has joined the Independent Group, but Mr Johnson is currently listed on the council’s website as “unaligned”.
Councillor Shaun Hughes (Midsomer Norton North) who is spokesperson for the Independent Group, said: “We’ve worked closely with Grant on a number of issues over the years, and he has consistently proven to be a dedicated and effective councillor for Paulton.
“We genuinely wish him every success and are pleased to offer the full support of the Independent Group as he takes the step to become an Independent councillor – a decision we know will not have been taken lightly.
“Our experience is that Independent councillors are often best placed to represent their communities, free from party pressures and able to focus entirely on local needs. We look forward to working with Grant in the coming year.”
The Lib Dems are currently listed as having 39 councillors, while the opposition Labour group now has six, the Independent Group has five and the breakaway Independents for B&NES have three. The Greens also have three and the Conservatives have two.
