Michael Dunk, a Somerset councillor representing Frome West, may not be required to step down immediately after his recent imprisonment, as preparations for an appeal are underway.
Dunk, a Green Party member affectionately known as “Mick,” was elected in May 2022 and has been active in environmental protests. Notably, he participated in a Just Stop Oil demonstration by climbing gantries on the M25 motorway in November 2022, raising demands to end new fossil fuel projects.
On December 5, 2025, Southwark Crown Court sentenced Dunk to 26 months in prison and ordered him to pay £4,380 in costs. A crowdfunding campaign has successfully raised over £6,000 to cover these expenses. Despite the harsh sentence, fellow Frome West councillor Martin Dimery confirmed that Dunk may remain in office while exploring an appeal.
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Dimery explained, “Mick has a limited window to appeal. He is entitled to hold his seat during this time and while the appeal is pending, which could be lengthy. Factors such as time served on curfew and prior detainment will also affect his sentence.”
Dunk’s treatment during sentencing mirrored punishments given to the Southport rioters in 2024, indicating the court regarded the demonstration as violent rather than peaceful. According to the Criminal Appeal Act 1968, Dunk has 28 days to lodge an appeal, with possible extensions under exceptional circumstances.
Meanwhile, Dunk will be ineligible to vote on Somerset Council’s upcoming budget scheduled for February 25, 2026. Voting rights require physical presence at the meeting and up-to-date council tax payments, conditions Dunk cannot meet while imprisoned.
Somerset Council has stated no immediate action has been taken to remove Dunk from his position, and no by-election plans have been announced. A council spokesperson clarified, “Disqualification does not take effect until after the appeal window closes or if an appeal fails. Dunk remains a councillor unless he resigns or foregoes his appeal rights.”