Michael Dunk, a Green Party councillor for Frome West in Somerset, has formally resigned following his failed attempt to overturn a conviction related to a high-profile Just Stop Oil protest on the M25 motorway. His resignation triggers a by-election later this year.
Dunk, known as ‘Mick’, was sentenced to 26 months in prison in December 2025 for his involvement in climbing gantries on the M25 during a November 2022 protest against new fossil fuel projects. The protest aimed to highlight the government’s issuance of additional oil and gas exploration licenses, which Dunk argued jeopardized the UK’s climate goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Spending Christmas behind bars and paying £4,380 in court costs plus a victim surcharge, Dunk was later released on licence with curfews but continued his role as a councillor until his conviction appeal was denied. Under council rules, any councillor sentenced to at least three months in prison cannot hold office, forcing Dunk to step down.
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In his resignation statement, Dunk emphasized his conscience-driven decision to protest: “Even if I did not have children or grandchildren, I could not stand by and do nothing in the face of a global climate emergency.” He criticized what he described as a “cynical” government policy favoring the oil and gas lobby and stressed the urgent need for action on climate change.
During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, Dunk and his co-defendants were found guilty of causing a public nuisance after climbing the gantry and displaying a “Just Stop Oil” banner. Dunk reported that the court disallowed climate change evidence in their defense, unlike a separate trial at Guildford where climate evidence was considered, resulting in not guilty verdicts.
Somerset Council has confirmed Dunk’s resignation and stated that statutory processes for the resulting vacancy are underway. Until the by-election, constituent services in Frome West will be managed by the other sitting councillor, Martin Dimery. The seat will remain up for election again in May 2027 alongside other local council elections.