Grant Johnson, a Labour councillor representing Paulton on the Bath and North East Somerset Council since 2019, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party. His departure stems from concerns about the leadership and direction of the Labour Party at the national level, and is not a reflection on the local B&NES Labour group.
Johnson expressed his gratitude for the local colleagues and members who have supported and shaped his political journey. He emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the needs of his community, stating, “I will continue to serve the place where 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.”
This resignation marks the first time since the council’s creation that Paulton does not have two Labour councillors. It also reduces the Labour opposition on the council to six members. Labour group leader Robin Moss acknowledged Johnson’s departure with regret, highlighting the challenges faced while addressing the legacies of previous Conservative and coalition governments.
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Johnson’s exit follows shortly after High Littleton councillor Ann Morgan left the ruling Liberal Democrats to join the Independent Group. Currently, Johnson is unaffiliated with any council group.
The council composition now includes 39 Liberal Democrats, 6 Labour councillors, 5 members of the Independent Group, 3 Greens, 3 Independents for B&NES, 2 Conservatives, and one unaffiliated councillor — Grant Johnson.