At just 26 years old, Michael Pryke, one of North Somerset’s youngest councillors, has stepped into the significant role of leader of the Conservative opposition group. Representing Cleveland Walton, Pryke is the council’s second youngest member and was only six years old when his predecessor, Nigel Ashton, first assumed the leadership position.
Nigel Ashton, who led the Conservative group for two decades and served as council leader from 2007 to 2019, recently passed the baton. Pryke reflected on this transition, saying, “He felt it was time to hand on to a different generation.”
Under Pryke’s fresh leadership, the Conservatives are vowing to be “sharper and tougher” in holding the council to account. During a recent council meeting, the opposition group announced plans to establish a shadow cabinet and boldly moved their seats from the traditional curved benches to directly face the council leader, symbolizing their new approach.
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Addressing the council, Pryke voiced the growing concerns of residents: “Who is speaking for us? Who is standing up for towns and villages who feel ignored? Who is prepared to offer that serious alternative?” He confidently declared that the newly structured Conservative group would provide those answers.
Council leader Mike Bell acknowledged the renewed vigour of the opposition: “It’s really pleasing to see that, after seven years in opposition, the Conservatives are awake and with us.”
Interestingly, the Conservatives’ initial act under Pryke’s direction was to back the council administration’s plan to assign Live Nation the contract to operate the Tropicana as a 10,000-capacity venue. Pryke admitted the group had “gone on a journey” in developing their stance, urging sceptical councillors to “dare to dream that perhaps we might just be getting this one right.”
Pryke emphasized a cooperative yet critical relationship with the ruling coalition, which comprises Liberal Democrats, Labour, Greens, and Portishead Independents. He communicated to Liberal Democrat leader Mike Bell that while the Conservatives would be a “constructive friend,” they would not hesitate to challenge decisions when necessary.
The Conservative group, now numbering 14 councillors including allied independents, remains the largest political faction on the council. Pryke himself was elected during the 2023 local elections alongside colleague Luke Smith, who represents neighbouring Clevedon West. Their campaign notably focused on reversing the controversial “wiggly lines” road markings on Clevedon seafront—an issue that was resolved last year.
Paying tribute to Ashton, Pryke acknowledged his dedicated leadership through challenging times, noting his steadfast defence of the council’s interests amidst financial pressures from Westminster. “He never lost sight of the importance of strong local leadership,” Pryke said.
With a new generation ready to lead, North Somerset’s Conservative opposition is poised for a more engaged and dynamic presence on the council.