A Reform councillor has issued a public apology after being filmed urinating on a street in Dunster while campaigning earlier this month. Councillor Neale Raleigh, a member of Devon County Council, was recorded by a Ring doorbell camera at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 2.
Michael Fife Cook, leader of the Devon County Council’s Reform Group, confirmed that Mr. Raleigh has expressed regret over the incident. Speaking with SomersetLive, Mr. Cook explained, “While I don’t condone his actions, the circumstances are understandable. Delivering campaign leaflets involves long hours on foot, and when nature calls, sometimes there are no nearby public facilities.”
He added, “Mr. Raleigh sought privacy in an alleyway, ensuring he did not offend anyone. He did not realize a Ring doorbell camera was present but was desperate and had no other option. Importantly, this was not someone’s private property.”
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The video was shared on social media platform X on Saturday, October 11, and has since garnered over 21,000 views. Reactions have been mixed: some commentators condemned the act as “disgusting” and “completely abhorrent,” while others expressed understanding given the circumstances.
Councillor Raleigh was campaigning for the upcoming Somerset Council by-election, set for Thursday, October 23, which will elect a new representative for Dunster.