In a significant political shift, senior Conservative councillor John Cook-Woodman has joined Reform UK, increasing the party’s representation on Somerset Council to three members. Cook-Woodman has been a dedicated representative of the Highbridge and Burnham South division since 2009, initially serving on Somerset County Council and now on the newly formed Somerset Council.
Cook-Woodman played a pivotal role in the former Conservative administration as cabinet member for highways and transport from 2017 until the May 2022 elections. His departure from the Conservatives was announced on January 14, signaling a move aligned with his belief that Reform UK, under Nigel Farage’s leadership, offers the best path toward prosperity, opportunity, and security for the nation.
A lifelong Somerset resident with deep local roots, Cook-Woodman’s family has operated a shoemaking business in Burnham-on-Sea for 150 years. Outside politics, he works as a self-employed electrician and landlord. He expressed a commitment to improving transport, facilities, and restoring hope for residents in his division through his new role with Reform UK.
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Reform UK group leader Bente Height, who herself defected from the Conservatives in January 2025, welcomed Cook-Woodman’s decision, expressing enthusiasm for his contribution to serving Somerset’s community.
The party’s spokesperson highlighted Cook-Woodman’s valued role within the Somerset community and the importance of his addition to their growing South West team.
Following his defection, Cook-Woodman will step down from his position as shadow portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets. He also serves on the council’s climate and place scrutiny committee and pension fund committee. Additionally, he contributes to the Burnham local community network and the Hinkley Point C monitoring group.
This political realignment leaves the Liberal Democrats as the council’s largest party with 62 of 110 seats. The Conservatives hold 31 seats as the official opposition. The Greens and Labour each have five seats, independents and non-aligned councillors have four, while Reform UK now holds three.
Because committee compositions must mirror the council’s political balance, further adjustments to Mr. Cook-Woodman’s committee roles are expected pending decisions by council officers ahead of the full council meeting on February 25.