A Conservative councillor representing the Watchet and Stogursey division in rural Somerset has been granted a six-month leave of absence owing to ill health.
Councillor Rosemary Woods, who has served since May 2022 and previously held the position of vice-chairman of West Somerset Council, requested this leave through Conservative group leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues. The request was approved by chief executive Duncan Sharkey, allowing Ms. Woods to step back from all council meetings—both in person and virtual—until just before Christmas.
The Watchet and Stogursey division covers several key areas including Watchet, the village of Williton, the northern Quantock Hills, part of the Somerset coastline, and the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Besides her role as councillor, Ms. Woods is actively involved in the Hinkley Point C monitoring group and participates in two local community networks (LCNs) that unite parish councils and voluntary organizations to advance community projects.
Under the Local Government Act 1972, councillors who miss six consecutive months of public meetings must vacate their seat, triggering a by-election—unless they have secured an approved leave of absence beforehand. Typically, such approvals involve consultations with political group leaders, fellow councillors, and committee chairs.
In this case, however, the approval was met with an objection from Councillor Gwilym Wren, an independent representing the Upper Tone division. He expressed concerns on the council website that Ms. Woods has effectively been absent for almost a year without formal recognition, potentially depriving her electorate of representation for up to 16 months if her ill health continues past the upcoming 2027 council elections. Mr. Wren called on the council to ensure transparency and proper timing in such requests, suggesting potential misuse of leave provisions to avoid a by-election.
Nevertheless, Councillor Rodrigues defended the legitimacy of Ms. Woods' request, emphasizing his role in supporting her casework during recovery. “Rosemary is experiencing health challenges and needs this time to recuperate,” he said. “It is unfortunate that genuine health issues are being politicized. Such leaves have been regularly granted in the past across political lines.”
Currently, five Somerset councillors are on leave due to health reasons, including Ms. Woods. The other councillors granted leave represent various divisions and political parties. Hugh Davies, an independent, serves alongside Ms. Woods in Watchet and Stogursey.
Somerset Council affirmed that all procedures were properly followed with regard to the leave request and extended their best wishes for Ms. Woods’ swift recovery. A council spokesperson stated: “We have clear policies for granting leave of absence for ill health or personal reasons, and Councillor Woods’ request has been thoroughly reviewed and approved. We look forward to her return.”