A Conservative councillor representing the Watchet and Stogursey division in rural Somerset has been granted a six-month leave of absence due to ill health. Councillor Rosemary Woods, who was elected in May 2022 and previously served as vice-chairman of West Somerset Council, will not be required to attend any council meetings, either in-person or virtually, until just before Christmas.
Ms. Woods requested the leave through Conservative group leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues. The request was approved by Somerset Council’s chief executive Duncan Sharkey, following established procedures involving consultation with political leaders and committee chairs. This leave prevents her from being disqualified under the Local Government Act 1972, which requires councillors to stand down if they miss six consecutive months of meetings without approved leave.
The Watchet and Stogursey division encompasses the coastal towns of Watchet and Williton, parts of the Quantock Hills, and the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station area. Beyond representing this division, Ms. Woods serves on the Hinkley Point C monitoring group and participates in two local community networks supporting parish councils and voluntary organizations.
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The councillor’s absence has drawn some concern. Councillor Gwilym Wren, an independent member of the Hinkley Point monitoring group, objected to the leave, citing that Ms. Woods has not attended any meetings since December 2025. He expressed worry that her constituency may be underrepresented for up to 16 months if she remains absent through the next elections in May 2027. He also questioned the delay in requesting the leave, suggesting it might be viewed as a way to avoid triggering a by-election.
In response, Councillor Diogo Rodrigues defended Ms. Woods’ request as entirely legitimate and emphasized that he will support her constituent casework during her recovery. He expressed disappointment at the politicization of her health issues, noting that dispensations for ill health are common practice. Rodrigues reassured that services to residents will continue seamlessly.
Currently, five councillors are on approved leaves of absence across different divisions in Somerset. The Watchet and Stogursey division’s other councillor, Hugh Davies, sits as an independent.
Somerset Council confirmed that all procedures were properly followed and wished Councillor Woods a swift recovery. A council spokesperson stated: “We have clear processes for councillors to request leave due to health or personal circumstances. This request was approved in accordance with those protocols. We look forward to Councillor Woods’ return.”