Jo Roundell Greene, a Liberal Democrat councillor for South Petherton and Islemoor division in Somerset, has been granted a six-month leave of absence. Since being elected in May 2022, Ms Roundell Greene has been an active member of the council, also serving as associate portfolio holder for children’s services and education strategy. She plays a key role in overseeing special needs provision within the county.
Ms Roundell Greene, who previously ran unsuccessfully as the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Yeovil in 2017, requested the leave through council leader Bill Revans. The request was approved by council chief executive Duncan Sharkey, meaning she will be excused from attending any council meetings—both in-person and virtual—until after Halloween.
The South Petherton and Islemoor division includes several villages along the A303 corridor, such as Merriott, Shepton Beauchamp, and South Petherton itself. In addition to her council duties, Ms Roundell Greene is actively involved in two local community networks that unite parish councils and voluntary organizations to support community initiatives in the wider Crewkerne, Ilminster, Levels, and Moors areas.
She also contributes to numerous boards, including the corporate parenting board, the improvement and transformation board, and the Somerset outdoor and residential learning advisory group. During her leave, her fellow division councillor and current Yeovil MP Adam Dance will manage her casework.
According to Alyn Jones, the council’s monitoring officer, “It was deemed appropriate to avoid any further delay and to take this decision now. All necessary parties have been consulted on this proposal as required under the council’s delegated authority, and no objections have been raised.”
Ms Roundell Greene is one of four Somerset councillors currently on leave. Councillor Sue Osborne (Conservative, Ilminster) is on leave until July 22, Suria Aujla (Huntspill) will not attend meetings in person until September 16, and Councillor Kathy Pearce (Labour, Bridgwater South) is on leave until October 31. These leaves of absence may be extended if necessary.