Michael Dunk, a Green Party councillor representing Frome West in Somerset, has formally resigned after failing to overturn his conviction related to a Just Stop Oil protest on the M25 motorway. His resignation triggers a by-election later this year to fill the vacant seat.
Dunk, known as ‘Mick’, was one of two Green Party councillors elected in May 2022. In November 2022, he was part of a group of activists who climbed gantries on the M25, displaying a “Just Stop Oil” banner to protest the UK government’s continued approval of fossil fuel projects.
Following the protest, Dunk received a 26-month prison sentence in December 2025 at Southwark Crown Court and was ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge. While he spent Christmas behind bars, a crowdfunding initiative was launched to support his legal fees and those of fellow protesters. Released on licence under curfew conditions, Dunk was still able to attend recent council meetings.
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Despite his appeal, the conviction was upheld, forcing Dunk to resign due to council rules that disqualify anyone sentenced to prison for three months or more from serving as a councillor. Dunk expressed deep regret but emphasized he believed his actions were necessary to combat the government’s policies, which he called deeply misguided and harmful to efforts against climate change.
“The government’s decision in October 2022 to issue new oil and gas exploration licences threatened the UK’s ability to meet its climate targets,” Dunk stated in his resignation. “My conscience would not allow me to stand by while future generations face extreme global warming.”
During his trial, evidence related to climate change was ruled inadmissible, limiting the jury’s consideration to the disruption caused. Dunk contrasted this with a separate, earlier trial where climate evidence was allowed, and the defendants were acquitted.
The council is proceeding with statutory steps to fill the vacancy, with all local casework temporarily managed by Frome West’s other councillor, Martin Dimery. The upcoming by-election winner will serve until the next full local elections scheduled for May 2027.
Dunk concluded his resignation by acknowledging the work of his fellow councillors and council officers under difficult circumstances and reiterated the urgency of addressing the global climate crisis through consistent government action.