The Glastonbury community and fellow councillors have come together to honor the late Nick Cottle, a dedicated former councillor whose passing has prompted an upcoming by-election. Mr. Cottle died on August 11 at the age of 69, shortly after returning from a holiday in Canada.
Following his funeral held on September 11 in Glastonbury, the by-election to fill his seat was officially announced. Prospective candidates were invited to register their nominations by September 26, and five candidates have now been confirmed to contest the election on October 23.
At the full council meeting in Bridgwater on September 25, Councillor Mike Best, chairman of the council, led the moving tributes. He highlighted Mr. Cottle’s extensive public service and dedication, including his role as deputy chair of Mendip District Council and being honored at the Queen’s Garden Party in 2022.
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“Nick served his community with dedication and distinction for many years,” said Councillor Best. “He will be remembered for his warmth, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his constituents and colleagues. His funeral service was a testament to the support he garnered, with the church full of community members paying their respects.”
Councillor Liz Leyshon echoed these sentiments, noting Nick’s deep community engagement. “Nick set the bar very high. He was not just a politician but a listener and problem solver who connected with everyone,” she said. She described his funeral as a fitting farewell to a man who was both a sitting councillor and a former mayor of Glastonbury.
In the interim, Conservative Councillor Susannah Hart has been handling all casework for the Glastonbury division. “Nick was a fantastic councillor and a genuinely kind person. Glastonbury will feel his absence deeply,” she remarked.
The confirmed candidates standing in the by-election are:
- Ewan Cameron (Liberal Democrats)
- Gregory Chambers (Labour Party)
- Jon Cousins (Green Party)
- Lilli Osborn (Conservative Party)
- Henry Warne (Reform UK)
Polling stations will be open across Glastonbury division on October 23 from 7am to 10pm. Results for this by-election and the concurrent Dunster by-election are expected to be announced the following morning.