Councillor Nathan Hartley, who represents Peasedown St John for Bath and North East Somerset Council, has resigned from the Liberal Democrat Party and become independent.
In a letter to Councillor Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Hartley explains his frustrations and unhappiness with the local party, which he says has grown in recent months for a variety of reasons.
He says his decision to resign and become independent is largely because the decisions taken by the Lib Dem-authority have not benefitted Peasedown St John and its residents.
Having been part of the Liberal Democrats for 12 years, Nathan adds how since last summer he’s increasingly come into conflict with local Liberal Democrat policy and actions, and has always felt he was forced to choose between the people of Peasedown and party policy.
Hartley, who was born in Peasedown, studied at Bath Spa University and runs his own local business, was first elected as a councillor in 2007 and has always taken an active role in the Peasedown community.
Nathan co-founded and works with residents to co-ordinate Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park. He works to represent the views of the local people, and believes in working together to make a difference in the local community.
Hartley concludes his letter with the following statement: “With no more compromises, no more party policy, and no more guilt, I can finally give the people of Peasedown the service they deserve.
“I’ll now sit as an independent member of the council – putting the needs of the people of Peasedown at the forefront of everything I do.”
2 Comments
linnet231
Monday 27th January, 2014 at 00:41Good on you, Nathan. A courageous and exemplary act. What would government be like if more politicians chose to act in the interest of the voters? Peasedown people are lucky to have you.
Rob Styles
Sunday 26th January, 2014 at 15:23more like he went before he was pushed.