Published: October 2, 2012
Highbridge town councillor quits Lib Dems to become independent

A Highbridge town councillor has quit the Liberal Democrats and become an independent councillor instead.

Cllr Bill Hancock, pictured, explained the reasons for his decision to Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"I can do more for the two towns by being on the council without any political motives or pressures," he said.

"Personally, I don't think politics should come into local matters at a town or parish council level."

"I will continue to do my best for Burnham and Highbridge as an independent councillor and don't have any ill feelings whatsoever to my former party members."

And Phil Harvey, Liberal Democrat leader on the town council, added: "Bill has left the group because he feels more comfortable to serve as an independent. I have thanked him for his time with us and said there are no hard feelings between us."

Cllr Hancock was first elected as a town councillor in last year's elections. He recently had differing opinions to several other Lib Dem town councillors over the potential appointment of a new Town Manager for Burnham.

He voted in favour of the role being created in contrast to several other party members, although it was stressed at the time that there no formal party line had been taken during the debate.