A BY-ELECTION is to be held this month after a Saltford councillor resigned.
Alison Streatfeild-James, one of Saltford’s two Liberal Democrats on Bath and North East Somerset Council, stepped down with immediate effect last month to take on a new role at the Financial Conduct Authority, where she cannot hold political office. The by-election to choose a new councillor will take place on January 16.
Although named for the village, Saltford ward covers a large area of North East Somerset, including Burnett, Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus, Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando, Corston, Newton St Loe, and even Queen Charlton on the other side of Keynsham.
Ms Streatfeild-James said: “I have very much enjoyed my time as councillor for Saltford and have been very proud to represent such a wonderful community and to work with the local Liberal Democrats.
“I have particularly enjoyed contact with local parish councils, the Saltford Business Network and local community groups, as well as representing B&NES Council on the West of England Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
“Sadly however, my new ‘day job’ at the Financial Conduct Authority is politically restricted, meaning I am unable to continue as an elected councillor at the same time.
“I would like to thank all Saltford residents for their support and engagement over the past couple of years. And I would particularly like to thank my Liberal Democrat colleague, councillor Duncan Hounsell, for his advice, encouragement and friendship.”
Saltford was a Conservative-held ward since the creation of Bath and North East Somerset Council in 1996 until 2019, when Liberal Democrats Duncan Hounsell and Alastair Singleton won both seats in the ward.
After Mr Singleton stepped down at the 2023 local elections, Ms Streatfeild-James beat independent Christopher John Warren by 33 votes to win the seat.
Following Ms Streatfeild-James’ resignation, the Liberal Democrats have 40 out of the 59 seats on the council. Labour have seven councillors, six councillors are independent, the Greens have three councillors, and the Conservatives have two.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Pictured, Alison Streatfeild-James with her Liberal Democrat colleague Duncan Hounsell
Saltford by-election looms after councillor quits
