SEDGEMOOR Labour Group has regrouped in the wake of Sedgemoor District Council Labour leader Diogo Rodrigues’s shock resignation from the party last week.

An emergency meeting was held on Wednesday night (July 11) to elect a new leadership team, with Westover councillors Brian Smedley and Kathy Pearce unanimously voted in as Leader and Deputy Leader.

After the meeting Cllr Smedley said: “It is an honour to take on this great responsibility.

“Despite the state of politics nationally, the day-to-day business of being a councillor is helping to run the town and trying to improve things for its people.

“Obviously, we condemn anti-semitism and racism in any form, but this is nothing to do with our work and the great challenges and opportunities ahead.

“What is important is our economy, the environment and our communities.

“Myself, Kathy and the Labour Group will continue to do our best to serve, and to build on our achievements.

“On Town Council we are taking Climate Change seriously, tackling the transport chaos in the area and trying to positively promote a bright future for our town.

“We will naturally be happy to work with any parties or individuals provided they take a constructive approach to the future of the town and aren’t just playing political games.”

Bridgwater Mercury: ElectionsModule Candidate photo

Cllr Kathy Pearce added: “We won our seats locally because of the progressive Labour manifesto to continue the good work of the last electoral term, which we delivered in full.

“We were elected as a team and we’ll work as a team.

"Saying what you’ll do and then doing it is why people have put trust in Labour over the years."