‘I didn’t know if I had the strength to lead group into election’
NORTH Somerset Council leader Don Davies stepped down after questioning whether he ‘had the strength’ to lead his group into another election.
Councillor Davies, who represents Pill, announced he was to stand down as leader of the Independent group – and consequently leader of the authority – this week after three years at the helm.
He told the Post: “With the election in 2023, and with how volatile politics can be, I had to ask myself whether I had the strength to lead the group into an election campaign and to a victory.
“I had Covid last autumn and it left me feeling knackered.
“To do the job as leader, you have to be strong. I didn’t want to get into the position where I could not deliver for the people of North Somerset. I took the decision now as I didn’t want to leave it until later in the year. This will give the new leadership a year to deliver on issues such as the budget and the local plan.”
Mr Davies denied his move was due to fractures within the Independent party, which has seen some members quit in recent years and stand alone.
“There are no more fractures in the Independent group than there has been since I have been a member of the party since 2011,” he said.
“By definition there won’t be the same level of continuity as there is in a political party. But we have stuck together to deliver for the people of North Somerset.”
Mr Davies, 63, said he planned to stand as an independent for Pill once again at the next local election in May 2023.
Councillor Steve Bridger, who represents Yatton, has been nominated as Mr Davies’s replacement – a move due to be rubber stamped at the annual meeting last night.
“As leader of North Somerset, you need to be massively on the ball,” he said.
“It’s a very intensive 24/7 role. If I were elected as leader again, I would be 69 before the end of my term.
“The last thing North Somerset needs is old men leading the council. It will be good to hand the reins to a younger person.
“I feel that now is a good time to pass the baton on to someone else who can continue work with colleagues to deliver the change our communities desperately need in this very challenging world. I am sure that Councillor Steve Bridger is that person.”