Councillor Resignations Spark Controversy Across Multiple Councils

Chesham Town Councillor Paul Harding resigned after failing to meet attendance requirements, having last attended a meeting in May, which was beyond the six-month limit set by the council. Despite his resignation, other councillors have also struggled with attendance, with Conservative Gareth Williams having the lowest rate at just 14 percent this year. In West Oxfordshire, MP Charlie Maynard, who also serves as a district councillor, faced criticism for a 33 percent attendance rate at council meetings and has announced plans to resign from that role in May. Meanwhile, Long Ashton councillor Ash Cartman quit the Liberal Democrat group over dissatisfaction with the approval of a controversial tech campus by Epic, arguing that the decision favored Bristol over local interests. He expressed regret but felt it was necessary due to the council's handling of the issue. Lastly, Robin Hunter-Clarke became Norfolk's first Reform UK councillor after leaving the Conservatives, citing a commitment to democracy following a vote to postpone elections.