Defecting Conservative Becomes Reform UK’s First Councillor in Somerset
Bente Height, a former Conservative councillor, joins Reform UK, marking a significant shift in Somerset’s local politics.
Somerset, Bente Height, Reform UK, Conservative Party, Mendip District Council
Somerset: Bente Height has switched from the Conservatives to Reform UK. She was a councillor since 2011, first elected for Shepton East.
In 2015, she kept her seat and ran as an independent in 2019. She rejoined the Conservatives in 2020 and served on the new Somerset Council.
Now, she believes Reform UK will better represent her constituents. She’s been critical of local authorities for years.
Height has often spoken out about issues like missed bin collections and local housing developments. She feels these developments strain medical facilities.
She mentioned that many residents see no difference between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Height believes unique local problems need attention.
She pointed out that Shepton Mallet is struggling economically, yet residents face high taxes. Social housing issues are also a concern for her constituents.
Height expressed frustration over road maintenance and the lack of support for disabled residents. She’s now part of Reform’s Wells and Mendip Hills branch.
The party aims to improve its performance after finishing third in the last election. Constituency chair Aimee Smith welcomed Height to the team.
After her defection, the council’s political makeup includes 60 Liberal Democrats, 33 Conservatives, and now 1 from Reform UK.