Cllr Paul Myers has today stood down as Leader of the Conservative Group on Bath and North East Somerset Council, having led the Group for the past two years.

During that time, Cllr Myers has worked tirelessly to ensure the Group has been able to act as a strong Opposition, holding the Administration to account on key decisions and scrutinising policy.

As well as standing down from the leadership, the Midsomer Norton Ward Councillor has also resigned as the Conservative whip and will sit as an independent councillor (though not part of the Independent Group) until the next elections in 2023, when he plans to stand down as a Councillor.

Cllr Myers has taken the decision to step back from frontline politics in order to be able to spend more time with his family after what has been a challenging couple of years for him personally.

In a statement, Cllr Myers said: “I came into local politics in 2011 not just to represent the residents of Midsomer Norton Redfield, but to get things done to make a real difference.

“I’ve given it my all since 2011 and will now, by standing aside from B&NES’ wider politics, focus on working on a few remaining projects in Midsomer Norton such as the Town Hall with fellow Ward Councillor, Chis Watt. Above all, I look forward to having more of a personal home life”.

Cllr Vic Pritchard has become the Group’s Acting Leader until members can vote for Cllr Myers’ replacement in the next few weeks.

Cllr Pritchard said: “On behalf of all members of the Conservative Group, I would like to say an enormous thank you to Paul for everything he has done for us over the past two years.

“He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, successfully managed a consistently high workload and conducted himself throughout with an erudite political wit. For these reasons, and many more, he will be greatly missed.

“We wish him every success in his future endeavours, and I have every faith that he will continue to be an outstanding Ward Councillor for Midsomer Norton.”Councillor Grant Johnson, Labour's Ward Councillor for Paulton, contacted The Journal on hearing the resignation of Cllr Myers as Leader of the Conservatives. He said: “Paul has been a community champion in Midsomer Norton for many years and despite being from two different parties, I have had the pleasure of working alongside him on numerous occasions. He has always undertaken everything with clear intentions and an enthusiasm and commitment for the community he serves. Midsomer Norton Pride would certainly not have been the same event if it were not for Paul’s involvement.”“It seems a shame that we never got to work together as Councillors in the same party, as Paul was once a Labour Party member before the Local Governance Review. However, I’m sure he will carry out his remaining years on the Council with the same determination as he has always had. I look forward to continuing to work with Paul over the next two years and building on our already good friendship.”