Vote John Hunt on Thursday 6th May 2027

John Hunt – An Independent voice representing you, not the interests of a political party.

Before making my decision to stand in the May 2027 Somerset Council elections, I wanted to understand the make-up of the division I would be seeking to represent. It is my view that elected councillors should live in the communities they represent. As I live in Bishop’s Hull, the Boundary Commission’s proposed new division containing Bishop’s Hull would be the only division in which I would consider standing.

For many years, I have proudly promoted my own village and parish of Bishop’s Hull. Therefore, when I discovered that the new division would comprise Bishop’s Hull together with the four beautiful parishes of Oake, Bradford on Tone, Langford Budville and Nynehead, my decision became a straightforward one.

One thing I am particularly passionate about, and will continue to do if re-elected, is keeping you informed by providing timely and up-to-date information. Too often, that information is either unavailable from official sources or, at best, lacking in detail. It is frequently unavailable altogether during bank holidays, weekends, and evenings.

As your elected Somerset Councillor, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure that, whenever possible, you receive accurate and timely updates, particularly during worrying and frustrating situations such as road closures, utility works and other local disruptions. Access to real-time information is also vital during periods of severe weather, public health emergencies and major incidents involving our emergency services.

The Advantages of Being an Independent Councillor
This independence allows me to listen directly to local concerns and respond accordingly. Whether dealing with planning applications, highways issues, housing concerns, or community services, as your independent councillor I can focus on achieving the best outcome for you rather than advancing a wider political agenda.

Freedom of Thought and Action
Being an Independent councillor gives me the ability to assess each issue on its own merits, not constrained by political manifestos or national party policies that may not reflect local circumstances. This flexibility enables me to work constructively with councillors from all political backgrounds and support good ideas wherever they originate.

In local government, practical solutions are often more important than political ideology. As an Independent councillor I take a balanced and pragmatic approach, supporting proposals that benefit residents and opposing those that do not, regardless of who puts them forward.

Strong Local Accountability
As an independent councillor my accountability is straightforward: I answer directly to you the electorate. Without party structures to rely upon (by choice), I have built trust through visibility, hard work, and effective representation.

Residents know that as their independent councillor, success depends entirely on my reputation within the community. This has created a stronger connection between me as an Independent Somerset Councillor and those that I represent, encouraging greater responsiveness and engagement.

Representing Local Values
Local communities are unique, and their priorities do not always align neatly with national political agendas.
This local focus allows me to champion issues that may otherwise receive less attention, ensuring that smaller communities and local concerns remain at the heart of decision-making.

In conclusion
Being an independent councillor offers me a unique opportunity to represent you without the constraints of party politics. The freedom to make decisions based solely on local interests, combined with direct accountability to the electorate, allowing me to provide focused and effective representation. On many occasions, this independence has enabled me to act as strong advocate, a collaborative leader and a trusted voice for local people. Ultimately, the greatest advantage of being an independent councillor is the ability to serve my community first, every time.

Vote John Hunt on Thursday 6th May 2027. Independent, working hard for YOU, NOT the interests of a political party.

John

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Positions currently held at council and in the community.

Somerset Council – Councillor
Independent Group – Leader. An Independent Councillors’ group of convenience, formed to enable its members to secure places on council committees.

Council Committee appointments:
Full Council
Local Community Network
Scrutiny Committee – Children and Education

Bishop’s Hull Parish – Councillor
Vice Chair

Bishop’s Hull Primary School – Governor

Bishop’s Hull Playing Field Trust – Trustee

Bishop’s Hull Flower Show – Committee Member

Taunton Thespians – President

Taunton Flower Show – Director

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Your Comments

Thank you to all those who took the trouble to send complimentary remarks via email or social media. Here is a selection:

BN. Thank you John. On the case as always.

LLF. Thank you John Hunt! I will certainly vote again for you in the future! You really show care and commitment! I meant every single word! I live in bishops hull and I can see what you do for us! I really appreciate it

AL. If we don’t vote for John we will lose him as our councillor altogether next year, as we will be losing our local district councillor. So if we want his continuing wonderful local help and representation we Must vote for John this time.

LH. I am very pleased to report that the drain cover has finally been replaced. I just want to thank you for being there to support my query.

MM. Thank you for keeping everyone informed.

JG. I’d vote for you everyday.

KR. Thank you for your efforts John.

DS. Hi John, thanks for all the info. The noise from the works has been horrible, but it definitely needed to be done.

SD. I appreciate the post is about the road works but I just wanted to say how lovely to see you sat in front of that canvas again. It only feels like not so long ago you were quiz master of lockdown quizzes which helped a lot of us have some fun in dark times. Thank you John

JC. Thank you for updating us. It’s really good of you to do that.

AT. The man who is always in our corner. Thank You. You’re the best.

JFB. Thank you John Hunt for keeping us up date!

AC. From what I’ve seen he seems to be doing a very good job for his voters.

ME. Please vote for John we must not loose him he works so hard for everyone we need John he takes time to sort out problems especially like the huge hole in the road in Wellington road and many other things he always takes time to listen to everyone it would be terrible if we lost John

RP. John has made a huge difference to our village and has been a fantastic councillor and deserves our support. We don’t want to lose him, and I for one would miss his help. Please just go to the Hub polling station on the 5 May and cast your vote for John it could be the one that makes the difference.

VC. Party politics shouldn’t come into local elections. Use your vote to keep John. He cares about our area and works hard for us.

JN. thanks John, always so responsive! Much appreciated

LD. Donated John Hunt thanks for helping save the bowling club

LD. Good luck John looking forward to voting for you and thanks for all you have done so far for our community.

DS. Always a gentleman, John. Looking forward to you having you represent us again – thank you for all you do.

WA. I just wish he was standing for Taunton Deane! What a truly fabulous person and the effort he put in, with the online quizzes during the whole of the lock downs was just truly AMAZING! I really miss those quizzes and they did bring people and families together from not only the local area, but those further afield too – even Oz!

SJ. No better person for the position than you John!

SM. You’ve got my vote John. Well done.

BB. I saw them driving through Taunton today and always think how much you do to support the race for life each year

ME. Always vote for you John you are the best for everyone the best in the west thank you for the time you give to everyone

AN. Well I hope everyone is voting today! I have just made my choice and don’t mind sharing that I have voted for our Independent candidate, John Hunt. So pleased that his ward now includes my area. John is passionate about getting things done for the good of our community and as an independent, doesn’t get tied up in party politics. Something I’m sure many of us are tired of hearing about. If you are wavering in your choice, vote for change and vote for John! Great to see you today John and wishing you luck!

LS. Just wanted to say that we will be voting for you in May! We moved to North Town just before lockdown 1 and we have both been impressed by your passion for Taunton. It’s obvious you really care about the town and it’s people My husband and I have turned away from politics for several years now but you are like a breath of fresh air and we will be supporting you in May. Please keep on doing what you do, it’s so refreshing to find someone who doesn’t have their own self interests at heart.

WKW. Those living in Bishop’s Hull know what a community minded man John Hunt is, always ready to help with even the smallest problem and very enthusiastic. He was selflessly supporting the villagers long before he became an independent councillor. He has no need to electioneer. He’s popular, respected and always available.

MD. Thank you so much John, and thank you for all you do for the Taunton community – an honest politician is a rare beast these days! xx

GJ. We know how supportive you have been and sincerely hope you are re-elected MP. Well done John. There’s a few that could take a ‘leaf out of your book.’ This is what proactive politics should look like!

RS. Thank you for all your hard work AHT. John Hunt and thats why we vote for you….. You get things done. Thanks John

ML. John Hunt Cracking stuff John, thanks for working so hard on this!

KP. Go John…always follows up where he can.

BW. Thank you John for your efforts to get this problem resolved correctly.

CW. I have recently moved to Taunton and never met a Councillor who is as proactive as you! Definitely get my vote. Thank you

SC. Well done Councillor Hunt. Yours efforts are to be applauded. I am afraid the standard of workmanship today leaves a lot to be desired.

LE. And this is why we need to vote for John !

WA. Thank you for all of the quizzes you hosted for us all. I did nominate you for the community awards – hopefully you won! Wishing you and your family a very happy 2022 and thank you for all that you have done for us x

CJ. Thankyou John Hunt for your hard work in trying to keep the road users safe.

LP. Grateful thanks for all you do for residents.

SB. Congratulations John on your steadfast good work.

EG. John Hunt I take my hat off to you, you are always on the ball. Have never known anyone that looks after the community like you do “first class” keep up the good work.

RE. John your one in a Million.

JS. Nice one John. Making things safer. It must be extremely frustrating to be passed from pillar to post. If someone had come a cropper on that pothole, no-one would have taken responsibility and there would have been an insincere ‘lessons have been learnt’ quote. Thank you for sorting this out. Much appreciated.

CG. Well done John again. Standing up for this community.

CW. Well done John and thank you for taking your Councillor duties seriously.

AR. Keep up the pressure, that’s all you can do. Well done for what you’ve done over the last few years. Thank you

HP. Just who we need! No political agenda, just get the jobs done that need doing! Good luck John Hunt!

HCW. I wish all councillors cared as much as you.

AS. Well done John. Good job getting this fixed albeit temporarily. I take the A38 to Wellington twice a day.

MD. thanks for all you are doing John, much appreciated xx

PB. At Last!! Well Done with all your efforts Mr Hunt!

SC. We live in TA1 Area, it great to see someone actually care for the area in and around Taunton, So hope you up for voting all over not just the place you mentione