A SOMERSET councillor has stepped down from the Lib Dems after decades of service.

Once described as a stalwart of the local party, Hazel Prior-Sankey (Ind, Taunton South) now sits as an unaffiliated councillor after resigning her party membership.

One half of the Prior-Sankey power couple of Somerset politics, she served as mayor of Taunton Deane from 2017 to 2018, 15 years after her husband Adrian held the position.

A Lib Dem councillor said they were “shocked” to hear the decision and believe Mrs Prior-Sankey does not plan to stand for re-election.

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Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, told your Leveller: “I’d like to thank Cllr Prior-Sankey for her many years of dedicated service as a Liberal Democrat Councillor on Taunton Deane, Somerset West & Taunton and Somerset County Councils.

“She has stepped away from our group, but has assured me that she continues to be supportive of the Somerset Council Lib Dem administration.

“While I am sad that she has taken this decision, I fully respect the choice she has made.”

Hazel and Adrian Prior-Sankey have not responded to any of your Leveller’s repeated requests for comment.