A thank you to Mike Wood, for serving Southwater North and Horsham District

It is with regret but also appreciation, that we announce that Mike Wood has had to resign from his role as Horsham District Councillor for the Southwater North ward due to a change in his professional circumstances.

Reflecting on his experience, Mike wrote to local residents:

“Serving as your councillor has been an incredible privilege, and I am grateful for the trust, support and insights you have shown me during my tenure. The opportunity to work alongside dedicated individuals and contribute to the betterment of our community has been a rewarding experience.

“I have been able as a councillor to make sure that you are properly represented. I canvassed a good number of you before deciding to vote for the Local Plan. I believe that we are right to adopt the Local Plan as published as it will protect the future of Southwater and the community against ad hoc development and allow us to add affordable housing and a school.

“I look forward to continuing to contribute to the community in different ways, and I am optimistic about the bright future that lies ahead for Southwater.”

You can read Mike’s full statement on the Southwater & Shipley Liberal Democrats page.

Thanking Mike for his contribution to Southwater and Horsham District, Leader of the Council, Cllr Martin Boffey, commented:

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Mike on the Council. Mike dutifully fulfilled his role as Chairman of the Audit Committee and diligently represented his local residents’ concerns on Planning Committee North. I would like to thank him for his service this past year and to wish him well in his future pursuits.”

Local Party Chairman, Sarah Ullmann, added:

“When we first met Mike Wood, we knew that he was going to be a councillor who would champion his local community. While his role as a councillor has been cut short, we are quite sure we’ll continue to see him out supporting Southwater and your local Liberal Democrats.”

A Notice of Vacancy has been published by Horsham District Council and a by-election will follow in the coming months. Horsham Liberal Democrats will be announcing their candidate for Southwater North shortly.