Independent Cambridge City Councillor resigns
She says she's sad to step down from the role
The only independent councillor at Cambridge City Council has announced she is stepping down with immediate effect.
Councillor Sam Davies, who represents Queen Edith’s ward, has announced she is resigning due to a family decision to move away from the city in early 2024.
Cllr Davies said she was sad to stand down and said it had been a “privilege” to represent people living in the Queen Edith’s ward since her election to the city council in May 2021.
A by-election is now expected to be called by the city council in order for a new councillor to be elected to the seat.
Cllr Davies said: “It has been a great privilege to serve the residents of Queen Edith’s and I am very sad to stand down.
“However, resigning now, just over six months before next May’s local elections, means that a by-election will be held, and so I can be sure that Queen Edith’s residents will have continuous representation by a full complement of councillors right up till the next scheduled elections in May 2024.
“Given that I have now decided that my long-term future isn’t in Cambridge, it would feel wrong to stay in post for another six months, continuing to make decisions which will affect the lives of those who will be here.”
Cllr Davies was the only independent councillor sitting on the city council.
She explained that she chose to stand as an independent due to her dislike of adversarial politics.
In her resignation statement, Cllr Davies also thanked Councillor Naomi Bennett and the other members of the Green Party, who she joined as an administrative group, for their support “navigating the more byzantine aspects of the Council’s operation”.
Cllr Davies also said a “major overhaul” of the local government structure was needed, arguing the current structure is “woefully inadequate”.
She said: “I know from many conversations with residents that they have really valued someone taking the time to explain what’s going on, why things are as they are, and how our local government structures are woefully inadequate for both tackling the problems and maximising the opportunities which the city’s growth presents.
“I have worked as hard as I could to do my bit, but it is more apparent than ever that, without a major overhaul of local government structures, financing and powers, our council will struggle with relentless demands to maintain current levels of service and protect residents’ quality of life.”