Elections for the new Somerset Council take place on May 5.

Here's who is standing in the Glastonbury Division:

Susannah Clemence – Independent

"Glastonbury is my birthplace and centre of gravity: the slumbering spine of the Poldens above the haze of levels and moors, peewits strobing over wetlands, the noble oaks and graceful ash trees, the long vowels that inflected my first words.

Returning home a couple of years ago, I was delighted by Glastonbury's refreshed diversity, and aghast at how unsafe local roads have become to walk and cycle. The pervasive roar of traffic on every side is louder now and more oppressive across soft Somerset landscapes than in Cornwall, worse even than Bristol or London, which are increasingly pedestrian-friendly. Lockdown and reopening showed this as more starkly wrong. I felt disturbed that local government has allowed this imbalance to drift into accepted normality, and wondered how.

I believe that action is better than complaint. So I am stepping forward:

Not only for safe roads and a decent bus service to get us where we need, but also for an education service prepared to oversee all schools on behalf of their communities; for a youth service that provides more than emergency help; for social services that reach everyone who needs them, including those who don't drive, use the internet or have a mobile phone, and are effectively invisible.

I'm determined, steady and an experienced organiser. I know how politics can divide, and I put effort into building functional co-operation – so Somerset will provide the infrastructure and the space for each person to be our unique best.

We can work well, together."

Nick Cottle - Liberal Democrats

"On leaving school, I started working on our family farms at Wick. I then worked in retail and engineering. Later in life I became the proprietor of cafes and small gift shops in Glastonbury.

For the last few years I've delivered your parcels - with the massive increase in online shopping and the pandemic this turned what I thought would be an easy semi-retirement into a busy fast moving business.

I have an abundance of experience as a past Mayor of Glastonbury, Town Councillor for about twenty years and a Mendip Councillor with responsibility for neighbourhood services. My local knowledge and experience of Council boards, committees and working groups equips me well to serve you on the new Somerset Council."

Jon Cousins – Green Party

"A well-deserved reputation for being a hardworking, community minded councillor, Jon has represented St. Edmund's on the Town Council since 2011, been a District Councillor for St. John's since 2019, a member of the £23.6m Glastonbury Town Deal Board, and has served as Mayor of Glastonbury on three occasions.

'Our community has been through some tough times recently. Some things are improving, but – with the cost of living rising and growing environmental concerns – we're not out of the woods yet! Our amazing community has shown what we can do when we work together, and I'm committed to ensure councils continue to support local groups and organisations that have helped so many, such as the Support Network, Health Connections, our Youth Clubs, the Community Fridge, and Bridging the Gap Food Bank. This is Glastonbury at its best; this is the Glastonbury that I love – and, as a Town, District, and County Councillor, I will work tirelessly for Glastonbury to flourish!'"

Adam Metin Sen - Liberal Democrats

"I run a fast food take away business and have a rental property management company. I handle all aspects of the business including recruitment, finance, property management, ordering and health and safety. My retail and commercial experience will help me as your Councillor. 

I do voluntary work with several local charities. I have been managing and chairing the Turkish Community South West Group. I am involved with a local refugee group and offer advice and solutions to people who need help with personal issues.

I hold a Mendip District Taxi Driver Licence assisting local businesses with cover during the holidays and in emergencies.

I was a Mendip Councillor for several years and really enjoyed representing local people at the Council."

Mike Smyth – Green Party

"Mike has lived in Glastonbury since 1985 and his children went to school here. He has been a Town Councillor for the last 3 years and served on most committees. 'I represent the Green Party because it endorses grassroots initiatives and empowers individuals, local groups and communities to do what is best for Glastonbury. We encourage healthy debate and collaboration to find fair and balanced solutions, embraced by an overall aspect of peace rather than conflict.

Other political parties lack the courage to adopt radical solutions to the urgent social and environmental issues we face. We need to explore better ways of working together to tackle the things that really matter such as community resilience including new council housing, integrated and safe transport systems and supporting people in the face of rising energy and food bills post pandemic.'"

Also standing in the Glastonbury Division:

Susannah Hart – Conservative

Lillith Osborn – Conservative

All candidates have been offered the opportunity to submit a profile. All those submitted have been published.

For more on the elections click HERE