Sam Davies – Cambridge’s only Independent city councillor – resigns
Sam Davies has resigned with immediate effect as the Independent city councillor for Queen Edith’s ward, opening the way for a by-election, she announced today (Monday, October 9).
She explains this is because of a family decision to relocate away from Cambridge in early 2024.
Sam has been the only Independent councillor since her election in May 2021, which has enabled her to work with councillors from across the political spectrum to address casework and wider issues within the city, particularly related to her interests in planning, transport, community development and social justice.
Sam 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 24.”
She added: “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.
“I chose to stand as an Independent because I dislike adversarial politics, and I’m very grateful to councillors from all parties who have offered their cooperation and support. In particular, I must thank Cllr Naomi Bennett and her colleagues in the Green party, with whom I’ve sat in an administrative group, for their help in navigating the more byzantine aspects of the Council’s operation. I have also benefited from the expertise and dedication of some outstanding officers across all areas of the council’s work.”
During her time on the Council Sam has highlighted the many challenges Cambridge faces, including through her blog sam4qe.com. 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.”
