Councillor who feels he is 'being treated like a mushroom' to consider future in politics

While he didn’t go into any specific details, Independent councillor Mark Gibbons said that felt that he was being “treated like a mushroom”.

And he added that now is the time to “listen to the public” about his future in politics.

In a statement Cllr Gibbons said: “Over the course of this summer, I will be talking to family, friends, and to you regarding my future in local politics.

“Serving you and your family and helping this wonderful community, of course, has been an incredible honour. However, it has also been one of the most testing times of my life, especially these last few years. And with trying to raise a young family at the same time and being present, I've certainly seen my fair share of dark days.

“I definitely feel that I have been trying to work for you with one arm tied behind my back when it comes to dealing with our Council and its moral compass and when it comes to speaking truth to power in general. The more that I try to fight for this community, the more I feel that I'm being treated like a mushroom. And that draconian tactic simply isn't going to shut me up, nor will money or the promise of power, for that matter. I got into local politics to make a difference. That should be the foundation stone of every political representative. And nothing else.

“With the next local election and the next MLA Assembly election only a few years away, now is the time for me to take stock and talk to my family. Chat to friends. And listen to the public when it comes to my future in politics. One thing is for sure, it can't continue on like this. It is either one or the other.

“They can tie my hands behind my back if they like, and keep me in the dark. I'll always have one hand free though to raise the flag of hope for you and your family.”