About Claire Sully

Brief biography:

Claire Sully is a passionate campaigner, parliamentary candidate, and elected councillor dedicated to social justice and building strong communities. Since her election in 2022, she has taken on complex immigration casework, successfully campaigning to achieve positive outcomes for residents. Claire also led a grassroots effort that helped a local community work with EDF and Hinkley Point, successfully preventing their homes and businesses from being turned into salt marshes. Additionally, she is campaigning for suicide prevention and has brought this critical issue into the work programme of the Somerset Council Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee.

As an advocate for mental health, Claire contributes to national policy development for the Liberal Democrats, the third-largest political party in government.

Her experience in campaigning, combined with her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, drives her work to build inclusive, resilient communities and amplify the voices of those often unheard.

Background:

Growing up in economically challenged areas of Somerset inspired my commitment to improving lives through professional, political, and community efforts.

Elected to Somerset Council in 2022, my colleague and I successfully replaced two Conservative councillors with over 50 years of combined experience, and I topped the vote

As a Unitary Councillor, I have a strong record of uniting communities, effectively campaigning, and advocating for my residents.

My journey from community champion and parish councillor to unitary authority councillor was driven by my concern for mental health issues and road safety in Somerset. I currently serve as the Chair of the ruling Somerset Lib Dem Group, the largest Lib Dem group in the country, outside of Parliament, and as Acting Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee. In this role, I've integrated suicide prevention into our work program. Additionally, I’m a member of the National Lib Dem Mental Health Policy Development Group.

I tackle complex casework relentlessly for the best outcomes for my residents. A notable success was securing road safety improvements on the busy A371, a project previously deemed impossible.

My commitment to empowering communities to have a say in what matters to improve lives is demonstrated by our successful campaign against EDF's plans for a large saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams. By helping local residents form an action group, we influenced the decision to halt the project, preserving vital ecosystems and community spaces. This initiative highlighted the power of collective action and our dedication to protecting our landscape.

I have also campaigned for a family trapped in poverty due to an indifferent Conservative government, which garnered national media attention, including coverage by the BBC. I organised a fundraising campaign essential for their daily needs, helping them achieve justice.

Additionally, I authored a paper on the Gender Pay Gap presented to the equality panel at Somerset Council.