North Somerset Labour Party
On Thursday 5th February, Clevedon South residents elected Labour’s Michael Harriott as their new District Councillor. Labour saw off challenges from Reform UK, the Conservatives, the Green Party, and the Liberal Democrats to retain the seat on North Somerset Council.
Michael Harriott has lived in Clevedon for 12 years and is an active local champion. He has served as a Town Councillor since 2024 and volunteers at the Curzon Cinema and Clevedon Community Bookshop in his spare time.
Michael’s campaign focused on listening to the issues that matter to residents, including, potholes, parking, and fighting Clevedon’s corner all year round — not just playing politics at election time. On Thursday, residents put their trust in Michael to deliver this.
The by-election was called following the resignation of Labour councillor Hannah Young, who moved away from Clevedon to care for her elderly parents.
The Green Party and Liberal Democrats argued during the campaign that they were best placed to challenge Reform, but the result confirmed Labour as the main alternative in North Somerset, trusted by residents to deliver on the local issues that matter.
The Liberal Democrats made similar claims at the 2024 General Election where their candidate, Ashley Cartman, ultimately came third place, around 12,000 votes behind Labour and the Conservatives.
Cllr Michael Harriott said:
“I’m delighted to be elected to represent Clevedon South and I’d like to thank everyone who voted to place their trust in me.
I’m honoured to serve our local community and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to the important job of working for Clevedon all year round alongside our fantastic MP Sadik Al-Hassan. We will work together to make Clevedon an even better place to live.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Labour Group Leader and Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Michael Harriott to the Labour Group on North Somerset Council.
Residents voted for a real local champion who has shown his commitment to his community through his involvement in so many projects — from litter picking and fighting to get potholes filled to volunteering at the Curzon Cinema and Clevedon Community Bookshop.
Michael embodies the saying ‘actions not words’ and is dedicated to fighting for local people and for a better future for everyone. I’m so looking forward to working with him to deliver for the people of Clevedon and the rest of North Somerset.”
Sadik Al-Hassan, Labour Member of Parliament for North Somerset, said:
“I would like to say a massive congratulations to newly elected Councillor Michael Harriott. I am sure Michael will do a great job of representing the residents of Clevedon South and working alongside our existing group of hardworking Labour councillors in North Somerset.
I would also like to thank the previous councillor Hannah Young for her service to the community, and the other candidates participating in our democracy.
I am confident Michael will work hard to represent all those in the ward — whether they voted Labour or not. I look forward to working with Michael to deliver the change needed in Clevedon South and across North Somerset.”