THE leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council has confirmed he WILL be taking part in a debate ahead of the May local elections.

Taunton People for Change (TPFC) is organising a Question Time-style debate for politicians to outline their vision for the town ahead of May’s poll for the new Somerset West and Taunton Council.

It was initially thought leader, Cllr John Williams, would not be taking part, but it is understood he will now be on the panel.

The new authority will be born in April with the merger of Taunton Deane Borough and West Somerset Councils.

Fellow Tory Cllr Roger Habgood, who Cllr Williams sacked from his planning policy and transportation role in July, is also on the panel.

Others participating in the debate are Cllr Mike Rigby (Lib Dem), a county councillor standing in the district vote; Cllr Libby Lisgo; and Ian Morrell (Independent).

TPFC’s Kit Chapman said: “We want to see a coherent vision for Taunton.

"We’re asking for a debate on a level playing field with all parties in advance of the elections.”

  • The debate, which is free to attend, takes place in The Redwood Suite at Huish College, Taunton, from 6pm on Wednesday, April 3.

For more information - and to submit questions for consideration - log on to tauntonpeopleforchange.co.uk.