A SECOND Somerset councillor in as many months has been given a six-month leave of absence due to ill health and a recent bereavement.

Liberal Democrat councillor Val Keitch represents the Ilminster division, and serves within the executive as associate portfolio holder for localities and public health.

Ms Keitch – who previously served as leader of South Somerset District Council before its abolition in April 2023 – has been granted a leave of absence by council chief executive Duncan Sharkey, citing “ill health”.

While she will not be attending meetings physically, she will still be handling casework and can attend virtually (though under the council’s rules, she may not be able to vote on any matters as a result).

Under the council’s constitution, any councillor who had failed to attend any public meetings for six months will cease to be a councillor, resulting in a by-election.

However, dispensations can be made by the chief executive if a councillor is ill or otherwise temporarily indisposed.

Ms Keitch is the second councillor to take such a leave of absence in as many months, following the announcement that Green councillor Helen Kay was taking time off due to ill health and a recent bereavement.

Ms Keitch’s leave of absence will officially end on October 8, 2024 – though it could be extended if needed.

David Clark, the council’s monitoring officer, said: “Councillor Bill Revans, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has requested a six month leave of absence for Councillor Val Keitch on the grounds of ill health.

“During the period of absence Councillor Val Keitch will still be available to answer any enquiries from residents and parish or town councils, and will also be able to attend meetings virtually.”

Ms Keitch currently serves on the Crewkerne and Ilminster local community network in addition to her executive and divisional duties.

She is also a member of the Octagon Theatre redevelopment project board, as well as sitting on the regeneration programme boards for Chard, Wincanton and Yeovil.