ONE of West Somerset’s most well-known local politicians, Christine Lawrence, has been made an alderwoman by Somerset Council following her retirement after more than three decades of service on town, district, and county councils.

After representing Dunster as a Conservative at county level since 2001, Mrs Lawrence resigned last September and has since been replaced by Liberal Democrat Cllr Cara Strom.

Mrs Lawrence had previously been given six months leave of absence on health grounds.

A council spokesperson said the honour recognised Mrs Lawrence’s ‘outstanding and dedicated service to local government and the communities of West Somerset’.

The unitary council has made an exception to its usual alderman and alderwoman scheme, enabling Mrs Lawrence’s nomination to be considered immediately rather than waiting for the next elections in 2027.

The spokesperson said: “This special recognition is reserved for individuals who, in the opinion of the council, have rendered eminent services as past members and are no longer serving on the council.”

Mrs Lawrence was first elected to Minehead Town Council in the 1990s and joined West Somerset Council in 1999 as ward member for Minehead North before being elected to Somerset County Council in 2001, representing the Dunster division.

Following the formation of Somerset Council in April, 2023, she continued her service until her resignation in September.

Over her career, Mrs Lawrence has held several key roles, including first woman chairman of the county council in 2015 and first portfolio holder for public health following its transfer from the NHS to the local authority in 2013.

She was also the first chairman of the health and wellbeing board, cabinet member for adult social care, a member of the adults and health scrutiny committee, strategic planning committee, the local community network for Minehead and Watchet, and council representative on Exmoor National Park Authority.

Alderman and alderwoman appointments are lifetime honours, conferred by a special resolution of the full council and awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service.

Recipients are presented with a certificate of conferral and a badge of office and are invited to attend civic ceremonial events.

A council statement said: “The council extends its gratitude to Mrs Lawrence for her unwavering dedication to the people of West Somerset.

Mrs Lawrence said: “I would like to thank the council, the parish councils I worked with for many years, and my communities for their kind words regarding my role as a former councillor and for the privilege of being appointed as an alderwoman of Somerset Council.”

Somerset Council chairman Cllr Mike Best said: “Christine Lawrence’s long and distinguished career in public service stands as a testament to her commitment to the people and communities of West Somerset.

“Over more than three decades, Christine has served with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of her constituents.”

After she stepped down from the council on health grounds, Mrs Lawrence was described as a trail-blazer by colleagues at her final council meeting.