What has Leigh done for our communities?
During his term, Councillor Leigh Redman has focused on practical results that strengthen communities, improve local services and give residents a stronger voice. His work has ranged from major community‑asset wins to day‑to‑day problem‑solving that directly improves people’s lives.
Leigh played a key role in securing the return of two important community buildings – the Rollercoaster Centre in Sydenham and the Recreation Centre in Hamp – bringing them back into local control so they can once again serve families, young people and neighbourhood groups. He has also continued to champion better public transport, pushing for improvements to local bus services and protecting affordable fares for residents who rely on them.
As Chair of the Hinkley Point Site Stakeholders Group (SSG), he has worked to strengthen transparency, community engagement and accountability around one of the region’s most significant sites. Alongside this, he has supported residents with casework, community safety issues, and local campaigns across Bridgwater.
These changes didn’t happen by accident. They happened because Leigh kept raising issues, kept challenging barriers, and kept standing up for the people he represents.
As Chair of Children’s Scrutiny, Leigh has focused on strengthening oversight, improving transparency and ensuring that children’s services are properly challenged and supported. He has worked closely with senior leaders, frontline staff and partner agencies to drive better outcomes for children and families, particularly during a period of significant improvement in local services. His approach has centred on constructive challenge, evidence‑based scrutiny and making sure the voices of young people and families are heard. These changes didn’t happen by accident. They came from consistent, determined scrutiny that kept children’s needs at the forefront of decision‑making.
Endorsements
Leigh Redman, Councillor, Campaigner, Family man, Friend, Bridgwater to the core.
Leigh Redman was born & has lived, all his life, in the Bridgwaterdivision. He has worked hard as a local community champion, from Firefighter to Councillor, for more than 30 years, he can clearly demonstrate a long resume of community work and is rooted in Bridgwater & surrounding villages. He would be a Bridgwater voice in Westminster not another voice of Westminster in Bridgwater.
Neil Guild
ENDORSEMENT – Neil Guild, UNISON SW Regional Convenor & previous PPC, “No one works harder for the Labour party in Somerset than Leigh Redman. As Leader of the Labour group at Somerset Council he has fought tirelessly for Labour & Bridgwater residents in holding our political opponents to account. Leigh is always ready to challenge wrong and to champion those who have been unfairly treated. He has made a real difference in protecting essential services and continues that work now. He has also been an ally to my union, UNISON, for many years during some very difficult times.
“I’m proud to call him a friend. Leigh would be an amazing Labour parliamentary candidate for Bridgwater and surrounding villages.”
Cllr Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth Council
ENDORSEMENT – Cllr Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth Council, “I’ve known Leigh Redman for many years now, as an experienced Councillor who works effectively at regional and national level. His campaigning skills are the stuff of legend. He is, to members across the South West, Mr Bridgwater.”
Steve Preddy, Unite the Union SW Regional Secretary
ENDORSEMENT – Steve Preddy, Unite the Union SW Regional Secretary, “Over years of working with Leigh I have come to respect him as a person of integrity and honesty. His constant commitment, striving to secure the best for the people of Bridgwater and Somerset”.
Cllr Vince Maple, leader of Medway council
ENDORSEMENT – Cllr Vince Maple, leader of Medway council, “I’ve worked closely with Leigh on the Association of Labour Councillors where he has been an outstanding voice for the South West. With his never give up attitude, determination to deliver for his community and wide experience I have no doubt Leigh will be the strongest parliamentary candidate possible for Bridgwater.”
Tam McFarlane, FBU National Officer
ENDORSEMENT – Tam McFarlane, FBU National Officer, “Brilliant news that Leigh is standing, and a fantastic opportunity for the new constituency to elect a local, progressive and hard working representative as their new Member of Parliament!”
