#17 Chat with Cllr Diogo Rodrigues

#17 Chat with Cllr Diogo Rodrigues

Cllr Diogo Rodrigues is the Conservative Leader of the Opposition on Somerset Council. In this episode we chat about how he got involved in politics, what he loves and finds tough about the job, and also what his plane are for the next year. You can contact Diogo Somerset Council website: https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=204 [https://democracy.somerset.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=204] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diogobridgwater [https://www.facebook.com/diogobridgwater]

#16 A year of Civic Engagement

It has been a busy year! * The power of community * The responsibility of representation * Learning to lead * Encouraging others to step forward * Being part of something bigger * Moments that will stay with me My recent Frome Times article is a summary of this Substack piece: https://dawndenton.substack.com/p/one-community-two-councils [https://dawndenton.substack.com/p/one-community-two-councils] Get in touch if you need info or council advise: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk [dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk]

#15 Remote Councillor Voting

This week the Frome Town Council voted in favour of amending their Standing Orders to permit remote voting where a councillor is unable to attend in person. This is the Decision Paper: https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Agenda-item-8-For-decision-Standing-Orders-amendments-relating-to-remote-voting.pdf [https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Agenda-item-8-For-decision-Standing-Orders-amendments-relating-to-remote-voting.pdf] The council exists and functions under the Local Government Act of 1972: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/contents] I would love to hear your views: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk [dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk]

#14 Budget, bugs & by-election

It has been a busy start to the year with budget, bugs and now a by-election called in the Mendip Hills. Check out my response to social media posts on my Facebook Page: Cllr Dawn Denton Frome North: https://www.facebook.com/dawn4frome/ [https://www.facebook.com/dawn4frome/] Our brilliant Conservative candidate for the Mendip Hills by-election: Nicola Perold - Mendip Hills: https://www.facebook.com/nicolaperoldmendip [https://www.facebook.com/nicolaperoldmendip] Please get in touch if you need anything or have a question: dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk [dawn.denton@somerset.gov.uk]

#13 Core Weaknesses of Frome Town Council (Part Two)

In the summer of 2025, the Local Government Association (LGA) did a Corporate Peer Review. This review identified core weaknesses at the Frome Town Council. In this episode I look at the concerns raised around leadership, culture, and relationships. You can read the full report here: https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Frome-Corporate-Peer-Challenge-Report.pdf