About

About Me

I have been married to Mhairi since 1986. Together we have four grown up children, and three wonderful grandchildren. We moved from Yeovil in 2001 and have lived in Haselbury Plucknett now for 18 years. I am a serving Somerset County Councillor.

I am a past Director and Board Member of Interflora UK based in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and Past Chairman of Interflora British Group BU Ltd. Together we also ran a family business successfully for over 33 years, but sadly in due to growing commercial and economic pressures largely outside our control we closed in 2018. I am a strong believer that all life's experiences positive and not can shape us, our learning, our compassion for others, and help us greatly in the future decisions we make in helping others. I am now retired, so have the time to commit to my Council role/s on a full time basis, or as may be required.

I am a serving Conservative County Councillor, elected in 2017 with the largest majority in recent years - 52% of the votes cast in the Coker Division of Somerset County Council. I work hard in representing over 8000 residents in my patch and across Somerset. I attend all 12 Parish Council meetings in the Division on a monthly basis delivering my report, answering questions and taking away any issues that need further work or Officer assistance. I am always happy to listen and discuss the issues that matter and to help where and when I can.

I am a past Parish Councillor and Chairman of Haselbury Plucknett PC where I over saw many positive community projects within the village, including the delivery of a SCC funded flood mitigation scheme, renovation and redecorating of the village alms houses, the installation of the Haselbury Phone Box Defibrillator, The creation of tarmac and marked parking spaces on SCC ground opposite the village pub. The setting up of the fundraising 250Club that raises much needed funds for local groups and community projects, the Tarmac resurfacing of a village centre Public Footpath, delivery of the village first website, the arrival of SSDC ranger scheme in the village, the listing with Historic England of all village black pumps, the village verge cutting programme, and regular volunteer litter picking mornings amongst others.

Mhairi Keating £1,500 Charity Cheque

As great supporters on Haselbury's aspirations for building a new village hall I was delighted to support Mhairi's Charity Ball in raising funds for both St Margarets Hospice and The Haselbury Plucknett Village Hall Trust.

Tintinhull Road in Montacute Flooding

Pleased to have been able to work through the issues that were the cause of this flooding in 2018. With a main drain blocked by discarded items, this was indeed an incident of flooding that could have been so easily prevented along with the associated costs to the tax payer.

Action Day on the Campaign Trail

It's always great to get out on the doorstep, speaking with local people in this beautiful part of our County. Hearing your views and making sure your voice is heard is my priority in ensuring you are represented as you deserve.