Cheddar councillor and chairman of Somerset County Council announces he has cancer

A Cheddar councillor who is the chairman of Somerset County Council has announced that he has cancer.

Councillor Nigel Taylor made the announcement during a virtual meeting of the full council today (February 17) before the council's budget was discussed.

Mr Taylor, who has represented the Cheddar division since 2017, told his fellow councillors that he had been diagnosed prior to the previous full council meeting in November.

He said the disease had since progressed to Stage IV, and he would consider taking a leave of absence following the meeting.

Mr Taylor, who resides in Cheddar, told the full council: "I wish to make you all aware that just before the November meeting, I was diagnosed with cancer.

"I want you to be aware that it has now progressed to Stage IV, and as such I will be considering taking a temporary leave of absence after this meeting."

Stage IV cancer (also known as secondary or metastatic cancer) indicates that a cancer has spread from its starting point to at least one other body organ.

Mr Taylor did not specify what kind of cancer he had, nor did he indicate how long his planned period of absence would be.

Council leader David Fothergill said: "I understand the personal challenges that you're going through at the moment.

"I'd like to give you my every best wish, and I'm sure every person on this council would want to support you through this very difficult time for you.

"You have our support, and if there is anything you need over the coming months, you must shout out – we need to come together to give you the best support you possibly can."