Just four months after her unsuccessful bid to become a county councillor, Elisabeth Sennit Clough has resigned from both Fenland District Council and Whittlesey Town Council, effective Wednesday, September 4. Despite a local newspaper erroneously reporting her resignation date as September 10, the councillor confirmed via social media that she made the decision earlier in the month, as exclusively reported at the time by CambsNews
Sennit Clough, a Conservative representative for Whittlesey West Ward on the district council and North West Ward on the town council, took to Twitter to announce her departure with characteristic candour: “If I wanted to be in a playground, I’d work in a nursery. I refuse to waste any more of my time on clowns with crayons.”
Fenland District Council published official notifications of the resulting vacancies on the same day.
Earlier this year, Sennit Clough had been adopted as the Conservative candidate for the March North and Waldersey Division in the county council elections, replacing Cllr Dave Connor. However, the May elections saw voters opt for two Reform candidates, with former county council leader Steve Count losing the other seat.
Her sights on county level, coupled with her experience on the district and town councils, suggests her political ambitions were high, though ultimately curtailed by the electorate and internal challenges.
During her tenure on Fenland District Council, Sennit Clough chaired the advisory Culture, Arts & Heritage Committee, and her resignation may mark the end of her campaign to establish a “Flag of the Fens.”
While a flag has existed for some years, she argued it lacked formal endorsement from the Flag Institute—a recognition that would typically require backing from the council itself. James Bowman, who initially promoted the Flag of the Fens, has highlighted that he secured support from two district councils and three MPs, and has been advocating for the flag for over six years.
‘Clowns with crayons’: Fenland councillor quits district and town councils
“At a meeting of the Culture, Arts & Heritage Executive Advisory Committee on February 4, 2025, Cllr Sennit Clough spoke about organising a competition for a flag,” Bowman noted. “Although the discussion was scheduled to continue at the next meeting in June, her resignation now renders any such plans moot. “Attempts to pause or influence support for the existing flag may have inadvertently slowed progress, but this issue is now academic.”
Sennit Clough’s resignation has also reignited discussions about internal party dynamics.
Independent town councillor Barry Wainwright praised her contributions over the last two-and-a-half years but expressed concern over the rate of Conservative resignations. “I am concerned that yet another Conservative councillor—the fifth this election period—has been brought to the point of resignation. What is happening?” he questioned.
The councillor herself cited bullying by some male colleagues as a central reason for her departure. She described receiving “horrible” texts, being threatened, and facing a persistent campaign of misinformation aimed at undermining her initiatives. She reported the behaviour to the local Conservative Association, but said little action was taken.
“I have had enough. The behaviour of these men has been unbelievable,” she told the press. “I feel like everything I tried to achieve for the community was being sabotaged from within my own party.”
Despite stepping down, Sennit Clough emphasised that her commitment to community work remains strong. “I will absolutely continue to work for the community and help people, just now without anyone obstructing me or making negative comments,” she said.
Sennit Clough has a distinguished creative background as an award-winning poet, Forward Prize-shortlisted author, magazine editor, creative writing tutor, and local open-mic host. Her advocacy in arts and culture has been a hallmark of her public service, alongside her political engagements.
Conservative leader Cllr Chris Boden commented on her departure: “I was very sorry to learn of Elisabeth’s resignation. She championed Whittlesey and supported a lot of Fenland schemes.” Sennit Clough has since resigned from the Conservative Party altogether.
Following her resignation, by-election notices have been issued for both seats. Fenland District Council will definitely hold a by-election for her district seat, while the town council vacancy may be filled either by election or by co-option if no electors request a poll by September 24.
Sennit Clough’s decision serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by councillors balancing political, community, and personal responsibilities. Her frank reflection on the reasons behind her resignation—specifically the toxic environment she described—has sparked wider conversations about governance, internal party culture, and the wellbeing of public representatives.
In the meantime, her departure marks the end of a short but eventful chapter in Fenland politics, leaving both councils to navigate the impact of her absence and the community to await the next chapter of local representation.
