Why it matters: Attendance at parish council meetings is considered a key part of a county councillor's role, with a specific agenda item typically set aside at each meeting for councillors to report back and take questions from residents.
The details: Councillor Christopher Hudson, who represents the Belstead Brook division, attended none of the 57 parish council meetings held across his division in 2024, one of 58 in 2025, and none so far in 2026. The figures, compiled from Freedom of Information requests and publicly available data, suggest he has not attended any meetings in the parishes of Belstead and Sproughton since his election in 2021.
His division comprises the parishes of Belstead, Burstall, Chattisham, Copdock and Washbrook, Hintlesham, Pinewood and Sproughton, each of which meets between six and 12 times a year.
What he says: Councillor Hudson told Ipswich.co.uk: "I work evenings from home as a public affairs consultant, which has precluded my attendance at these important but voluntary meetings. Of course, I make myself available online and by mobile through my details, available publicly, since data travels better, economically and environmentally than other means in an online, digital setting."
What they're saying: Conservative leader of Suffolk County Council, Councillor Matthew Hicks, said: "These are some truly shocking figures. Parish Councils are at the heart of our community, performing essential local work. Attendance at these meetings by the local County Councillor is one of the most important parts of the role. It's an opportunity to listen, feedback, solve local issues and, most importantly, to be held to account.
"The information we've obtained exposes just how little Reform UK care about local communities. Unless it's a rally attended by their leader, clearly they just don't show up."
The bottom line: Councillor Hudson says his evening work commitments have prevented him from attending parish meetings in person, but that he remains contactable by phone and online. The Conservative leader of the council has called the figures "truly shocking" and says they demonstrate a failure to engage with local communities.
