Jonathan Barter is a dedicated secondary school teacher, a devoted husband and father, and an active campaigner for the Somerset Labour Party. Living with his wife and young child in the heart of Somerset, Jonathan brings both personal integrity and professional insight to his political work, rooted in a genuine desire to build a fairer, more inclusive future for local families.

With a background in education, Jonathan understands first-hand the challenges facing teachers, students, and parents across the county. He sees how underfunded schools, stretched support services, and rising living costs affect everyday life—not just in the classroom but across entire communities. His experience gives him a strong, practical voice in Labour’s local campaigns, particularly on issues such as education, childcare, and rural inequality.

Outside of school, Jonathan dedicates his time to campaigning for progressive change across Somerset. Whether he’s knocking on doors, speaking at community meetings, or helping shape policy discussions, his message is consistent: Somerset deserves better. He champions investment in public services, affordable housing, sustainable transport, and opportunities for young people to thrive without having to leave the county.

Jonathan believes politics should reflect the values of compassion, fairness, and accountability. As both a teacher and a parent, he is committed to creating a Somerset where every child has the chance to succeed, and every family is supported—not just surviving, but thriving.

Based in the heart of rural Somerset, Mr. Jonathan Barter is a passionate and inspiring secondary school history teacher, known for transforming the study of the past into a dynamic and thought-provoking journey for his students. With over twelve years of teaching experience, Jonathan currently works at a school in Taunton, where he teaches Key Stages 3 and 4, specialising in British and European history.

A Somerset resident for most of his life, Jonathan has a deep appreciation for the region’s rich heritage—from the Roman baths of Bath to the myths of King Arthur. He regularly incorporates local historical knowledge into his teaching, organising trips to Dunster Castle, Wells Cathedral, and the battlefields of Sedgemoor, helping students connect national narratives with the history on their doorstep.

Jonathan is admired not only for his subject knowledge but for his engaging teaching style. His lessons are known for their lively debate, thoughtful enquiry, and use of primary sources that encourage students to think critically about the past and its relevance today. Under his guidance, GCSE pupils consistently achieve excellent results, with many going on to pursue history at university.

Outside the classroom, Jonathan runs the school’s history society and leads an annual trip to the Western Front, fostering a culture of remembrance and historical curiosity. He is also an active member of the local historical society and often delivers talks at community events and libraries.

With a steadfast commitment to education and a passion for uncovering the stories that shaped the world, Mr. Barter is not only a valued educator but a cultural ambassador for Somerset’s past and future generations.

Living in the vibrant village of Bishops Lydeard, Jonathan Barter is a passionate supporter of the Somerset Labour Party and a dedicated advocate for social justice, fairness, and community-led change. A secondary school teacher by profession and a lifelong resident of the West Country, Jonathan believes that politics should serve people—not the other way around.

Driven by a deep belief in equality and opportunity for all, Jonathan has been actively involved in local Labour campaigns, from advocating for improved rural transport to supporting initiatives that tackle food insecurity and affordable housing. He volunteers his time at community meetings, helps organise local canvassing events, and contributes to Labour’s grassroots communications, ensuring that the voices of everyday Somerset residents are heard loud and clear.

With his background in education, Jonathan is particularly focused on improving funding for local schools, securing better resources for young people, and championing the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations. He often draws on her own classroom experience to highlight the real-life impact of political decisions.

Jonathan represents a new generation of Labour supporters in Somerset—practical, principled, and deeply connected to their communities. His quiet determination, empathy, and belief in a fairer future make her a powerful force for positive change in the region.