Another by-election victory for Lib Dems
The Liberal Democrats have won their second successive Wellington Town Council by-election.
George Western will fill the Rockwell Green seat which became vacant after Cllr Sue Fox stepped down following a bereavement.
He won the poll yesterday (Tuesday) by recording 422 votes, 161 more than Reform UK candidate Andy Denison who received 261 votes.
Conservative candidate Edward Yates was third with 90 votes and Labour candidate Bethany Hill finished fourth with 16 votes. The turnout was 31%.
George, who lives in Rockwell Green, said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of Rockwell Green for placing your trust in me by electing me to Wellington Town Council.
“Throughout the campaign, I spent time on doorsteps with my team, listening carefully to what you told me.
“Again and again, the message was clear. You wanted a representative who is honest, who will say it as it is, who will work hard, and who genuinely cares about the local issues that affect our community day to day.
“You were also clear that Rockwell Green values being a closely connected community. You want representation that is rooted locally, understands local life, and brings people together - not one driven by distant, centrally controlled systems or approaches that divide communities rather than serve them.
“As your councillor, I will do everything I can to be your voice locally. I will work alongside my fellow councillors and officers to raise concerns, seek solutions and support residents across Rockwell Green, whether those issues are large or small. If something matters to you, it matters to me.
“Thank you again for your trust, your support and the conversations we shared. I am proud to represent Rockwell Green and committed to working hard on your behalf.”
George was supported by local Lib Dem MP, Gideon Amos, who added: “Our community of Taunton and Wellington, and Rockwell Green in particular, is stronger today for having George Western elected as town councillor.
“He is hard working and committed to his community.
“This result shows how a positive vision of working together to strengthen everything that is good about our society can triumph over the politics of division we hear so much about.
“Voters chose decency, hope and a better future and I know George will be an excellent councillor for Rockwell Green.”
The Lib Dems also enjoyed success in November when Gareth Williams won a by-election in the South ward, polling more votes than the other four candidates combined.
