Former Mayor of Taunton, Nick O’Donnell, has launched a campaign to become a member of Somerset Council.

Former Mayor of Taunton, Nick O’Donnell, has launched a campaign to become a member of Somerset Council.

He has been selected by the Liberal Democrats for the forthcoming by-election in the Rowbarton and Staplegrove ward following the decision of Cllr Dixie Darch to step down.

Nick said: "I'm absolutely thrilled and exhilarated to have been selected by the party to stand here on my home turf – I’ve lived in this area for over 20 years. 

“Having been privileged to represent Wellsprings and Rowbarton as a town councillor this past year, I look forward to carrying on working for local residents at county level."

Cllr Darch, also a Lib Dem, endorsed the nomination, saying: "I am delighted that Nick O'Donnell is standing in Rowbarton and Staplegrove.

“We have worked closely together, given his role on the town council, and he has shown himself to be a committed councillor, responsive to residents and an excellent champion when it comes to environmental action.

“I know Nick will give this role his all and I fully support him."

Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, added: “Nick’s hard work for his home neighbourhood in Rowbarton stands out, for example when he achieved new park equipment at Greenway Rec.

“His experience of being a Climate Action trustee will be ideal to ensure work the Lib Dem team on Somerset Council have started – like new zero carbon council houses, thousands more trees, new night buses and making them pollution free – can continue.”

The Liberal Democrats currently have a majority of four on Somerset Council, with the Conservatives forming the biggest opposition party.