Lib Dem triumph in Wellington by-election

Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats continued their run of local by-election victories on Thursday night.

Their candidate David Northey triumphed in a contest for the vacant Pyrland seat on Taunton Town Council.

In a three-way fight, he recorded 468 votes (53.2%) with Reform's Suzi White second 348 (39.6%) and Labour's Rowan Thorne third with 63 (7.2%). The turnout was 32%.

Speaking after his victory outside the count at Wellsprings Leisure Centre, David said: “I am over the moon and want to thank local residents for putting their faith in me.

“I’ll do everything I can to work for them, from better buses to access healthcare to ensuring the basics in our neighbourhood are put right and not forgotten.

“It was great to have the strong Lib Dem team on Taunton Town Council behind me,” he added.

“Their work protecting our green spaces, putting up bollards as protection from traveller incursions, saving Priorswood Library and public toilets and putting street marshals on the beat to improve law and order are all really appreciated by people locally.”

David was supported during his campaign by local MP, Gideon Amos, who was delighted with the result.

“David is a superb addition to our team, having grown up and gone to school in North Taunton. With his years of voluntary work in our town, he will be a fantastic councillor for Pyrland.”

David spent 42 years working on the railways, from Taunton station booking office to strategic planning. Since retiring, he has co-chaired the Somerset Bus Partnership, lobbying for better services across the county.

He launched a 'Better Bus Services for North Priorswood' petition - signed by 1,100 people - and, last summer, campaigned successfully to get the 6.22am Number 1 bus to Musgrove reinstated for key workers.

David is now calling for further improvements to the Number 1 service which serves the Pyrland area.