We're standing up for Taunton & Wellington

Taunton and Wellington Liberal Democrats came together to welcome the latest members of the party, celebrating the diversity and wealth of talent they have brought to the local team.

The @2 Theatre adjacent to Taunton Station was the venue for the event on Monday.

Among those attending were their recent Wellington Town Council by-election winners, Gareth Williams (South Ward) and George Western (Rockwell Green).

The speakers included Gideon Amos MP who said it was great to see so many people in attendance, adding: “Gone are the days when they said we could all fit into a phone box!”

He said the party could build on its recent by-election successes across the country in next year’s local elections.

“It’s a challenge for us as a party to come up with practical solutions and answers because the Right in this country is focused on everything being broken.

“They will tell you everything is not working and there's nothing good about our country.

“Liberals believe in our country – we believe we have a great country with great people.”

Cllr Williams also addressed the meeting, explaining why he became a councillor and why he was a Liberal Democrat.

He added: “I’ve enjoyed working alongside councillors of all political colours for the benefit of the town and I feel I have learned a lot about local politics in a short space of time.”

Cllr Williams said the Lib Dems had won 105 council by-elections in 2025 and a smattering already this year.

“National success will include your input, our newest members, and that of our successful and influential MP.”

The other speaker was local university student Jacob Bell, who is currently on a year-long professional placement with Gideon and the local party.

He said he was proud to champion the key Liberal Democrat principles - "the art of thinking independently together, and the engagement this brings from various perspectives toward the same aim of tackling the challenges this country is facing today."

Jacob added: “Liberal Democrats are different, as they understand that delivering pragmatic, achievable solutions is essential to advancing healthy initiatives that can drive the United Kingdom’s renewal and sustainable growth.

“I encourage you to challenge yourselves to keep being a part of the journey to deliver a better tomorrow, together.”