Your candidate in Wellington Town Council by-election

Gareth Williams will be the Liberal Democrats candidate for the forthcoming Wellington Town Council by-election in the South Ward.

Gareth brings with him 13 years' experience working for a grant-giving charity, alongside five years as an Operations Manager.

Having moved to Wellington nine years ago, he cites his previous experience and long-term vision for Wellington as his main motivations for standing as a candidate, as well as his 'independently minded approach'.

Gareth said: “I love living in Wellington and am very happy with the decision I made in moving here to raise a family. I want to see the town thrive and foster a spirit of unity.

"I believe that my experience has equipped me with the skills to make sound decisions, allocate resources effectively, and deliver positive outcomes."

As a resident of the town for almost a decade, Gareth has thrown himself into a range of local projects including joining the Grand Western Greenway group advocating for a road-free cycle path between Taunton and Wellington.

He is also a member of the Gaumont Palace Community Trust which aims to restore the Taunton building into a multi-use events venue.

Gareth added: "Having involved myself in projects locally I think that now is the right time to put myself forward to become an elected representative.

"I have taken a new part-time role at a primary school in Wellington which allows me to look after my young daughter and provides me with the flexibility to be an active councillor if elected."

His decision to stand for the Liberal Democrats came after meeting with local MP, Gideon Amos, as well as the Wellington LibDem team.

"I decided that their values align with mine, as well as receiving the reassurance that I would be able to serve with an independently minded approach to best represent Wellington South.

"I am impressed with Gideon's approach to being visible and accessible as an MP, something I will hope to replicate on a more local level if elected as a town councillor."

Gareth will be calling for more investment and infrastructure in Wellington, something he believes is a major concern for the town.

He said: "It is clear that, for Wellington to succeed, we need infrastructure to come before development. We cannot accommodate thousands of homes without access to schools, dentists, GPs and other essential services.

"I feel I will be a strong voice for local residents, ensuring that our community is not only heard, but listened to.

"We need to support our local economy and raise the profile of Wellington as a town with excellent independent shops and businesses, as well as being an inclusive community."

Gareth is disappointed by divisions within society and believes that bringing people together is the only way to move forward.

"As a community we need to foster a spirit of unity rather than division. Wellington needs to pave the way as an inclusive society and I want to be a part of that.

"Hate has no place in our beautiful slice of Somerset."

Gareth has the full backing of Gideon who said: "I am delighted Gareth has chosen to stand in the by-election.

"It’s great news too that Wellington LibDems have chosen Gareth as a family man who genuinely wants the best for the town.

"At a time when some are stirring up divisions, I know Gareth is committed to real work on behalf of this community - the kind which brings people together instead of setting them apart.

"Living in south Wellington with his family means he really understands all the local issues in the ward and would make a superb councillor for Wellingtonians."