Liberal Democrats win council by-election
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Liberal Democrat candidate Liam Pollard has become the youngest member of Taunton Town Council after winning the Lyngford by-election yesterday (Thursday).
Liam, 25, received almost half the votes cast and is the third Young Liberal to be elected to the authority.
He said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the people of Lyngford for putting their trust in me.
“I look forward to joining the great Lib Dem team which has improved Lyngford Library, is protecting our parks and green spaces and is now putting an extra marshal on the beat in our town centre.”
Town council leader, Cllr Tom Deakin, added: “I’m delighted Liam will be joining our strong team of Lib Dem town councillors.
“His victory is testament to the hard work he has put in.
“While still less than two years old, this result shows the people of Lyngford can see the impact the Lib Dem-run town Council is having in their local area and they have elected a councillor who they know will always stand up for them.”
Local MP Gideon Amos said: “I loved joining Liam’s clean up in the park recently - he really cares about our area. Ironically, I was Liam’s age when I first became a councillor.
“He works so hard even that Storm Darragh didn’t stop him calling on people to listen to their concerns. Putting our residents first is what unites us all.”
The full result was:
Liam Pollard (Lib Dem) 221 (49.2%).
Jim Langford (Reform) 118.
James Edward Scoins (Conservative) 67.
Brenda Weston (Labour) 43.
The total make-up of the 20-strong Taunton Town Council will remain as 19 Liberal Democrats and one Conservative.