LID DEM LANDSLIDE IN TAUNTON

Liberal Democrats are celebrating after a near-landslide victory in the Taunton Town Council elections.

The party won 19th of the 20 seats available on the new authority with the other going to the Conservatives.

After the results were announced, Cllr Tom Deakin (Obridge) - chair of the town council - said immediately after the count: “We’re the only party that took this election really seriously.

“Voters responded to our ambitious and positive plan, rooted in our values, to champion the future of our County Town. 

“People in Taunton are willing to trust the Liberal Democrats to deliver, and have put faith in us. 

“Tomorrow, we get down to work as the new team that works for you, the people of Taunton.”

The Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Taunton, Gideon Amos, added: “It’s a privilege to lead such a dynamic new team of all walks of life, age groups and communities - all united in their resolution to stand for our County Town. 

“What Taunton deserves now is just as strong a voice in Parliament - one who will stand up to government for local people, not the opposite. 

“After tonight, we’re raring to go, to ensure we win again here in the General Election.

“It’s not only Taunton and Wellington but the country as a whole which deserves a future where individuals and businesses can thrive again, where those in charge follow the rules and where the pollution of our rivers and the future of our environment is taken seriously. 

“The Conservative government knows it’s now on borrowed time - the sooner we can change government for good, the better”. 

On the party winning 19 seats out of a possible total of 20, Mr Amos added: “Some may feel frustrated their party isn’t fairly represented in the new council.

“We share that frustration because our party has campaigned for proportional representation for 100 years. 

“Sadly, Conservative and Labour governments have so far combined to keep things the way they are.

“A fairer system would give far less power to individual parties and would help restore some trust to British politics”.