A BY-election for a vacant seat for the Mendip Hills division on Somerset Council has returned a Liberal Democrat win.

Liberal Democrat Sam Phripp received 1534 votes, with Reform UK candidate Greg Stone in second place with 936. Conservative candidate Nicola Perold received 724, the Green Party’s Victoria Welsh 330, Abi McGuire (Independent) 107 votes and Terry Ledlie for Labour 64.

Newly elected councillor Sam Phripp said: “I’m incredibly proud to be representing communities in the Mendip Hills once again. This was a huge team effort and stands as a testament to Cllr Tony Robbins, a public servant whose death led to this by-election.

“The Liberal Democrats are working hard to turn Somerset’s finances around, while providing good services for local people.”

Turnout was 46.75 per cent with eight ballot papers rejected.