The Green Party has held on to its Frome West seat on Somerset Council after a by-election triggered by the jailing and resignation of former councillor Mike Dunk.

Dominic Ellison won 633 votes in last Thursday’s contest, securing victory ahead of the Liberal Democrats on 524. Reform UK received 218 votes, Labour 89 and the Conservatives 87, on a turnout of 21 per cent.

The result maintains Green representation in the division following the departure of Mr Dunk, who was one of two Green councillors elected for Frome West at the 2022 local elections.

Mr Dunk resigned in July after being released from prison and losing an appeal against his conviction. He was among Just Stop Oil activists who climbed motorway gantries on the M25 in November 2022 during a protest demanding an end to new fossil-fuel projects.

The action led to the closure of a section of the motorway. Mr Dunk was convicted alongside five other protesters and later jailed. His resignation created the vacancy which led to the by-election.

Mr Ellison said he was “absolutely thrilled” that voters had placed their trust in him, but said being elected marked the start of the work rather than its conclusion.

He said he wanted Somerset to take a different approach to social care, enabling people to live independently with greater choice and control rather than waiting until they reached crisis point before receiving help.

Flooding, river pollution, public transport, traffic and infrastructure for new housing were also among the priorities he identified.

“I’m proud to take those priorities to Somerset Council as a Green councillor, because Green politics is about exactly that combination of principle and practical action,” he said. “Making our communities fairer, healthier, more resilient and better places to live.”

Mr Ellison thanked the around 30 people who had canvassed, delivered leaflets and supported the campaign, adding: “Politics is changed by people who turn up.”

The Green victory came by 109 votes over the Liberal Democrats, making it a competitive contest despite being held outside the normal election cycle.

Mr Ellison has worked across social care, housing, social enterprise, co-operative development, regeneration and the voluntary and community sector. The Green Party said much of his career had focused on improving public services, supporting independent living and giving people greater control over the support they receive.

He also brings experience in regeneration and economic development, with an emphasis on community-led schemes and ensuring local people have a meaningful role in shaping their areas.

The party said he had extensive experience of organisational leadership, partnership working and collaboration with councils and other public bodies.

The result means Frome West continues to be represented by two Green councillors on Somerset Council. The party is now looking ahead to the full Somerset Council elections, due to take place in May 2027, and has encouraged residents to get involved.

Result:

Dominic Ellison, Green, 663; Drew Gardner, Liberal Democrat, 544; Joseph Williams, Reform UK, 218; Christopher Wildridge, Labour, 89; David Quantrill-Simon, Conservative, 87.