THE Liberal Democrats have hailed a “resounding win” as they held their seat in a council by-election, while Reform pushed the Conservatives into third place.

The councillor for Mendip on Bath and North East Somerset Council is the local councillor of former Conservative local MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, and once upon a time his brother used to represent the ward.

But just 84 people voted for the Tories in the council by-election, less than 10 per cent of the vote and their worst ever showing in the once safe Tory council seat.Liberal Democrat Simon McCombe was elected with 496 votes (57 per cent).

The police constable who lives in West Harptree, just a few streets away from Mr Rees-Mogg, said: “I am proud and delighted to have been elected, and want to thank all the people who have supported my campaign and voted for me.

I look forward to serving my communities, and delivering for my residents working with my Lib Dem colleagues.”

Leader of Liberal Democrat-run Bath and North East Somerset Council Kevin Guy (Bathavon North) said: “B&NES Lib Dems have shown that their values and known competence are the only way to hold back the tide of Reform.

This is true throughout the country, those who abhor the views of Reform are turning to the LibDems as the only way to protect the country from the rising tide of right wing populism.”Reform candidate Stuart Ball netted 191 votes (22 per cent), coming in second place in the party’s first time contesting the council seat.

The Mendip ward stretches from Temple Cloud to East and West Harptree, covering Cameley, Hinton Blewett, Coley, and North and South Widcombe. The by-election was called after Liberal Democrat councillor David Wood stepped down on health grounds.

He first took the once safe Tory council seat off then council leader Tim Warren in 2019, when he won 67 per cent of the vote — and was re-elected with 75 per cent of the vote in the 2023 council elections.This was the second by-election on Bath and North East Somerset Council since the 2023 local elections.

In January, the Liberal Democrats lost one of the two council seats representing Saltford to independent Chris Warren by four votes.

The full Mendip by-election result was: Stuart Michael Ball (Reform UK) – 191; Martin Edward Burton (Labour) – 40; Jon Elford (Conservative) – 84; Charles Harrison Fenn (Green) – 57; Simon James McCombe (Liberal Democrat) – 496 (Elected).

The turnout was 37.52 per cent and there were no spoilt ballots.You can find comprehensive details about the Mendip ward by‑election on the official Bath & North East Somerset Council website.

This includes the full breakdown of voting results, the list of nominated candidates, official notices of election, information on polling stations, and details on voter turnout.

The site also provides background documents such as the notice of vacancy, statement of persons nominated, and the declaration of results, all of which are publicly accessible.

Those interested in tracking local political developments can do so through the council’s website.