Castle Cary by-election: Lib Dems win with more than 50% of the vote
Local residents went to the polls on Thursday (August 10) to elect a second unitary councillor
The Liberal Democrats have extended their control over Somerset Council after romping to victory in a by-election.
Residents of Castle Cary and the neighbouring villages went to the polls on Thursday (August 10) to elect a second unitary councillor following the passing of Mike Lewis on May 2.
The Liberal Democrats’ candidate, former district councillor Kevin Messenger, won by a convincing margin, out-polling his Conservative challenger by a two-to-one margin.
This victory follows the party’s extraordinary victory in the Somerton and Frome by-election in late-July, which saw candidate and fellow councillor Sarah Dyke overturn a 19,000 majority and win the seat by more than 11,000 votes.
Mr Messenger – who represented the Cary ward on South Somerset District Council until its abolition in April 2023 – polled 1,247 votes.
Conservative candidate David Hall, the former deputy leader of Somerset County Council, came second with 614 votes, with Green candidate Ewan Jones finishing third with 415.
Turnout for the by-election was 28.3 per cent – far below the 44.2 per cent turnout for the Somerton and Frome by-election, or the 36.55 per cent turnout for the 2022 local elections.
Both Castle Cary seats on the council are now represented by the Lib Dems, who hold 62 out of 110 seats across 55 divisions – giving the party a majority of 14.
Speaking after the result had been declared, Mr Messenger said: “I’m truly humbled by the support shown to me by the many residents I’ve met during this campaign.
“I will work hard alongside Councillor Henry Hobhouse to ensure the best for all the residents in Castle Cary and all the villages I now represent – I look forward to getting started!”
Council leader Bill Revans, who has led the council since May 2022, said: “I would like to thank the residents of Castle Cary for their support of the bold initiatives we are taking.
“We are determined to clean up our environment and help those in need during this cost-of-living crisis as part of our vision to build a fairer, greener and more resilient council for Somerset.
“Kevin is exactly the sort of councillor we want, someone local and determined to do the best for his community.”
Sarah Dyke – who will be officially sworn in as the town’s MP after the summer recess ends – added: “I am delighted to see this result which builds on the back of my recent success in the Somerton and Frome by-election.
“The people I spoke to in Castle Cary told me they want politicians who listen to them and will deliver change.
“I look forward to working with Kevin to achieve as much as possible for the area.
“We need people like Kevin to protect our precious environment and deliver on vital local projects.”