Two Somerset councillors resign
Two by-elections will be held in November
Last updated 17th Oct 2024
Two members of Somerset Council have resigned.
Councillors Dixie Darch and Sarah Dyke have formally stepped down as the Liberal Democrat councillors for Rowbarton & Staplegrove and Blackmoor Vale respectively.
Ms Darch, who currently sits on the council’s executive committee, said it was “time for new blood” and wanted to spend more time with her family and friends.
Ms Dyke will now focus on her role as MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, having won a by-election for the previous Somerton and Frome seat in July 2023 and been re-elected on the new constituency boundaries at this year’s general election.
Posting on her official Facebook page, Ms Darch – who previously served on Somerset West and Taunton Council – said she was very proud of her record in local government.
She said: “It has been a huge privilege to have been elected and to have served the communities I represent.
“I know I haven’t always been able to resolve all issues that residents have brought to me but I have tried to do what is within my power.
“It’s been both rewarding and challenging serving on the executive as portfolio holder for climate change and the environment, and I haven’t lost any of my passion for this issue.
“However, it’s time for new blood and for me to reclaim some time for myself, family and friends.”
Rowbarton and Staplegrove includes a sizeable chunk of north-west Taunton, along with the Staplegrove urban extension which will deliver more than 1,600 new homes in the coming years.
Ms Darch added: “A huge thanks to all of you who have engaged, supported and challenged because you care about your own community – and the very many of you who have taken on responsibilities within your community and volunteered your time and expertise to make things happen for others.”
The Blackmoor Vale division which Ms Dyke represented includes numerous villages between Wincanton and the Dorset border, including Henstridge, Milborne Port and Templecombe.
Marking 100 days since the general election, Ms Dyke said: “It’s an absolute privilege to serve the people of Glastonbury and Somerton.
“It has been an honour to be out in the community meeting constituents and hearing their ideas, stories, and concerns.
“I am proud to be representing them in Westminster and using my voice on their behalf to effect change.”
Somerset Council has confirmed that by-elections for both divisions will be held on Thursday, November 21, with the victors being declared the following day.
Until the by-elections take place, all casework or other queries will be handled by the other division members for each area – with Councillor Derek Perry handling matters in Rowbarton and Staplegrove, and Councillor Nicola Clark handling Blackmoor Vale.
Following the resignations, the composition of the council sits at Liberal Democrats 59, Conservative 33, Green Party 5, Labour 5, Independent 6, with 2 seats vacant