THE LibDems romped home in a Somerset Council by election yesterday (Thursday, August 10).

Kevin Messenger polled more than double the Conservative candidate and three times more than the Green would-be councillor in the Castle Cary vote.

The election was held following the death of sitting Conservative Cllr Mike Lewis.

READ MORE: Death of councillor Mike Lewis.

It increases the LibDem majority at County Hall and follows Sarah Dyke's victory in the Somerton and Frome Parliamentary by election three weeks ago, when she overturned a massive Tory majority.

The LibDems now have 62 councillors, giving them a majority of 14.

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 Cllr 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.”

Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “I would like to thank the residents of Castle Cary for their support of the bold initiatives Somerset Council 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, MP for Somerton and Frome, said: “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."

READ MORE: Sarah Dyke wins Somerton and Frome by election.

The LibDems have tweeted: "Congratulations to Kevin Messenger on winning the Castle Cary By-election and being elected to @SomersetCouncil."

The full result:

  • Kevin Messenger (LibDem) 1,247 votes;
  • David Hall (Conservative and Unionist Party) 614;
  • Ewan Jones (Green) 414.