BRIDGWATER'S newest town councillor Diogo Rodrigues has expressed his gratitude to voters after a victory in the Bridgwater by-election which was held on Monday December 18.

The decisive win by the Conservatives in the Fairfax East by-election saw them reclaim the seat from the Labour Party, which Cllr Rodrigues says 'echoes a powerful sentiment among local residents'.

Diogo, a Somerset Councillor and former Mayor of Bridgwater, said he was 'honoured' to have been elected.

"I'm honoured to have earned the trust of the good people of Bower to represent them on Bridgwater Town Council.

"The message is clear – our community yearns for dedicated representatives who roll up their sleeves and deliver locally.

"I look forward to contributing to the Town Council's efforts and ensuring that our residents’ voices are heard."

A 12.41% turnout saw Diogo Rodrigues (Conservative) receive 167 votes, Megan Boucher (Labour) 142, Antony Nickolls (Lib Dem) 74, and independent candidate Pele Barnes 47. 

Thursday night's count witnessed a double victory for the Conservatives as Alistair Hendry, another Conservative Councillor on Somerset Council, unseated the Liberal Democrats on Burnham & Highbridge Town Council - meaning the Tories gained two seats in the new Bridgwater parliamentary constituency.

Cllr Alistair Hendry won the Highbridge Parish Ward by-election by a minute margin - only two votes separated him (179) and Liberal Democrat candidate Laura Chalmers (177).

Labour candidate Kate Pearce followed closely behind with 149 votes, with an overall turnout of 10.71%.

Cllr Rodrigues said these results not only solidify their position as front-runners but also set the stage for a potential triumph in the upcoming general election, with Conservative parliamentary candidate Ashley Fox at the helm.

He also said that the electorate's preference for Conservative candidates in both town council by-elections shows voters are 'gravitating towards a vision of governance that prioritises local concerns, values hard work, and champions effective representation'.

"As the Conservatives continue to gain ground, it is becoming increasingly evident that the tide is in their favour in Bridgwater & Burnham."