LIBERAL Democrat Rob Isaacs won the Wellsprings and Rowbarton by-election for a seat on Taunton Town Council last night.

Mr Isaacs works in business in Taunton and has previous experience as vice-chair of Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council.

He said: “I feel ecstatic - thank you to all those who supported me and I’ll be working hard for everyone in Wellsprings and Rowbarton whether they voted for me or not.

“Having worked with Lib Dem councillors on the shadow town council in 2022, I was impressed with the professionalism the Lib Dem team showed and I’m delighted to have now joined such a positive town council team really committed to getting the best for Taunton.”

This by-election came after the retirement of long-standing councillor Marcia Hill, who resigned after 30 years of service.

Local Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Gideon Amos added: “This shows that the hard work of local Lib Dem councillors to start to bring real improvements to our town, despite tough economic times, is really appreciated by residents.

“I’m raring to go to give those residents – as well as the councillors they’ve elected – a real voice in parliament at the next general election.

“It’s time to stand up to the Conservative government on a national level and get the real change our country needs.”

The Lib Dems increased their vote share at the same time last year.

The full result was: 564 (46.8 per cent) Rob Isaacs Liberal Democrat 340 (28.2 per cent) Conservative 301 (24.9 per cent) Labour