THE Conservative Party has gained another seat on Somerset County Council after winning the delayed vote in the Coker division of South Somerset.

The Tories narrowly retained power at County Hall in the county-wide vote on May 2 and Marcus Fysh's victory in Coker now means the party has extended its representation on the council.

The Coker election was delayed by two weeks following the death of the original UKIP candidate - and Chard town councillor - Audrey Spencer.

The new make-up of the authority is:

Conservative 29

Liberal Democrat 18

Labour 3

UKIP 3

Independent 2

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Coker result

Marcus FYSH (Conservative) 1,303 - Elected

Ian STEPHEN (Liberal Democrat) 1,079

Vhie BOXALL (UKIP) 702

Murry SHEPSTONE (Labour) 195

Peter BYSOUTH (Green) 165