BY-election winner Federica Smith and her family rarely observe the rule that you don’t discuss politics at the dinner table.

Federica, who topped the poll in Taunton’s Halcon ward last Thursday, joins her parents, Peter and Fran, who represent Blackbrook and Holway, in the LibDem ranks on Taunton Deane Council.

Federica, her partner, Llyr Roberts, who she met at Aberystwyth Univeristy, and their one-year-old daughter, Mali, live with Peter and Fran in Bourne Grove, Taunton.

“I’ll have to learn the ropes, but I’ve got mum and dad to help – and we do talk politics at meal times,” said Federica, a team leader and customer services manager with Blackbrook-based health insurer WPA.

“I’m delighted to have been elected and it was thanks to the support of a brilliant team.

“It’s all about me wanting to do well for the Halcon ward.

“I hope to set up surgeries, get out and about and meet people and see what the One Team are doing in Halcon and how I can help.

“I’m looking forward to making a difference.”

She praised the other three candidates in the election for steering clear of personalising the contest.

There was a close battle for second place, with UKIP’s Dorothy Baker just pipping Conservative Marcus Palmer and Labour’s Anna Lynch.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of former Taunton Deane Mayor Steve Brooks on health grounds.

HALCON BY-LECTION RESULT: Federica Smith (LibDem), 282 votes.

Dorothy Baker (UKIP), 172.

Marcus Palmer (Conservative), 165.

Anna Lynch (Labour), 146.

Turnout: 16%.