ANOTHER by-election has been won by the Liberal Democrats.

Andy Sully is the new councillor for the Norton Fitzwarren and Staplegrove on Somerset West and Taunton Council after residents in the area went to the polls yesterday (October 3).

It follows on from another by-election victory in the Vivary ward after Derek Perry got the most votes for the Lib Dems.

Mr Sully won with 686 votes, followed by Rod Williams with 493 votes (Conservative), Alan Debenham (Green) with 67 votes, and Michael McGuffie (Labour) with 31 votes.

Turnout was 25.93 per cent.

Cllr Sully previously served as an executive member on Taunton Deane Borough Council as a Conservative, but has recently changed his political views. 

READ MORE: Meet Derek Perry, new Somerset West and Taunton councillor

Mr Sully, who lives in Norton Fitzwarren, said: “This is a vote of confidence in the Lib Dem administration and I am delighted to be joining such a fantastic group of councillors”.

Parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems, Gideon Amos, said: “There is a growing surge of support for the LibDems not only in our area but across the country. As the leaders of Labour and the Conservatives have gone to the extremes we are offering hope for the future”.

Lib Dem leader of the council, Federica Smith-Roberts, said: "This is a fantastic achievement. It is not only a vote of confidence in our administration and the progress we are making, it also demonstrates we are the voice of moderation and reason people want. We are making a difference to the lives of those we represent in our area, and if elected as our MP Gideon will do the same on the national stage."

The by-election was caused by the sad passing of former Conservative and subsequently Independent councillor Jean Adkins.