THE results of the by-election in Somerton for a new Somerset Council representative has seen the Liberal Democrats retain their seat.

Lib Dem Cllr Stephen Page was elected for the vacant seat with a total of 1212 votes.

David Hall (Con) followed with 878; Gregory Chambers (Lab) received 174 votes, and Matthew Geen (Green Party) 154.

A voter turnout of 27.98% saw a total of 12 rejected ballot papers.

The by-election was triggered following the sudden passing of Liberal Democrat Somerset Councillor, Dean Ruddle, who represented Somerton on Somerset Council.

Cllr Ruddle, who was in charge of adult social care services in Somerset, died on Friday, January 5 at the age of 59.

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans took to social media to describe Cllr Ruddle as "Mr Somerton" and "a champion of his community".

Cllr Revans said: “I am absolutely devastated by the news that we have lost Dean Ruddle, the council’s lead member for adult social care.

“A colleague and a mate. Truly a champion of his community. Rest in Peace Dean – Mr Somerton.”