Yeovil MP Adam Dance to remain as local councillor

Adam Dance was one of six Liberal Democrat candidates who won Somerset seats at July’s general election – of which four held a separate elected position on a local council.

His fellow MPs have taken different approaches towards balancing their public duties with Glastonbury and Somerton MP, Sarah Dyke, triggering a by-election in her Blackmoor Vale council division by standing down in mid-October.

Tiverton and Minehead MP, Rachel Gilmour, who also sits on Mid Devon District Council, said in early-November that she would be donating her monthly councillor allowance to Citizens Advice, intending to stand down in the local elections due to take place in May 2025.

READ MORE: Somerset MP donates councillor allowance to Citizens Advice | Somerset County Gazette

Dance has now confirmed he intends to continue serving as both an MP and a councillor, having stepped back from Somerset Council’s executive in May to focus on the election campaign.

Dance represents the South Petherton and Islemoor division, which comprises numerous villages either side of the A303 between Yeovil and Ilminster.

“I am committed to being a strong constituency MP for the people of Yeovil and south Somerset," he said. “Continuing my role as a Somerset Council councillor is essential to effectively serve our community, as it provides me with first-hand knowledge of what is happening on the ground in Somerset."

Dance has not confirmed whether he intends to continue claiming his monthly councillor allowance on top of his Westminster salary.

“As a back-bench member, I am fully committed to using this dual role to bridge the work of local and national government, helping to bring meaningful change and support to Somerset," he added.

Wells and Mendip Hills MP Tessa Munt, who represents Wells on Somerset Council, has yet to publicly comment on whether she intends to continue fulfilling both roles over the course of this parliament.