THE Liberal Democrats have held the Rowbarton and Staplegrove ward in Taunton following a by-election held on Thursday, November 21, 2024. 

Former Mayor of Taunton, Nick O’Donnell, won the Rowbarton and Staplegrove by-election by 817 votes, with the Conservatives in second place with 396 votes.

The Green Party and Labour Party candidates scored 102 and 86 votes respectively. Turnout was 18 per cent, with 1,401 votes cast out of a possible 7,657. The ward was previously held by Cllr Dixie Darch, who decided to step down from the role.

Speaking after the result, newly-elected Nick commented: “I’m feeling absolutely exhilarated, elated and exhausted. It’s a great endorsement of our Lib Dem team on Somerset Council, safeguarding our environment and looking after our natural heritage.” 

“I’m looking forward to addressing all those issues that my neighbours and fellow residents in Rowbarton and Staplegrove have raised with me”. 

Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, said: “As a teacher and a scientist, Nick will bring a lot to Somerset Council but, more than anything, this win is a tribute to the work Nick and his fellow town councillors have done investing in our town centre and local parks with more wardens and new equipment”.