COUNCILLOR Ray Buckler is now the South Somerset District councillor for the Neroche ward after winning the council by-election this week.

This is a historic win for the Liberal Democrats in a seat which has been held by the Conservatives since the ward was created in 1973.

After the result, Ray Buckler said: “I am delighted to have been elected to South Somerset District Council and even more delighted that I doubled the Lib Dem vote share since the last election.

"I am already committed to supporting the community as a Parish Councillor.

"Now I’m a District Councillor, I’m looking forward to being a strong voice for all who live in Ashill, Broadway, Donyatt, and Horton.”

Ray Buckler is a local to the area and already a Parish councillor; he made every effort to see all his electors before the election.

The Lib Dems organised their campaign with a fully-staffed polling day team with volunteers delivering leaflets, knocking on doors with Ray, and reminding people to vote.

Ray will serve just over one year as a District Councillor as SSDC is replaced by a new Unitary Council in May 2023.

Leader of SSDC, Cllr Val Keitch, added: “Ray has worked hard for this brilliant result.

"He will be a superb District Councillor for all residents, regardless of how they voted.

"This result is also an excellent vote of confidence in our District Council.

"I’m delighted to be welcoming Ray onto the team and look forward to working with him.”