AS THE United Kingdom is set to head to the polls on July 4 for the general election, here are comments from politicians standing in the Yeovil constituencies.

Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Yeovil, said he is ready to press for a fair deal which includes:

  • An NHS which works for us all, and which supports those most in need be they the elderly, the young or those with mental health concerns;
  • Support for local businesses, both those on the High Street and our national companies such as Leonardo;
  • Care for our natural environment, especially holding our water companies to account for the state of our rivers and waterways.

He said: "I am ready to take the issues which affect us all across South Somerset to Westminster. "We need change in this Constituency of Yeovil and I can deliver that for you. I look to you for your support on Thursday, July 4.”

Conservative Marcus Fysh said on X: “It's been fantastic to represent the Yeovil constituency these last nine years and I'm delighted to seek re-election in the coming weeks.

“So much great stuff is underway from A303 dualling to Yeovil College expansion to putting Leonardo in pole position for the MoD's new helicopter.”

Labour candidate Dr Rebecca Montacute said: "After 14 years of failure from the Conservatives, Yeovil needs change.

“My priorities are reducing the cost of living for constituents, bringing local NHS services back from the brink, re-invigorating our high streets, tackling climate change and improving local public transport.”

Chard & Ilminster News: Labour candidate Dr Rebecca Montacute.Labour candidate Dr Rebecca Montacute. (Image: Rebecca Montacute)

She added: “I’ve secured change for residents here before. In 2018 I lost my mum after failures in mental health care locally. I successfully fought for lessons to be learnt from her death, and for changes to mental health services to make them safer for everyone across Somerset.

“I have experience working on policy at a national level, and have successfully fought for change in Westminster to benefit the most disadvantaged children.”

The Green Party candidate Serena Wootton said: “I was chosen to be the Parliamentary Candidate because of my experience both as a business owner, former Assistant Head of a Special Needs School, and being extremely active across the constituency supporting and leading community groups.

“I have been receiving support from right across the political spectrum, which for any candidate is quite unique and confirms that my message and priorities are reaching the full depth of the electorate.

“Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Labour voters are all stating they feel comfortable backing me.

“These issues are not just my wishes, they have been gathered after speaking to hundreds of people on doorsteps and at the fifteen drop-in clinics held across South Somerset.

“While there is disillusion with the other parties, voters have genuine hope of better representation, not just supporting me to beat the incumbent, but electing someone who has the ability to handle the office of members of Parliament with integrity, honesty and a genuine desire to help the Yeovil constituents.”

For the most part, the boundaries of the new Yeovil seat are the same as the current Yeovil constituency, which has been represented by Conservative MP Marcus Fysh since 2015.

The Yeovil seat includes the largest population areas within the former South Somerset district – including Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne, and Ilminster, though Castle Cary and Wincanton do not feature.

Candidates currently expected to stand for the seat are:

  • Reform UK: Mark Burdge
  • Liberal Democrat: Adam Dance
  • Conservative: Marcus Fysh
  • Labour: Rebecca Montacute
  • Workers’ Party of Britain: Nidah Shah
  • Green: Serena Wootton