With two five-way fights and an intriguing list of candidates, the county election in the four West Somerset divisions is wide open. Politics in this district is always unpredictable – and never more so than at this election.
Minehead – a fractured vote which could go anyway
In Minehead five candidates enter the fray. Sitting Tory Brenda Maitland-Walker is up against four well-known figures in the town. Labour’s Lesley Culverhouse, Marcus Kravis for the Lib Dems, Terry Venner of UKIP, and independent Andrew Hadley. All are strong characters who can claim some following: the likely result is a fractured vote which could end in victory for anyone.
A strong Labour challenge in Watchet and Stogursey
In Watchet and Stogursey new Tory candidate Chris Morgan, from Stogursey, faces powerful opposition from candidates with their bases in the more populous part of the division. Former bus worker Alan Bond will hope to build on Labour’s strong vote in Watchet. In Williton, newsagent Hugh Davies is making another run as an independent. UKIP are also standing.
Open season in Dunster
Dunster is another open contest, with sitting councillor Christine Lawrence facing opposition from Labour’s Andy Lewis plus the Lib Dems, UKIP and the only Green candidate in the district.
Greens endorse Labour candidate in Dulverton and Exmoor
In Dulverton and Exmoor Labour’s candidate Maureen Smith has the endorsement of the Green candidate for Dunster. UKIP also stand, against sitting Tory Frances Nicholson.