THE Liberal Democrats have followed up their capture of the Somerton and Frome parliamentary seat with victory in another by-election.

On Thursday (August 10), Kevin Messenger was elected for the party in a poll for the Castle Cary ward on Somerset Council.

The result means the party increased their majority on the council to 14, with a total of 62 councillors.

New councillor Kevin polled 1,247 votes, more than twice the number of second-placed David Hall, for the Conservatives (614). Ewan Jones, for the Green Party, received 415 votes. Turnout was 28.3% and there were five spoilt papers.

After the result was announced, Kevin said: “I’m truly humbled by the support shown to me by the many residents I’ve met during this campaign.

“I will work hard alongside Cllr Henry Hobhouse to ensure the best for all the residents in Castle Cary and all the villages I now represent – I look forward to getting started.”

READ MORE: Lib Dem Sarah Dyke sweeps to victory in Somerton and Frome by-election

Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “I would like to thank the residents of Castle Cary for their support of the bold initiatives Somerset Council are taking.

“We are determined to clean up our environment and help those in need during this cost-of-living crisis as part of our vision to build a fairer, greener and more resilient council for Somerset.

“Kevin is exactly the sort of councillor we want, someone local and determined to do the best for his community.”

Sarah Dyke, the new MP for Somerton and Frome, added: “I am delighted to see this result which builds on the back of my recent success in the Somerton and Frome By-election.

“The people I spoke to in Castle Cary told me they want politicians who listen to them and will deliver change.

“I look forward to working with Kevin to achieve as much as possible for the area. We need people like Kevin to protect our precious environment and deliver on vital local projects.”

Meanwhile, an election for nearby Pilton Parish Council saw Claire Connock elected wth 294 votes, beating Andrew Shaw (57 votes).