Eight candidates are now vying to become the new MP for Somerton and Frome following the resignation of David Warburton last month. A by-election will now take place on Thursday 20th July.
David Warburton, who has been the Conservative MP for the area since the 2015 general election, resigned amidst an ongoing 14-month investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Frome Town Council is hosting a hustings featuring all candidates at the Cheese and Grain on Sunday 16th July, from 3pm to 5pm.
The candidates are Lorna Corke (Christian People’s Alliance), Martin Dimery (Green), Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrats), Bruce Evans (Reform UK), Neil Guild (Labour), Rosie Mitchell (Independent), Faye Purbrick (Conservative), Peter Richardson (UK Independence Party).
Among the eight candidates vying to take on the role, three were elected to the new Somerset Council last year – Martin Dimery, Sarah Dyke and Faye Purbrick.
Polling stations can be found at: • Frome Cricket Pavillion, Rodden Road, BA11 2AH • Frome Assembly Rooms, Christchurch Street West, BA11 1EB • Community Hall at the Key Centre, Feltham Lane, BA11 5AJ • Cheese and Grain, Market Yard BA11 1BE • Trinity Church Hall, Trinity Street, BA11 3DE
For the upcoming by-election voters will also need voter ID if planning to vote in person at a polling station. Accepted forms if ID include passport, a driving licence and an older person’s bus pass. More details are available www.gov.uk/ how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need
You can still use your photo ID if it is out of date, if it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. Those without the necessary ID can apply for the free voter authority certificate – the deadline to register to vote is Wednesday 12th July.
Applications can be made online by visiting: www. gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by post or in person. Help and advice is available from Somerset Council’s electoral team on 0300 123 2224.
