Monday night (18th of December) witnessed a double victory for the Conservatives as Alistair Hendry, Conservative Councillor on Somerset Council, unseated the Liberal Democrats on Burnham & Highbridge Town Council. In a resounding triumph, the Conservatives also made significant strides in Bridgwater with a decisive win in the Fairfax East by-election. Diogo Rodrigues, a Conservative Councillor on Somerset Council, emerged victorious reclaiming the seat from Labour and echoing a powerful sentiment among local residents.
This dual success not only underscores the Conservatives strong influence in the new Bridgwater Constituency but also signals a shift away from the current local political landscape.
Expressing his gratitude, Diogo said, "I'm honoured to have earned the trust of the good people of Bower to represent them on Bridgwater Town Council. The message is clear – our community yearns for dedicated representatives who roll up their sleeves and deliver locally. I look forward to contributing to the Town Council's efforts and ensuring that our residents’ voices are heard."
Alistair added, "Last night's triumph in Highbridge is an endorsement of the Conservative Party's commitment to our community. It's an honour to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves, working hard, and ensuring the voices of Highbridge residents are not just heard but truly represented on Burnham & Highbridge Town Council".
Contrary to the prevailing national trend, the Conservatives have emerged as the main contenders in the new Bridgwater Constituency, having secured seats from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats. These results not only solidify their position as front-runners but also set the stage for a potential triumph in the upcoming general election, with Conservative parliamentary candidate Ashley Fox leading the charge.
The electorate's unmistakable preference for Conservative candidates in both town council by-elections highlights a growing disillusionment with Labour and Liberal Democrats. Voters are gravitating towards a vision of governance that prioritises local concerns, values hard work, and champions effective representation. As the Conservatives continue to gain ground, it is becoming increasingly evident that the tide is in their favour in Bridgwater & Burnham.
