The Conservative Party has secured a victory in the Burnham Central by-election, winning the seat from the Liberal Democrats. Conservative candidate Paul Mills was elected with 262 votes, defeating the Liberal Democrats on 201 votes.
This is the third seat the Liberal Democrats have lost on Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council since the 2022 local elections, as residents continue to reject their leadership.
Conservative Group Leader Peter Clayton said:
“Burnham residents have had enough of the Liberal Democrats, having seen the chaos they are causing at Somerset Council—getting rid of hundreds of staff, selling off public assets, walking towards bankruptcy, and imposing a 7.5% council tax hike—the biggest increase in recent history.
“The Liberal Democrats cannot be trusted to manage the hard-earned money of working people and pensioners in Burnham. We are delighted to have another strong Conservative voice on Burnham & Highbridge Town Council."
Newly elected Paul Mills thanked residents for their support and pledged to be a strong voice for Burnham.
“I'm humbled that the people of Burnham have put their trust in me to represent them on Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council. I will do my utmost to be a strong voice for Burnham and to champion the issues that matter most to residents. Thank you to all those who voted for me.”
This victory shows strong support for the local Conservatives and a continued rejection of the Liberal Democrats.
