The Conservative Party has secured a resounding victory in the Fairfax East by-election, winning the seat from Labour with a thumping margin. Conservative candidate Carole Edmunds triumphed with almost 60% of the vote - 289 votes, leaving the Liberal Democrats trailing on 133 votes (27.4%) and Labour languishing in last place with 61 votes (12.6%).
This is one of the worst defeats Labour has ever suffered in Bridgwater, a historic moment as they were pushed into last place in Bower—a clear rejection of their leadership.
Interim Conservative Group Leader Diogo Rodrigues said:
“Bower has sent a clear message—rejecting an out-of-touch Labour Party and throwing their support behind the hard-working local Conservatives. Labour has taken advantage of their position on Bridgwater Town Council, hiking council tax by 352% in just three years, spending residents’ hard-earned money without regard for the financial pressures they're facing, and refusing to give local people a say in these huge increases.
“We are delighted to have another strong Conservative voice on Bridgwater Town Council, standing up for hard-working people, families, and pensioners—to hold the failing Labour leadership to account.”
Newly elected Carole Edmunds, an accountant by profession, expressed her gratitude to residents, pledging to be a strong voice for Bower and to scrutinize the Labour-run Town Council.
“I'm humbled that the people of Bower have put their trust in me to represent them on Bridgwater Town Council. I will do my utmost to hold the Labour-run council to account, to be a strong voice for Bower residents, and to champion the issues that matter most to them. Thank you to all those who voted for me.”
This result is a major blow to Labour in Bridgwater and a sign that residents are turning to the Conservatives to bring financial responsibility and proper representation to the Town Council.
