The Liberal Democrats have successfully retained the Widcombe & Lyncombe ward in Bath and North East Somerset Council with Stuart Bridge emerging as the new councillor following a byelection held on October 9.
Council leader Kevin Guy praised Mr. Bridge as a “strong local champion” who will continue the effective representation established by his predecessor, Deborah Collins. Collins, also a Liberal Democrat, stepped down from her position to focus on her health after a cancer diagnosis.
“Stuart Bridge is set to build on our councillors’ track record of success in the ward,” said Guy. “He takes up the baton from Deborah Collins and will be an excellent colleague to Alison Born, our fellow ward councillor. Our council group welcomes Stuart’s valuable contribution.”
READ MORE: Wellington’s New Dental Practice to Significantly Boost NHS Appointments Before Christmas
READ MORE: Boater Family Seeks Permission for Unique Off-Grid Home by Kennet & Avon Canal
In the byelection, Mr. Bridge secured 769 votes, accounting for 44.4% of the total votes. The Green Party came second with 267 votes (15.4%), followed closely by Labour with 212 votes (12.2%), and Reform UK with 206 votes (11.9%). The Conservative Party—second in the 2023 local elections in this seat—slipped to fifth place with 149 votes (8.6%). Two independent candidates received fewer than one hundred votes each.
The result means the council’s composition remains unchanged. The Liberal Democrats maintain a strong two-thirds majority, holding 40 of 59 seats. Labour serves as the principal opposition with seven councillors, followed by the Independent Group with four, the Greens with three, Independents for B&NES with three, and the Conservatives with two seats—a notable decline from just six years ago when they controlled the council.
Reflecting on her resignation, Deborah Collins expressed gratitude for the healthcare she has received, stating: “I am very thankful for the screening programme and excellent care at the RUH, which I trust will lead to my full recovery from cancer. However, as I am still far from fully recovered and unable to meet the demands of being a councillor, I made the difficult decision to step down early and focus on my health.”