Somerset residents have just ten weeks to provide feedback on proposed changes to the county’s electoral map ahead of the local elections in 2027. The newly established Somerset Council, which currently comprises 110 elected members representing 55 divisions, is facing a significant reshaping of its political boundaries.
In mid-September 2024, the council proposed reducing the number of councillors from 110 to 96, a cut of approximately 13%. Following an initial consultation in November 2024, the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has now released detailed proposals outlining 96 single-member divisions to replace the current system of multi-member divisions. This means that all existing boundaries will be substantially altered.
Notable division changes include Frome being divided into five divisions, with Frome South stretching from the Keyford developments across the A361 to the Wiltshire border. Shepton Mallet and Wells will each be split into two divisions, with Wells surrounded by two large divisions encompassing the Mendip Hills villages. Glastonbury and Street will each feature two divisions, with the Glastonbury Festival site positioned in the Shepton Mallet West and Pilton division.
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Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge will be split into four divisions, with the new Burnham North, Berrow and Brean division including smaller villages and holiday parks along the Bristol Channel. Bridgwater will be represented by seven divisions—or eight, if the southern Stockmoor and Willstock division is counted—with ward names reflecting historic local neighborhoods such as Bower, Hamp, and Victoria.
Watchet and Williton will share a division separated from the northern Quantock Hills, while the new Quantock Vale division will include the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Both Minehead and Somerset’s portion of Exmoor National Park will be split into two divisions—with the Exmoor East and Brendon Hills division encompassing Dunster and nearby villages.
Wellington will be divided into two divisions, and Rockwell Green will have its own division covering the village and surrounding hamlets toward Wiveliscombe. Taunton will be divided into 11 divisions (12 if Norton & Cotford is included), with several southern boundaries following the M5 motorway but excluding the Taunton Deane services.
Other areas undergoing restructuring include Curry Rivel, Langport, Martock, Somerton, and South Petherton, each gaining their own divisions covering significant parts of the Somerset Levels. Chard will be split across three divisions, while Crewkerne and Ilminster will each span two divisions, with Ilminster’s divisions both crossing the A303.
Yeovil will be split into nine divisions, incorporating numerous villages along the A30 within a new Coker division. The towns of Bruton, Castle Cary, and Wincanton will each have their own division, with Wincanton’s new boundaries closely mirroring its existing parish lines.
Professor Colin Mellors, Chairman of the LGBCE, emphasized the importance of community input: “We want people in Somerset to help us. Our proposals aim to reflect communities and ensure the new electoral arrangements are clear and convenient for local people. Residents and local organizations are encouraged to share their views before we finalize these boundaries.”
The LGBCE is an independent organization responsible for recommending fair electoral arrangements for local authorities across England. Residents can submit their feedback on the Somerset proposals by August 11, 2025, through the LGBCE website, email, or post. The commission will publish its final recommendations in December 2025, with parliamentary approval expected in spring 2026.
The new electoral boundaries will be in place for the next full local elections on May 6, 2027, marking a historic redrawing of Somerset’s political landscape.