In the UK, the first Thursday in May is traditionally reserved for local elections, where residents vote every four years to elect representatives who make decisions affecting daily life — from waste collection schedules to housing developments.
These elections also serve as a barometer for public opinion on the national government, often seen as an opportunity for voters to send a message by supporting opposition parties.
On May 7, many parts of the UK, including Exeter and Plymouth, will hold elections for one-third of their council seats. However, Somerset residents will mostly be sitting out this year’s polls, except for a single by-election.
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So, why are there no regular local elections in Somerset this May?
Local elections in Somerset typically occur every four years, with the last held in May 2022. These elections were the first for the newly formed Somerset Council, which replaced the previous county and district councils on April 1, 2023. The Liberal Democrats, led by Bill Revans, secured a decisive victory with 61 out of 110 seats, unseating the Conservatives.
Since the official establishment of Somerset Council took place in April 2023, the four-year term for the current councillors doesn’t expire until spring 2027. This means no scheduled elections are due until then, creating a gap this year without the usual full council vote.
This situation mirrors other new unitary authorities such as Cumberland, North Yorkshire, and Westmorland & Furness, which also saw their council terms commence in 2023 and are following a similar election cycle.
However, voters in Somerset won’t be completely without a chance to cast their ballot this May. A by-election is being held in the Mendip Hills division due to the passing of councillor Tony Robbins in February. Six candidates from various political backgrounds are competing for this vacant seat, with polling stations open on May 7 from 7am to 10pm.
In addition to this by-election, there are a handful of town and parish council seats up for grabs in Shepton Mallet, Taunton, and Wells. Notably, elections for Porlock Parish Council won’t proceed this year due to a lack of candidates, leaving those seats vacant for now.
Looking ahead, the next full local elections in Somerset are set for May 1, 2027. These elections will be conducted under new boundaries, reducing the number of councillors from 110 to 96 across 93 divisions. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England finalized these changes in March, aiming for balanced representation where each councillor will represent about 4,867 electors on average.
Residents will have to wait until after Christmas 2026 to learn who will stand for election, as candidates usually declare their intentions closer to the voting date.