The Green Party has achieved a decisive victory in the North Somerset Council byelection, securing more than 55% of the vote. Green candidate Mike Dunn was elected councillor for Long Ashton on Thursday, November 14, with a total of 1,254 votes. The election saw a voter turnout of 32.6%.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, lauded Dunn’s success on X (formerly Twitter), simply stating: “Now that’s how you win an election!” Dunn garnered over three times the votes of his closest competitor, Conservative candidate James Gillham, who received 399 votes, while Reform UK’s candidate trailed with 349 votes.
In his victory speech, Dunn expressed gratitude to the local community: “Thank you to the people of Long Ashton, Leigh Woods, Failand, Wraxall, and everywhere in between. I’m so proud to be your new councillor. Our campaign was built on community and hope. Whether you voted for me or not, I promise to work hard for you.”
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Long Ashton, a village represented by two councillors on North Somerset Council, shifted its political landscape after 2019 when Green councillor Stuart McQuillan and Liberal Democrat Ash Cartman unseated former Conservative representatives. Both were re-elected in 2023 with increased majorities. The recent byelection followed McQuillan’s decision to step down due to relocating his family outside North Somerset. Cartman remains the ward’s other councillor.
Bridget Petty, leader of the Green group on the council, celebrated the win: “We’re delighted with Mike’s victory, which allows us to continue our dedicated work for Long Ashton ward. This result clearly demonstrates that many residents want a strong Green voice to inspire hope and represent them during challenging times. I look forward to having Mike join us on the council.”
The council’s composition remains unchanged, with 12 Conservatives, 10 Labour councillors, eight Greens, nine Liberal Democrats, three Portishead Independents, one Reform UK councillor, and six Independent councillors (aligned in groups with other parties). Except for Reform UK and the Conservatives, all other parties are part of the partnership administration governing the council since 2019.